Overview
Manasseh became king of Judah at age twelve and reigned 55 years. He reversed his father Hezekiah's reforms, rebuilding pagan altars, practicing witchcraft, and even sacrificing his own son (2 Kings 21:1-6). Despite prophetic warnings, Manasseh led Judah into greater evil than the nations God had driven out. However, after Assyrian captivity humbled him, Manasseh repented, cried out to God, and was restored to his throne, where he removed idols and renewed worship (2 Chronicles 33:10-13).
Key Scriptures
"Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord" (2 Kings 21:1-2, ESV).
"The Lord spoke by his servants the prophets, saying, 'Because Manasseh king of Judah has committed these abominations... I will bring such disaster upon Jerusalem and Judah'" (2 Kings 21:11-12, ESV).
Application
Manasseh's transformation reminds us that no sin is beyond God's forgiveness when we genuinely repent and turn back to Him.