Manasseh
The Most Wicked King Who Found Mercy
Name Information
- Meaning: "Causing to forget"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Manasseh reigned longer than any other king of Judah, and for much of his rule, he was its most wicked. He rebuilt pagan altars, practiced witchcraft, and even sacrificed his own son. His sins led Judah toward destruction. Yet after being taken captive to Babylon, he humbled himself, prayed to God, and was restored — a stunning example of God’s mercy.
⏰ Judah (Southern Kingdom)
Roles
- King of Judah
- Idol Worshiper
- Repentant Sinner
Relationships
- Father: Hezekiah
- Son: Amon
Story
Became king at age 12 and reversed his father Hezekiah’s reforms.
Filled Jerusalem with idols and innocent blood.
Taken prisoner by Assyrian officials with hooks and bound in chains.
In distress, humbled himself greatly before God and prayed.
Restored to his kingdom, showing God’s mercy, though damage remained.
Spiritual Significance
- Reigned 55 years, doing more evil than the nations God had destroyed.
- Set up idols in the temple, practiced divination, and led Judah into extreme sin.
- Sacrificed his own son in the fire.
- Captured by Assyria and taken to Babylon, where he repented and prayed to God.
- God restored him to his throne, and he removed some idols — but the nation never fully recovered.
What We Can Learn
- No one is too far gone for God’s mercy.
- Sin’s consequences can linger even after forgiveness.
- Leadership can lead a whole nation toward life or destruction.
- True repentance is marked by humility and change.
Memory Verses
In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors.
— 2 Chronicles 33:12
Key Passages
- 2 Kings 21
- 2 Chronicles 33:1–20
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