**Who Is Manasseh In The Bible**
Manasseh was the eldest son of Joseph, born in Egypt during the time when Joseph held a high position in Pharaoh’s court. The name Manasseh means “causing to forget,” as Joseph named him in recognition of how God had made him forget all his past troubles. Manasseh belonged to one of the twelve tribes of Israel and played a significant role in the history of the nation of Israel.
Manasseh’s life is chronicled in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Despite coming from a godly heritage, Manasseh’s reign as king of Judah was marked by idolatry, wickedness, and leading the people away from God. **
2 Kings 21:11-12
** “Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols.” Manasseh’s actions brought about severe consequences for his people, as God’s judgment was soon to come upon Judah.
Manasseh’s Background and Lineage in the Bible
The story of Manasseh in the Bible is a tale of redemption and forgiveness. He was the son of King Hezekiah, who was a righteous king in the eyes of the Lord. However, Manasseh did not follow in his father’s footsteps and instead led the people of Judah astray, engaging in idol worship and other sinful practices.
Manasseh’s Background
- Manasseh was the son of King Hezekiah, a righteous king.
- He succeeded his father as king of Judah at a young age.
- Manasseh’s reign was marked by idol worship, the shedding of innocent blood, and other sinful practices.
2 Chronicles 33:2-3
2 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 3 He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had demolished; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them.
2 Kings 21:2
He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites.
Manasseh’s Lineage
- Manasseh was a descendant of King David, through the line of Solomon.
- Despite his sinful ways, Manasseh eventually repented and turned back to the Lord.
- God forgave him and restored him to his kingdom, showing the power of divine grace and mercy.
2 Chronicles 33:12-13
12 In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.
2 Kings 21:17
The people of Judah did evil in the eyes of the Lord and aroused his anger by their sin, which had been practiced by Manasseh.
Conclusion
The story of Manasseh serves as a powerful reminder of the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness. Despite his sinful ways, he was able to find redemption through repentance and faith. This tale of grace offers hope to all who may have strayed from the path of righteousness, showing that it is never too late to turn back to God.
Manasseh’s Reign and Actions as King
During the reign of Manasseh as king of Judah, he did evil in the sight of the Lord. Manasseh led the people astray with his idolatrous practices and even built altars for false gods in the house of the Lord.
Manasseh’s Actions:
1. **2 Chronicles 33:6** – “He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
2. **2 Kings 21:11** – “Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols.”
3. Manasseh also disregarded the commandments of the Lord, causing the nation of Judah to stray away from the ways of God and follow after the practices of the surrounding pagan nations.
4. **2 Kings 21:16** – “Moreover, Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end, besides the sin that he had caused Judah to commit.”
5. Despite his wickedness, Manasseh eventually came to repentance and humbled himself before the Lord. He sought forgiveness and began to undo the damage he had caused during his reign.
6. **2 Chronicles 33:12-13** – “And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.”
In conclusion, Manasseh’s reign as king of Judah was marked by wickedness and idolatry. However, his story also serves as a reminder of God’s mercy and forgiveness for those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him. Despite his past actions, Manasseh was able to experience restoration and forgiveness from the Lord.
Manasseh’s Repentance and Redemption in the Bible
Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, was one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah. He led the people into idolatry, even setting up altars to foreign gods in the temple of the Lord. However, despite his sinful ways, Manasseh’s story shows us that God’s grace and redemption are available to all who come to Him in repentance.
Manasseh’s Sinful Reign
- Manasseh led the people of Judah into idolatry and wickedness (2 Chronicles 33:1-3).
- He built altars to foreign gods in the temple of the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:7).
- Manasseh practiced witchcraft, sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists (2 Chronicles 33:6).
2 Chronicles 33:6
He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
Manasseh’s Repentance
- After being captured by the Assyrians and taken to Babylon in chains, Manasseh humbled himself before God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).
- He prayed for forgiveness and sought the Lord with all his heart (2 Chronicles 33:18-19).
- God heard his prayer and restored him to his kingdom in Judah (2 Chronicles 33:13).
2 Chronicles 33:13
And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.
Manasseh’s Redemption
- After his repentance, Manasseh removed the foreign altars and idols from Jerusalem, commanding the people to worship the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).
- He also restored true worship in the temple of the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:16).
2 Chronicles 33:15-16
He got rid of the foreign gods and removed the image from the temple of the Lord, as well as all the altars he had built on the temple hill and in Jerusalem, and he threw them out of the city. Then he restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel.
Manasseh’s Legacy
- Despite his sinful reign, Manasseh’s story teaches us about the power of repentance and God’s willingness to forgive even the worst of sinners.
- Manasseh’s repentance and redemption serve as a powerful example of God’s grace and mercy towards those who turn to Him in humility and sincerity.
2 Chronicles 33:13
2 Chronicles 33:15-16
2 Chronicles 33:18-19
2 Chronicles 33:12
2 Chronicles 33:7
Lessons and Applications from Manasseh’s Story for Today’s Believers
The story of Manasseh in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God’s boundless grace and forgiveness towards those who turn to him in repentance. Manasseh, the wicked king of Judah, who led his people astray with idolatry and evil practices, experienced a dramatic transformation when he humbled himself before God. As modern-day believers, there are valuable lessons we can learn from Manasseh’s story and apply to our lives today.
1. God’s unfailing love and forgiveness
–
2 Chronicles 33:12-13
–
Psalm 103:8-12
–
1 John 1:9
Manasseh’s story demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy. Despite his wickedness, God heard Manasseh’s cry for help and forgave him when he repented. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s love is unconditional, and no sin is too great for him to forgive.
2. The power of repentance and humility
–
2 Chronicles 33:10-13
–
James 4:7-10
–
Psalm 51:17
Manasseh’s story emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and humility before God. When Manasseh humbled himself and confessed his sins, God not only forgave him but also restored him to his kingdom. As believers, we are called to repent of our sins, turn away from wickedness, and humbly seek God’s forgiveness.
3. The consequences of disobedience
–
Galatians 6:7-8
–
Proverbs 14:12
–
1 Corinthians 10:12
Manasseh’s reign of idolatry and evil had severe consequences for the nation of Judah. His disobedience led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of his people. As believers, we must heed the warning from Manasseh’s story and understand that disobedience to God’s commands has serious repercussions.
4. God’s faithfulness to his promises
–
Deuteronomy 7:9
–
Hebrews 10:23
–
2 Timothy 2:13
Despite Manasseh’s wickedness, God remained faithful to his promise to David and did not completely abandon the line of kings in Judah. God’s faithfulness to his promises serves as a reminder to believers that he will never leave us nor forsake us, even in our darkest moments.
5. The importance of passing down faith to the next generation
–
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
–
Psalm 78:4-7
–
Proverbs 22:6
Manasseh’s story underscores the impact of a parent’s influence on their children’s faith and behavior. Manasseh’s evil practices were passed down to his son Amon, who continued in his father’s ways. As believers, we must take seriously our responsibility to pass down a legacy of faith and righteousness to the next generation.
| Lesson | Related Bible Verse |
|---|---|
| God’s unfailing love and forgiveness | Psalm 103:8-12 |
| The power of repentance and humility | James 4:7-10 |
| The consequences of disobedience | Galatians 6:7-8 |
| God’s faithfulness to his promises | Hebrews 10:23 |
| The importance of passing down faith to the next Generation | Proverbs 22:6 |
Manasseh’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God’s love and forgiveness, the importance of repentance and humility, the consequences of disobedience, God’s faithfulness to his promises, and the legacy of faith we leave for the next generation. As believers, may we learn from Manasseh’s story and strive to live in obedience to God, seeking his forgiveness and grace in all circumstances.
In conclusion, Manasseh’s story in the Bible serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature and the power of redemption. Despite his initial wickedness, Manasseh ultimately turned to God and was forgiven for his sins. His life teaches us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that true transformation is always possible. As we reflect on the life of Manasseh, may we be inspired to seek forgiveness and strive for righteousness in our own lives. Thank you for joining us on this exploration of who Manasseh was in the Bible.