Character Study Of Manasseh Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF MANASSEH – WICKED KING WHO LATER REPENTED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Chronicles 33:12-13

"And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto Him: and He was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord He was God."

Supporting Texts:

2 Kings 21:1-18, 2 Chronicles 33:1-20, Isaiah 55:7, Ezekiel 18:21-23, 1 John 1:9

INTRODUCTION:

Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah and became the longest-reigning king of Judah (55 years). Despite his godly heritage, he turned away from the ways of his father and led the nation into deep idolatry and wickedness. He is often regarded as one of the most evil kings in Judah’s history.

However, his story did not end in rebellion. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself, repented, and turned back to God. His life is a powerful testimony of God's mercy and the possibility of true repentance, no matter how far one has fallen.

1. MANASSEH’S BACKGROUND AND EARLY REIGN

a) Son of Hezekiah (2 Kings 21:1)

Hezekiah was a righteous king who led spiritual reforms, but his son Manasseh did not follow in his footsteps.

b) Became king at the age of 12 (2 Chronicles 33:1)

He was young when he ascended the throne, which might have contributed to his poor decisions.

c) Had the longest reign in Judah (55 years) (2 Kings 21:1)

His long rule gave him significant influence over Judah’s spiritual state.

d) Was influenced by pagan nations (2 Chronicles 33:2,9)

Instead of following God, he adopted the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon also started well but later turned to idol worship under foreign influence (1 Kings 11:4-6).

2. MANASSEH’S SINFUL REIGN AND REBELLION AGAINST GOD

a) He rebuilt the high places his father had destroyed (2 Kings 21:3)

He reversed Hezekiah’s reforms, bringing back idol worship.

b) He promoted Baal worship and astrology (2 Kings 21:3,6)

He set up altars for Baal and worshipped the stars.

c) He desecrated the temple of God (2 Chronicles 33:4-5)

He placed idols in the temple, the very place meant for God’s presence.

d) He practised child sacrifice and witchcraft (2 Kings 21:6)

He burned his sons in fire and engaged in divination and sorcery.

e) Biblical Example: King Ahab and Jezebel also led Israel into deep idolatry and wickedness (1 Kings 16:30-33).

3. GOD’S JUDGMENT ON MANASSEH

a) God warned him through prophets (2 Kings 21:10-12)

The Lord sent messengers, but Manasseh refused to listen.

b) God declared destruction upon Judah (2 Kings 21:12-15)

Because of Manasseh’s sins, God pronounced judgment on the nation.

c) The Assyrians captured him and took him to Babylon (2 Chronicles 33:11)

He was taken as a prisoner, bound in chains, and humiliated.

d) Judah suffered because of his sins (2 Kings 24:3-4)

His evil actions had long-term consequences for the kingdom.

e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh refused to listen to God's warnings, leading to Egypt’s downfall (Exodus 7:13-14).

4. MANASSEH’S REPENTANCE AND RESTORATION

a) He humbled himself greatly before God (2 Chronicles 33:12)

In captivity, he realised his mistakes and sought the Lord.

b) He prayed for mercy, and God heard him (2 Chronicles 33:13)

God is always ready to forgive a truly repentant heart.

c) God restored him to his throne in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:13)

This was a divine act of grace, showing that God forgives even the worst sinners.

d) He removed idols and restored true worship (2 Chronicles 33:15-16)

After his return, he undid the evil he had done and reestablished the worship of God.

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son was also restored after genuine repentance (Luke 15:18-24).

5. LESSONS FROM MANASSEH’S LIFE

a) A godly heritage does not guarantee a godly life (2 Kings 21:1-2)

Despite being Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh chose a path of wickedness.

b) Sin leads to destruction (2 Kings 21:10-12)

His disobedience led to severe consequences.

c) No one is beyond God’s mercy (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

Even the worst sinner can be forgiven if they truly repent.

d) True repentance leads to transformation (2 Chronicles 33:15-16)

Manasseh did not just pray—he changed his actions.

e) Biblical Example: Saul (Paul) was also a great sinner who repented and became a great servant of God (Acts 9:1-6).

6. STRENGTHS OF MANASSEH

a) He recognised his sin and repented (2 Chronicles 33:12)

Unlike some wicked kings, he turned back to God.

b) He humbled himself before God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

He acknowledged his wrongdoings.

c) He sought God in prayer (2 Chronicles 33:13)

He understood that only God could restore him.

d) He acted on his repentance (2 Chronicles 33:15-16)

He removed the idols and restored worship in Judah.