The King Who Repented

The King Who Repented

(2 Chronicles 33:9-16)

Manasseh reigned about 55 years, longer than any king of Judah. During his time, Judah was under the thumb of the Assyrian empire and information suggests Judah was given a “most favored nation” status.

Although his dad was the godly King Hezekiah, and though Manasseh may have enjoyed a co-regency for perhaps even a decade with his dad, Manasseh turned away from the Lord. He brought in idolatry. Sometimes those who are reared in a believing home and turn against the Lord are the most antagonistic toward the Lord.

Main Idea: Manasseh had been one of Judah’s very worst kings, but sometime near the end of his life, he repented. He is a testimony to keep our hope alive as we pray for our straying loved ones.

I. Manasseh’s Rebellion Against the Lord Was Severe (9)

II. Manasseh Turned a Deaf Ear to the Lord’s Prophets (10)

III. God Had to Help Manasseh Reach Bottom (11)

A. Like the Prodigal Son

B. Like Jonah, the Prophet

IV. With A Broken, Repentant Spirit, He Prayed to the Lord (12-13)

A. Some people make promises to God in desperation, but this is different

B. This is a broken spirit, no deal involved.

C. Like David in Psalm 51, Manasseh did not fault God for his condition, nor did He demand from God as though God were unfair, as though he were entitled.

Psalm 51:4, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”

V. Manasseh Spent the Rest of His Life Trying to Undo the Evil He Had Done (14-16)

A. This is a hands-on example of what repentance is, a return to God.

B. It includes the attempt to make restitution and right wrongs.

C. His conversion came late in his life and had not lasting impact on the nation. He could only do the best job he could at making restitution.