A Wicked King Repents

Most of the evil Kings in the Old Testament never repented or turned to God. One of the few who did was Manasseh, King of Judah. His life shows that God will forgive the most wicked of people.

The story of his life is found twice in the Old Testament; II Kings Chapter 21, and II Chronicles, Chapter 33. Manasseh was only twelve years old when he succeeded his father Hezekiah as King. He served as Israel’s King for fifty-five years, the longest reign in the history of Judah and Israel.

One of the first things he did, as King, was to rebuild the altars of baal that his father had destroyed. Idols were put in the courtyards and inside the temple. Year’s earlier God had promised Solomon and David that he would always protect them, if they keep his covenant and laws. By setting up idols to strange gods, Manasseh had broken this covenant. Also as King he forced his subjects to make sacrifices to the idols. He made his own sons pass through a sacrificial fire. This is one of the most horrid acts ever recorded in the Bible.

Prophets came to warn Manasseh that he would face God’s wrath. Not only would he suffer, but also Assyria would invade Judah, as Israel had been years earlier. But Manasseh did not heed to these warnings. Instead of seeking council form the prophets, he sought the advice of witches, warlock, and sorcerers.

One day these warning were fulfilled and the Assyrian Army attacked Jerusalem. Manasseh was captured and was put into chains. As he was being dragged away, Manasseh repented of his sins, and sought the Lord’s help.

We don’t really know how Manasseh got his freedom. It only states that he was allowed to return to Jerusalem. Once restored to the throne, Manasseh had all the pagan altars destroyed. He then commanded his subjects to bring sacrifice to God only. The last thing that is record about Manasseh is that he humbled himself before God.

At his death his son Amon became King. Unfortunately Amon was a wicked man, who never sought the Lord. But two years into his reign his servants assassinated him, and his eight-year-old son, Josiah succeeded him. Josiah became one of the most godly men to serve as King.

We as humans have a tendency, not to forgive people. But God will forgive the worst of humanity. The life of Manasseh is an example of this.