Manasseh was one of the most evil of all Judean Kings yet his reign was probably the longest. He completely undid all the good his father had done and led the people back into idolatry. That was not difficult because it seems that the majority of the people had never abandoned it and were simply tired of Hezekiah’s reforms. Manasseh must have had the support of all the upper class and the priests as well for he set up an Asherah pole, a fertility symbol, in the Temple of the Lord. This was quite an abomination which displeased the Lord, but not the worst thing. The worst thing Manasseh did was shed innocent blood, probably the blood of all the godly people who opposed him.
For all his evil, Manasseh seems to have had a long and prosperous reign. He was not troubled by foreign invaders or by illness as his father had been. Manasseh did much evil and appears to have gotten away with it. Hezekiah was faithful yet he suffered. Yet the Lord is always right in what he does. Manasseh, it is said in 2 Chronicles 33, repented of his sin later in life. Unfortunately the evil he had caused the people to commit was far too great for God to overlook.
Serving the Lord as He commands is never easy for it deprives individuals of sensual pleasures which are highly addictive. Yet we must realize our weakness and our need for the Lord. The harm we have caused by our sins prior to repentance cannot usually be undone. The emotional and physical scars may remain with us and with those we have hurt despite the fact that we have been forgiven through the blood of Jesus. The best we can do is make amends, ask forgiveness and pray for God’s mercy.
He’s listening.
Comments