Manasseh: Down, Then Up (2 Chronicles 33)
Descent Manasseh plunges Judah into dark worship—altars to the host of heaven, child sacrifice in Hinnom (the valley later called Gehenna). Assyrian records name him a vassal; their reliefs show captives led “with hooks.” The Chronicler echoes that humiliation, noting he was taken “to Babylon” while Assyria ruled there.
Turning In chains he “humbled himself greatly” (Hebrew: kana me’od) and prayed. The Chronicler alone preserves this mercy (contrast 2 Kings 21): God heard, returned him to Jerusalem, and “then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.” Early Christians held up Manasseh to prove no sinner is beyond grace; a later Jewish-Christian prayer, “The Prayer of Manasseh,” kept his contrite voice alive.
Fruit He removes idols, repairs the altar, commands Judah to serve the LORD—yet people still use high places. Repentance is real, but consequences linger. Here is a micro‑exile and homecoming, anticipating the gospel: judgment soberly told, mercy finally louder.
Cross‑references: 2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 130; Luke 15; 1 Timothy 1:15–16. Hymn: “Depth of Mercy” (Charles Wesley).
Prayer God of relentless mercy, stoop to our chains. Give us Manasseh’s broken heart and his bold prayer, and grant grace not only to return but to repair. Teach our people to worship You alone. Amen.
Narrated version of this devotional on 2 Chronicles Chapter 33