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2 Kings 21 Devotional

Grace Even for Manasseh

Manasseh undoes everything his father Hezekiah did. He rebuilds the high places, raises altars to Baal, builds altars to the starry host in both temple courtyards, and sets up a carved Asherah pole in the LORD's house (21:3-7). He sacrifices his own son, consults mediums, and fills Jerusalem with innocent blood (21:6, 21:16). He leads the people into greater evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before them (21:9). Through his prophets the LORD announces that he will wipe Jerusalem clean like a dish turned over (21:12-13).

The chapter offers no softening. The judgment it announces will come. Yet another book records that when Manasseh was later in distress and humbled himself, the LORD heard his plea and brought him back, and Manasseh came to know that the LORD is God (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). That does not erase the harm he did. It does show that no one is beyond God's hearing when they turn to him in humility.

To think about: Is there anyone, including yourself, whom you have quietly decided is beyond the reach of God's mercy?

About 2 Kings 21: Manasseh and Amon Lead Judah Astray

King Manasseh undoes his father Hezekiah’s reforms, filling the temple with idols, practicing the occult and shedding much innocent blood. Through His prophets the LORD announces that Jerusalem will be judged as Samaria was. Manasseh’s son Amon follows his ways and is assassinated, and young Josiah is made king.

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