10 Interesting Facts About Manasseh in the Bible

Manasseh is one of the more complex figures in the Bible. His story shows both deep rebellion and true repentance. He was a king of Judah known for wickedness, but also for turning back to God later in life.

1. Manasseh Was the Longest-Reigning King of Judah

Manasseh ruled for 55 years, the longest reign of any king in Judah or Israel.

“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem.”
— 2 Chronicles 33:1 (KJV)

2. He Was the Son of a Righteous King

Manasseh's father was Hezekiah, one of the most faithful kings of Judah. Hezekiah trusted God and led many reforms.

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did.”
— 2 Kings 18:3 (KJV)

3. He Led Judah into Deep Idolatry

Manasseh brought pagan worship into the heart of Judah. He rebuilt the high places his father tore down and even set up altars to Baal and Asherah.

“For he built again the high places... and reared up altars for Baal... and worshipped all the host of heaven.”
— 2 Kings 21:3 (KJV)

4. He Practiced Sorcery and Child Sacrifice

Manasseh's sins were extreme. He used witchcraft and consulted with spirits. Worst of all, he sacrificed his own son in the fire.

“And he caused his children to pass through the fire... and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits.”
— 2 Kings 21:6 (KJV)

5. He Put an Idol in the Temple of God

One of Manasseh’s worst acts was placing a carved idol in the temple in Jerusalem, the very place God said His name would dwell forever.

“And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house...”
— 2 Kings 21:7 (KJV)

6. God Sent Judgment on Judah Because of Manasseh

Because of his evil, God declared that Judah would face disaster. Even generations later, his sins were remembered.

“Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done these abominations... I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish.”
— 2 Kings 21:11,13 (KJV)

7. Manasseh Was Taken Captive by the Assyrians

Later in life, Manasseh was captured and taken to Babylon in chains and with a hook in his nose.

“Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria... and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.”
— 2 Chronicles 33:11 (KJV)

8. Manasseh Repented in Prison

In Babylon, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed. God heard him and restored him to his kingdom.

“And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God... then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.”
— 2 Chronicles 33:12–13 (KJV)

9. He Removed the Idols and Repaired the Altar

After returning to Jerusalem, Manasseh removed the foreign gods, cast out the idol from the temple, and restored the altar of the Lord.

“And he took away the strange gods... and repaired the altar of the Lord.”
— 2 Chronicles 33:15–16 (KJV)

10. His Story Is a Picture of God’s Mercy

Manasseh's life is one of the most powerful examples of God's forgiveness. He sinned greatly, but when he turned back, God welcomed him.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

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