Articles
Manasseh Repented
Manasseh Repented
2 Chr. 33:10-17
When you read the first account of Manasseh's life you are repulsed. His life was filled with almost everything that the LORD said was an abomination. The record states: "… he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel. For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them" (2Kings 21:2-3). Add to this that he even "he burned his son as an offering" (2Kings 21:6).
If ever there was a man who was beyond redemption Manasseh is the one. The problem with that thought is that he repented! It didn't come easy for Manasseh. He at first resisted the LORD and refused to listen. When the LORD then brought Assyria against him he realized that you cannot overcome the LORD. Hence "he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers" (2Chron. 33:12).
The LORD is merciful. "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Ex. 34:6-7). The LORD was moved by his prayer and responded by returning him to Jerusalem and restored him as king (2Chr. 33:13). Such is the result of repentance with God. Such is the mercy and kindness to be found with God.
It can also be seen that such heartfelt repentance produces a radical change in the life of the one who repents. Manasseh began restoring the very worship of God that he had destroyed. He tried to undo and correct the mess that he had made.
This account is similar to that of Paul who said: "I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life" (1 Tim. 1:16). Manasseh provides an example of even the most vile and ungodly person finding forgiveness with the LORD. If God would forgive Manasseh, surely He will forgive us if we repent and turn back to Him. The problem is not with God, but is in US. The problem is in our humbling ourselves before the Lord, realizing that our actions are completely wrong, and turning from our ways to living God's ways. The problem is that we must repent even as Manasseh did.
This story of Manasseh adds a new dimension to Peter's statement: "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance" (2Peter 3:9).
