THE REIGN OF MANASSEH
Text: 2 Kings 21:1-9; 2 Chronicles 33:1-9
8 February 2011
(I) THE REIGN OF MANASSEH
1. Commencement of reign
At 12 years of age (2 Kings 21:1)
2. Length of reign
55 years
(II) DESCRIPTION OF HIS RELIGIOUS APOSTASY
1. He did evil
“According to the abominations of the nations…” 2 Kings 21:2a
2. Rebuilt high places destroyed by his father Hezekiah (2 Kings 21:3a)
3. Built Baal altars following what king Ahab did (2 Kings 21:3b)
4. Worshipped all the hosts of heaven (2 Kings 21:3c, 5)
5. Built altars in the house of the Lord
General reference (2 Kings 21:4)
6. Carved image of Asherah (mother of many deities)
Specific reference
This was put in the house of the Lord (2 Kings 21:7)
(III) PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN OCCULTIC ACTIVITIES
1. The sons of Manasseh were made to pass through fire (2 Kings 21:6a)
2. Soothsaying (2 King 21:6b)
3. Witchcraft (2 Kings 21:6c)
4. Consulting spirits and mediums (2 Kings 21:6d)
(IV) TOTAL DISREGARD OF GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
1. Concerning the Temple of the Lord
a) To David
b) To Solomon (2 Kings 21:7-8)
2. Commandments of God
Mosaic Law (2 Kings 21:8)
Paid no attention whatsoever
3. Chose instead to do evil in God’s sight
Manasseh seduced Judah to do great evil (2 Kings 21:9)
(V) HOW DID MANASSEH TURN OUT THIS WAY?
Two things may be highlighted.
1. Self
2. Sin