Articles
Turning Points in Bible History - 12
Following the division of the kingdom of Israel, the southern nation of Judah would last about 300 years until its downfall. Some of Rehoboam’s successors were decent and capable rulers; others were not. But a point of no return takes place in the reign of Manasseh (696-641 BC).
Manasseh’s father, King Hezekiah, was an honorable man who capably led Judah for 29 years (2 Kgs 18:2). Unfortunately, none of that rubbed off on Manasseh. His rap sheet is shocking: flagrant idolatry; desecration of the temple; astrology; child sacrifice; witchcraft; murder (2 Kgs 21:1-17). Instead of encouraging righteousness in Israel, “he seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed” (21:9). As a result, God vowed to “wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.”
After being imprisoned by the Assyrians, Manasseh “humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers” (2 Chr 33:12). Consequently, God restored him to the throne, and Manasseh sought to reverse the corruption he had unleashed. But the damage was done and his successor, Amon, resumed his father’s evil ways. Amon was assassinated after only two years of rule.
God is always willing to forgive and restore a penitent sinner, as in the case of King Manasseh. However, it is also true that our actions may spawn consequences that are irreversible. And Satan will trouble our conscience with this in an attempt to alienate us from God. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
