2 Kings 21:1

Manasseh was twelue yeres olde when hee beganne to reigne, and reigned fiftie and fiue yeeres in Ierusalem: and his mothers name was Hephzibah. 2 Kings 21:1 (KJV)

Manasseh

was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzi-bah. 2 Kings 21:1 (KJV)

2 Kings 21:1 introduces Manasseh as the fourteenth king of Judah. He ascended the throne at the tender age of twelve and ruled for fifty‑55 years in Jerusalem. The verse also records the name of his mother, Hephzibah, providing a brief glimpse of his royal lineage.

Manasseh is remembered as one of the most notorious kings of Judah. Though his father, Hezekiah, was a righteous ruler who earnestly sought the Lord, Manasseh turned away from his father’s example. His long reign was marked by idolatry, the worship of false gods, and participation in occult practices, actions that brought spiritual darkness upon the nation.

The life of Manasseh offers several sobering lessons. First, the importance of godly leadership is evident; a righteous king can guide a people toward holiness, while an ungodly ruler can lead them into ruin. Second, the consequences of sin are starkly displayed—Manasseh’s apostasy provoked divine anger and set the stage for Judah’s eventual downfall and exile. Finally, even in the midst of profound wickedness, God’s mercy remains available. After Manasseh was captured by the Assyrians, he humbled himself, repented, and turned back to the Lord. In response, God restored him to his throne, demonstrating that sincere repentance can bring forgiveness and restoration.

The brief mention of Hephzibah, Manasseh’s mother, underscores the significance of lineage and royal heritage. Her name, meaning “my delight is in her,” carries a positive connotation, suggesting that her presence may have been a divine blessing upon the kingdom, even if the text does not elaborate further on her role.