2 Kings 21:18 meaning

The reign of Manasseh marked one of the darkest periods in Judah's history. Ascending to the throne at the tender age of twelve, he embraced a life of grievous sin that led both him and the nation astray. His actions included the worship of foreign gods, the construction of altars in the Temple, and even the brutal sacrifice of his own son, which provoked God's anger profoundly. This period was characterized by rampant idolatry and moral decay, overshadowing the former sanctity established by his father, Hezekiah. Ultimately, God sent prophets to warn of impending judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of Manasseh's grievous offenses against divine law and righteousness.

In time, Manasseh's reign led to catastrophic spiritual consequences, with the people of Judah becoming more corrupted than those nations that God had driven out before them. The scripture notes the culmination of Manasseh's reign, where he ultimately succumbed to death, ending a legacy that, although filled with sin, included the potential for redemption and repentance—a theme exemplified in his later acknowledgment of God during his trials. The verse centers on the transition of power to Amon, marking the continuity of a troubled lineage.