2 Kings 21

• fifty-five years: Manasseh's long rule, from 697 to 642 BC was not due to his faithfulness to the Lord, but because the Lord honored his covenant promises (see also 2 Kings 8:19; 19:34; 20:6; 2 Samuel 7:11–16). External conditions were mostly stable. Although Assyrian kings Esarhaddon (680–669 BC) and Ashurbanipal (668–626 BC) led several military campaigns, they did not target Judah until later in Manasseh’s reign, likely around 650 to 648 BC (see 2 Chronicles 33:10–13). Ashurbanipal focused on building projects, religious activities, and the arts, including creating a great library.

• he did evil: Manasseh was the most wicked king of Judah. Discussions about his reign highlight his evil religious practices.

Manasseh turned away from his faith by rebuilding local pagan shrines that his father had destroyed (2 Kings 18:3). He also encouraged evil religious practices linked to Baal worship and set up an Asherah pole (see 2 Kings 18:3; 1 Kings 16:32) and brought back the worship of stars. God had judged the northern kingdom for these sins (2 Kings 17:16).

• Manasseh's evil actions included taking part in the terrible Molech ceremonies and various forbidden cult and occult practices (2 Kings 16:3; see Leviticus 18:21).

• provoking Him to anger: God reacted to Manasseh's awful religious practices with fair judgment, just as he did with the northern kingdom (2 Kings 17:18–20).

• The Amorites lived in the land before the Israelites and were known for their wickedness.

• Manasseh followed the idolatrous practices of the Amorites, just as Ahab did (1 Kings 21:26).

Given what happened to the northern kingdom (2 Kings 17:7–23) and Ahab’s family (2 Kings 9:24–26, 30–37; 10:1–8; 1 Kings 22:37–38), Manasseh should expect God to bring justice to him and the people of Judah.

the remnant: Those not killed in God's coming judgment would be at the mercy of their captors. This prophecy came true when thousands of Judeans were taken captive during the Babylonian invasion and the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC (2 Kings 25:8–21; 2 Chronicles 36:20; Jeremiah 39:9; 52:15).

innocent blood: Besides his terrible spiritual sins, Manasseh committed murder. According to Jewish tradition, Manasseh killed many prophets, including Isaiah.

all his accomplishments: The writer of Chronicles notes that Manasseh was captured by an Assyrian king. This likely happened when King Ashurbanipal was in Babylon, around 650 to 648 BC. This event humbled Manasseh and led to his repentance. After his release, he tried to make spiritual changes, but it was too late in his reign for them to succeed (2 Chronicles 33:11–17).

The garden of Uzza is not mentioned elsewhere (but see also 2 Kings 21:26). Unlike his father Hezekiah, who was buried with honor, Manasseh was not buried in the royal tombs (2 Chronicles 32:33).

• Amon ruled briefly from 642 to 640 BC and continued his father's evil ways. Manasseh's repentance and reforms were too late to influence Amon or the people of Judah.

• He abandoned the LORD: Amon completely rejected his faith (see also 2 Chronicles 33:23).

Like his father Manasseh (2 Kings 21:17), Amon was not buried in the royal tombs. He was buried in the garden of Uzza instead.