Summary
Manasseh began ruling at twelve and reigned fifty‑five years, during which he rebuilt high places, erected altars to Baal and other deities, and performed idolatrous rituals, even within the temple. His actions brought divine judgment: the Assyrians captured him, and he was exiled to Babylon. While in captivity, Manasseh humbled himself, prayed, and was restored to Jerusalem, after which he erected a protective wall, removed the foreign gods, and rebuilt the temple altar. Nevertheless, the people continued to worship at high places. Manasseh’s acts and repentance are recorded in the annals. He died, was buried, and his son Amon succeeded him, repeating the same disobedience, adding more sin, and eventually being assassinated. The people avenged him by killing the conspirators, and Josiah ascended the throne.