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THE REIGN OF MANASSEH

Text: 2 Kings 21:1-9; 2 Chronicles 33:1-9
8 February 2011

(I) THE REIGN OF MANASSEH

1. Commencement of reign

At 12 years of age (2 Kings 21:1)

2. Length of reign

55 years

(II) DESCRIPTION OF HIS RELIGIOUS APOSTASY

1. He did evil

“According to the abominations of the nations…” 2 Kings 21:2a

2. Rebuilt high places destroyed by his father Hezekiah (2 Kings 21:3a)

3. Built Baal altars following what king Ahab did (2 Kings 21:3b)

4. Worshipped all the hosts of heaven (2 Kings 21:3c, 5)

5. Built altars in the house of the Lord

General reference (2 Kings 21:4)

6. Carved image of Asherah (mother of many deities)

Specific reference

This was put in the house of the Lord (2 Kings 21:7)

(III) PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN OCCULTIC ACTIVITIES

1. The sons of Manasseh were made to pass through fire (2 Kings 21:6a)

2. Soothsaying (2 King 21:6b)

3. Witchcraft (2 Kings 21:6c)

4. Consulting spirits and mediums (2 Kings 21:6d)

(IV) TOTAL DISREGARD OF GOD’S COMMANDMENTS

1. Concerning the Temple of the Lord

a) To David

b) To Solomon (2 Kings 21:7-8)

2. Commandments of God

Mosaic Law (2 Kings 21:8)

Paid no attention whatsoever

3. Chose instead to do evil in God’s sight

Manasseh seduced Judah to do great evil (2 Kings 21:9)

(V) HOW DID MANASSEH TURN OUT THIS WAY?

Two things may be highlighted.

1. Self

2. Sin