Manasseh of Judah

Manasseh rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made Asherah poles, and worshiped the starry hosts. He placed altars in the Temple of Yahweh and practiced child sacrifice in the Valley of Ben Hinnom.

Manasseh shed much innocent blood, filling Jerusalem from one end to another. According to tradition, he executed the prophet Isaiah by having him sawn in two. This persecution silenced opposition to his idolatrous policies.

Manasseh reigned for 55 years, longer than any other king of Judah. His reign was marked by political stability and submission to Assyrian suzerainty, which allowed Judah to prosper economically despite religious decline.

Assyrian king Esarhaddon or Ashurbanipal captured Manasseh and took him to Babylon in chains. This event is recorded in the Bible and in Assyrian records. Manasseh was later allowed to return to Jerusalem and restore his rule.

While in captivity, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed to God. After his return to Jerusalem, he removed the foreign gods and idols from the Temple, restored the altar of Yahweh, and commanded Judah to serve the God of Israel.