If Manasseh began reigning over Judah at age 12 (and he did) … where did he get the “evil influence” that so permeated his life?
After all, he is the son (the only son) of godly King Hezekiah, one of the true “revivalists” of ancient history, especially Jewish history.
Read with me 2 Chronicles 33:2. “He (Manasseh) did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.”
Now read the parallel account from 2 Kings 21:2. “And he (Manasseh) did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out before the children of Israel.”
Both inspired historians tell us that he lived “after the abominations of the heathen.” The noun “heathen” means “gentiles” in this context.
Assuming the environment in which the boy was raised was relatively pure, holy, based on the Law of Moses … How did he get so acclimated to ungodliness? And that in 11 short years? He inherited the Throne of Judah when Hezekiah died, the lad being only 12 at the time.
By the way, an “abomination” (in Hebrew spelled “toebah”) is anything that “disgusts” Almighty God, something that makes Him “sick!”
Here’s what I think.
Not long after Hezekiah had been healed of his “sickness unto death,” a delegation from (wicked) Babylon visited the royal palace in Jerusalem. These would have been “heathen” I remind you. Isaiah the Prophet (and a friend of King Hezekiah) will tell us the story. Now this paragraph is somewhat lengthy. But you need to read it all. “At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered. And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them. Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts. Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” King James Version, Isaiah 39:1-7
Hezekiah was much too friendly (“glad of them”) to these wicked men!
And he showed them ALL he possessed!
He may have been flattered by their “gifts,” too!
And no doubt they left their “culture” behind, some of it. Maybe way too much of it.
This may also have been a case of “tit” for “tat.” Hezekiah received their gifts (favors), and gave to them all the state “secrets.” To his future enemies, nonetheless!
Now I realize that Manasseh may not even have been born yet when this “peace party” visited Judah. Or at least would have been quite young. But still … if the “ways of the wicked” were sown in the hearts of the people of Judah (from the King downward) at that time … young lives would have been impacted as well.
Remember what Paul later wrote to a way-too-worldly Church: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1st Corinthians 15:33
Yes, Manasseh’s sins as a King (still a young one apparently) may have been attributable to his own Father, King Hezekiah, in a weak moment!
Every day we live … we influence someone!
Don’t we?
— Dr. Mike Bagwell