Expect Consequences (2 Kings 21:1-18) OBEDIENCE

But the people did not listen. Manasseh led them astray so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. – 2 Kings 21:9

Manasseh was twelve when he became king of Judah| WATCH ON YOUTUBE

Though Manasseh, was the son of the godly king Hezekiah, he did evil in the sight of the Lord. He reversed all the reforms of his father Hezekiah. He rebuilt the high places and erected altars to Baal. He even sacrificed his own son in the fire. 

Not only did Manasseh sin personally, but as a king, he led Judah in forsaking the Lord and worshiping idols. The extent of their sin was so great that God declared He would wipe out Jerusalem. According to Jewish tradition, it was King Manasseh who murdered the prophet, Isaiah.

God sent the Assyrians who captured Manasseh and took him away to exile (2 Chronicles 33). There, Manasseh sought the Lord and greatly humbled himself; the Lord was moved and listened to his plea. The repentant Manasseh was restored to his kingdom. He started to rebuild Judah militarily, (2 Chronicles 33:14), and began to institute religious reforms. 

Even though Manasseh had a personal conversion, he was never able to lead Judah out of the sin that he had previously led them into. They did not follow him in his reforms, they continued in their idolatry (2 Chronicles 33:14). His son Amon followed his evil ways. 

Manasseh demonstrates that while any sin may be forgiven when we repent, repentance does not remove the natural consequences that come from our disobedience. 

How would you choose to grow in your obedience to the Lord?

Lord, help me obey you and worship you alone, I pray.

Extended Reading — 2 Kings 20-21

Read through the Bible in One Year: CLICK HERE

Links to Related Resources
Bible Gateway | Enduring Word | Bible Study Fellowship | FRMS YouVersion Plans