2 Kings 21: Wicked King Manasseh

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 117

In 2 Kings 21 we read about Hezekiah’s son Manasseh who, after the righteous reign of his father, reigned as one of the most wicked rulers in the history of Judah. The end of chapter 21 tells us that Manasseh’s son Amon reigned only a short time before he was killed. The people found and slew the men who killed Amon and then put another king in power. This event suggests that if the people really wanted to, they could have overthrown wicked Manasseh and put a righteous king in his place. Manasseh’s reign was so wicked because the people allowed his wickedness and were wicked themselves. A wicked man in power can do much harm. If the majority of the people are righteous, however, they can bring about much good, even in the midst of wickedness.