2 Chronicles 33:1 meaning

Manasseh's reign over Judah marks a turbulent period characterized by dramatic spiritual decline. Ascending the throne at just twelve years old, he governed for a lengthy fifty-five years—yet his legacy is marred by grotesque idolatry and moral depravity. The Chronicler presents him as the archetype of apostasy; he resurrected the very pagan practices that his father, Hezekiah, had vehemently abolished. Building altars to foreign gods within the Temple of Yahweh and leading Judah into darker depths than the nations they had replaced (as affirmed in later verses) illustrates his significant failure as a leader. This abominable betrayal solidifies Manasseh as one of Judah's most infamous kings.