Reign of Manasseh (2 Kings 21:1-18)
Manasseh became king of Judah at the age of twelve and reigned for fifty-five years in Jerusalem (21:1). Unlike his father, Hezekiah, Manasseh did evil in the sight of the Lord by following the abominable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites (21:2). He rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah had destroyed, erected altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and worshiped the host of heaven (21:3-5). He even built altars in the house of the Lord and made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, and dealt with mediums and spirits (21:6-7).

The Lord spoke through His prophets, declaring that because of Manasseh’s sins, He would bring such calamity on Jerusalem and Judah that it would cause the ears of everyone who hears it to tingle (21:10-12). Manasseh’s idolatry led Judah into more sin than the nations that the Lord had destroyed before them (21:9). After Manasseh’s death, he was buried in the garden of his house, and his son Amon became king (21:18).

Reign of Amon (2 Kings 21:19-26)
Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king and reigned for two years in Jerusalem (21:19). He continued in the sinful ways of his father, Manasseh, worshiping idols and forsaking the Lord (21:20-22). His servants conspired against him and killed him in his own house, but the people of the land struck down those conspirators and made Josiah, Amon’s son, king in his place (21:23-24). Amon was buried in the same garden as his father, Manasseh (21:26).

Life Applications from 2 Kings 21

1. Influence of Leadership (21:1-2, 21:9): The actions and beliefs of a leader can significantly influence a community or nation. Manasseh’s turn to idolatry led Judah into greater sin, showing how leaders’ actions can steer people toward or away from God.
2. Consequences of Idolatry (21:3-7): Manasseh’s practices, such as building altars for false gods and engaging in sorcery, illustrate the dangers and consequences of abandoning true worship. Idolatry led to moral decay and divine judgment.
3. Divine Justice (21:10-15): The prophetic warning against Manasseh highlights that God is just and will not tolerate persistent sin. His pronouncement of calamity upon Judah serves as a reminder of the serious repercussions of continued disobedience.
4. Legacy of Faith (21:19-22): Amon’s short and sinful reign, following in his father’s footsteps, emphasizes the importance of leaving a legacy of faithfulness. The impact of a godly life can extend beyond one’s years, influencing future generations positively or negatively.
5. Responsibility to Act (21:23-24): The people’s action against Amon’s conspirators shows the responsibility to stand against evil and injustice. Taking a stand for righteousness is necessary, even when it involves difficult decisions.
6. Hope for Renewal (21:26): Despite the pervasive evil during Manasseh and Amon’s reigns, the narrative sets the stage for Josiah’s reign, which would bring significant reforms. This underscores that renewal and restoration are possible, even after periods of significant moral decline.