2 Kings 21:1

KJV

¶ Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hephzibah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Manasseh {H4519} was twelve {H8147}{H6240} years {H8141} old {H1121} when he began to reign {H4427}, and reigned {H4427} fifty {H2572} and five {H2568} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. And his mother's {H517} name {H8034} was Hephzibah {H2657}.

Complete Jewish Bible

M'nasheh was twelve years old when he began his reign, and he ruled for fifty-five years in Yerushalayim. His mother's name was Heftzibah.

Berean Standard Bible

Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah.

American Standard Version

Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign; and he reigned five and fifty years in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Hephzibah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Manasseh, the son of the revered King Hezekiah, ascended to the throne of Judah at the remarkably young age of twelve, embarking on an exceptionally long reign of fifty-five years in Jerusalem. This introductory verse, also naming his mother, Hephzibah, serves as a pivotal narrative hinge, marking a profound and tragic transition from his father's righteous legacy to a period of unprecedented spiritual apostasy and idolatry that would ultimately contribute significantly to the nation's eventual downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as an abrupt and jarring transition from the preceding narrative of King Hezekiah, whose reign is celebrated for its devotion to Yahweh, his miraculous recovery from illness, and Jerusalem's divine deliverance from the Assyrian siege, as detailed in [2 Kings 18-20](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-20 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign and Deliverance"). The formulaic introduction of Manasseh, specifying his age at ascension, the duration of his rule, and his mother's name, is standard for Judean kings. However, its placement immediately after Hezekiah's account creates a profound narrative **juxtaposition**, implicitly foreshadowing the stark contrast in their spiritual orientations. The subsequent verses in [2 Kings 21:2-9](/2_kings/21-2 "2 Kings 21:2-9 - Manasseh's Idolatry and Wickedness") quickly unveil the depth of Manasseh's wickedness, establishing him as the antithesis of his father and setting the stage for the severe divine judgment that would inexorably befall Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Manasseh's reign (c. 697/696–642 BCE) occurred during the zenith of Assyrian imperial power. Judah, like other smaller kingdoms in the Levant, functioned as a vassal state to the formidable Assyrian Empire. This geopolitical reality significantly influenced religious practices, as vassal states were often compelled or inclined to adopt or tolerate the cults of their overlords, or simply to avoid offending them. Manasseh's embrace of foreign deities and practices, therefore, can be seen, in part, as a pragmatic political alignment or a desperate attempt to secure favor. The consistent mention of the queen mother's name (e.g., Hephzibah) in the introduction of Judean kings, a practice absent for Israelite kings, highlights her significant role and influence within the Davidic royal court, often serving as a regent or key advisor, particularly when a king ascended at a young age. Manasseh's fifty-five-year reign was the longest of any monarch in the history of both Israel and Judah, granting him an unparalleled opportunity to deeply entrench his policies, both political and religious, with devastating long-term consequences for the nation's spiritual integrity.
* **Key Themes:** This concise introductory verse, despite its brevity, introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the book of Kings and beyond. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **royal succession and the transfer of power**, a recurring motif that shapes the narrative flow of the monarchical period. Secondly, it immediately establishes a profound **contrast in leadership** between the righteous King Hezekiah and his profoundly wicked son, Manasseh. This contrast highlights the immense spiritual responsibility of the king and the direct impact of his choices on the nation's covenant faithfulness and well-being. Despite being raised in a godly environment, Manasseh chose a path of intense idolatry and sin, as vividly detailed in [2 Kings 21:2-9](/2_kings/21-2 "2 Kings 21:2-9 - Manasseh's Abominable Practices"). Thirdly, the extraordinary length of Manasseh's reign (fifty-five years) foreshadows the **deep and lasting impact of his corrupt rule**, which would ultimately lead to divine judgment and the eventual Babylonian exile of Judah. This consequence is explicitly linked to his sins in passages such as [2 Kings 24:3-4](/2_kings/24-3 "2 Kings 24:3-4 - Manasseh's Sins as Cause for Exile") and [Jeremiah 15:4](/jeremiah/15-4 "Jeremiah 15:4 - Manasseh's Role in Judah's Punishment"), emphasizing the cumulative effect of unfaithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Manasseh (Hebrew, _Mᵉnashsheh'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to forget," this name signifies "causing to forget" or "one who forgets." It echoes the name of Joseph's firstborn son in [Genesis 41:51](/genesis/41-51 "Genesis 41:51 - Joseph Names His Son Manasseh"), where Joseph declares, "God has made me forget all my toil and all my father's house." While the biblical text does not explicitly draw a connection between King Manasseh's character and his name's meaning, it presents a poignant irony. Joseph's Manasseh forgot his past suffering through God's blessing, but King Manasseh tragically seemed to forget the righteous legacy of his father Hezekiah and the covenant obligations to Yahweh, leading Judah into profound spiritual amnesia and apostasy.
* **Hephzibah (Hebrew, _Ḥep̄ṣîy bâhh'_):** This tender and affectionate name literally translates to "My delight is in her." Its significance extends far beyond a mere personal identifier, as it is prophetically used by Isaiah to describe Zion, the restored Jerusalem, symbolizing God's deep love and delight in His people: "No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married" ([Isaiah 62:4](/isaiah/62-4 "Isaiah 62:4 - Zion Called Hephzibah")). The presence of such a name for Manasseh's mother stands in stark and tragic contrast to the abominable actions of her son, whose reign brought anything but delight to the Lord, highlighting the profound spiritual dissonance between the name's meaning and the king's actions.
#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign":** This clause provides the standard chronological marker for the commencement of a king's rule in Judah. The youthfulness of Manasseh at his ascension (twelve years old) is particularly notable, suggesting he would have been highly impressionable and potentially susceptible to the influence of powerful court factions, existing pagan practices, or the prevailing geopolitical pressures of the Assyrian Empire. This early start also directly contributes to the extraordinary length of his subsequent reign, allowing ample time for his policies to take deep root.
* **"and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem.":** This specifies both the remarkable duration and the consistent location of Manasseh's rule. His fifty-five-year reign is unparalleled, making him the longest-reigning monarch in the entire history of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This extended period allowed Manasseh to deeply entrench his idolatrous practices and policies, systematically undoing many of the reforms initiated by his father Hezekiah and profoundly shaping the spiritual landscape of Judah for generations. The mention of "Jerusalem" reinforces the continuity of the Davidic dynasty and the central, albeit tragically corrupted, role of the capital city.
* **"And his mother's name [was] Hephzibah.":** This final clause provides the name of the queen mother, a consistent element in the introductory formula for Judean kings. The queen mother often held a position of significant influence in the royal court, sometimes even serving as a regent or key advisor, especially when the king was a minor. As previously discussed in "Key Word Analysis," the name "Hephzibah" ("My delight is in her") carries profound prophetic weight, creating a stark and tragic irony when juxtaposed with the spiritual trajectory of her son's reign, which was characterized by actions that deeply displeased God.
#### Literary Devices
The introductory verse of Manasseh's reign, while seemingly straightforward, employs several subtle yet significant literary devices. The most prominent is the use of a **Standard Royal Formula**, which consistently provides the king's age at ascension, the length of his reign, and the queen mother's name. This formulaic opening creates a sense of continuity and historical record in the narrative of the kings of Judah. However, within this established framework, there is a powerful element of **Juxtaposition**, as Manasseh's introduction immediately follows the detailed account of his righteous father, Hezekiah. This stark contrast implicitly foreshadows the profound spiritual divergence that will define Manasseh's rule and the subsequent decline of Judah. Furthermore, the naming of his mother, **Hephzibah**, serves as a profound **Ironic Allusion** or **Symbolism**. While her name means "My delight is in her," a term prophetically used to describe God's delight in Zion, Manasseh's subsequent actions would bring anything but delight to God, thus highlighting the tragic irony of his reign against the backdrop of such a tender and hopeful name, underscoring the depth of his apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational verse, while appearing as a simple biographical introduction, profoundly sets the stage for deep theological reflections on the nature of leadership, the devastating consequences of sin, and the mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human choice. It immediately confronts the reader with the sobering reality that even a child raised in a godly home, by a righteous parent like Hezekiah, can choose a path of profound rebellion against God. Manasseh's exceptionally long reign underscores the devastating, long-term impact of wicked leadership, as his idolatry and abominable practices deeply corrupted the nation and were later explicitly cited as a primary reason for Judah's eventual exile. Yet, the narrative, particularly when viewed alongside the parallel account in Chronicles, also subtly hints at the enduring possibility of divine grace and repentance, even for the most grievous sins, demonstrating God's long-suffering character despite human rebellion.

* [2 Kings 21:2-9](/2_kings/21-2 "2 Kings 21:2-9 - Manasseh's Abominable Reign")
* [2 Kings 24:3-4](/2_kings/24-3 "2 Kings 24:3-4 - Manasseh's Sins Leading to Exile")
* [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance and Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Manasseh serves as a powerful and enduring cautionary tale for all generations, reminding us that a spiritual heritage, while an immense blessing, does not automatically guarantee personal faithfulness. Manasseh, despite being the son of one of Judah's most righteous kings, chose a path of profound wickedness, highlighting the paramount importance of individual accountability and the necessity of making personal, conscious choices to follow God, regardless of one's upbringing or environment. His extraordinarily long reign also underscores the lasting and often generational legacy of our decisions, particularly for those in positions of influence, whether in families, communities, or nations. Manasseh's sins had such a deep and pervasive impact that they were explicitly cited generations later as a primary cause for Judah's downfall. This prompts us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, not only for ourselves but for those we influence and for future generations. Ultimately, this verse, as an entry point to Manasseh's story, calls us to vigilant self-examination, persistent spiritual discipline, and a humble reliance on God's grace to choose righteousness daily, understanding that our choices ripple through time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Manasseh's story challenge the assumption that a godly upbringing inherently guarantees godly offspring?**
* **What responsibilities do those in leadership positions bear regarding the long-term spiritual health of their communities, in light of Manasseh's enduring negative impact?**
* **How can we ensure that our personal choices consistently align with God's will, even when surrounded by influences that contradict His ways or when faced with the temptation to forget His covenant?**

### FAQ
**Why is the mother's name mentioned for Judahite kings but not for Israelite kings?**

Answer: The consistent mention of the queen mother's name (e.g., Hephzibah for Manasseh) in the biblical accounts of the kings of Judah, in contrast to its absence for the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel, points to several significant factors unique to the Davidic dynasty. Firstly, it served to reinforce the legitimacy of the king's claim to the throne by identifying his lineage through both parents, thereby connecting him to the established and divinely promised royal line of David. Secondly, the queen mother often held a position of considerable influence and authority within the royal court, sometimes even acting as a regent or a key advisor, particularly if the king ascended at a young age, as Manasseh did. Her identity was therefore crucial for understanding the political and social dynamics of the court. Finally, it may also reflect a specific cultural practice or scribal tradition unique to the Jerusalem court, emphasizing the continuity and stability of the Davidic line in contrast to the often turbulent and short-lived dynasties of the northern kingdom of Israel.

**How could a righteous king like Hezekiah have such a wicked son as Manasseh?**

Answer: The stark contrast between Hezekiah's profound righteousness and Manasseh's unprecedented wickedness is a recurring theological challenge within the biblical narrative. While Hezekiah was one of Judah's most devout kings, leading significant religious reforms and demonstrating unwavering trust in Yahweh during times of crisis (as seen in [2 Kings 18-20](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-20 - Hezekiah's Righteous Reign")), Manasseh is portrayed as his spiritual antithesis, leading Judah into depths of idolatry and sin previously unseen ([2 Kings 21:2-9](/2_kings/21-2 "2 Kings 21:2-9 - Manasseh's Abominations")). This highlights a crucial biblical principle: while parental influence and upbringing are undeniably significant, ultimately, each individual is granted free will and is held responsible for their own choices and spiritual path. Piety is not inherited but must be personally embraced and pursued. Manasseh's story serves as a powerful reminder that even with the best upbringing, an individual can choose to rebel against God. However, the parallel account in [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance") also reveals that even after a life of extreme wickedness, repentance and God's boundless grace are possible, though the consequences of sin can still be far-reaching and enduring.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The introduction of King Manasseh, particularly in stark contrast to his righteous father Hezekiah, profoundly highlights humanity's desperate need for a perfect and enduring King. Manasseh's reign, marked by unprecedented idolatry, spiritual apostasy, and the shedding of innocent blood, underscores the inherent limitations and ultimate failures of even divinely appointed earthly kings. While some kings, like Hezekiah, offered glimpses of righteous rule and sought to lead their people in covenant faithfulness, their reigns were finite, and their legacies could be tragically undone or corrupted by their successors. Manasseh's story, which ultimately includes his repentance in [2 Chronicles 33:12-13](/2_chronicles/33-12 "2 Chronicles 33:12-13 - Manasseh's Repentance"), points to the boundless grace of God, but also to the insufficiency of human repentance to fully undo the systemic damage of sin and its generational consequences. This narrative therefore directs our gaze to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who alone perfectly fulfills the ideal of a righteous and eternal King. Unlike Manasseh, who led his people into grievous sin, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly obeyed God's will, lived a sinless life, and offered Himself as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice to atone for humanity's rebellion. His reign is not for fifty-five years, but for eternity, establishing a kingdom of righteousness and peace that will never be overthrown or corrupted ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of Christ's Eternal Reign")). Through Christ, the prophetic promise of a "Hephzibah" people, in whom God truly delights, is fully realized, not based on human merit or royal lineage, but on His perfect redemptive work, making believers a [holy nation, a people for God's own possession](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Believers as a Holy Nation") who delight in Him and in whom He delights.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

2 Chronicles 32:33

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles 33:9

So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, [and] to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.

1 Chronicles 3:13

Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,

Proverbs 5:19

[Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

Matthew 1:10

And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

2 Kings 20:21

And Hezekiah slept with his fathers: and Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.