2 Kings 21:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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

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

2 Kings 21:1 introduces King Manasseh, son of the righteous King Hezekiah, marking the beginning of his exceptionally long reign over Judah.

Context

This verse follows the account of Manasseh's father, King Hezekiah, who was one of Judah's most devout monarchs. The immediate succession by a twelve-year-old boy, Manasseh, is notable. His mother, Hephzibah, is mentioned, a common practice in the books of Kings for Judahite kings, establishing legitimacy and lineage. Her name, Hephzibah, meaning "My delight is in her," is significant as it was also used by Isaiah prophetically for Zion, highlighting God's love for His people (see Isaiah 62:4). This verse sets the stage for a reign that would starkly contrast with his father's, becoming the longest and arguably the most wicked in Judah's history, leading to severe divine judgment.

Key Themes

  • Succession and Royal Introduction: The verse follows the standard formula for introducing a new king, detailing his age at ascension and the length of his reign.
  • Long Reign, Profound Impact: Manasseh's 55-year reign was the longest of any king in Judah or Israel, giving him ample time to deeply entrench his policies, both good and bad. The subsequent verses reveal the devastating spiritual impact of his rule.
  • Contrast in Leadership: The immediate juxtaposition with Hezekiah's faithfulness highlights the stark difference in spiritual direction taken by father and son. Despite a righteous upbringing, Manasseh chose a path of intense idolatry and sin (further detailed in 2 Kings 21:2-9).

Linguistic Insights

The name Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, Menasheh) means "causing to forget" or "one who forgets," echoing the name of Joseph's firstborn son (Genesis 41:51). While not directly tied to his character here, it provides a subtle layer of meaning. His mother's name, Hephzibah (חֶפְצִי־בָהּ, Cheftzi-bah), literally translates to "My delight is in her," a tender name that contrasts sharply with the future actions of her son.

Practical Application

This introductory verse, though brief, carries significant weight by setting the stage for one of the Bible's most cautionary tales. It reminds us that:

  • Influence vs. Choice: Even a child raised by a godly parent can choose a different, destructive path. Personal responsibility for one's spiritual choices is paramount.
  • Long-Term Consequences: A long reign, whether righteous or wicked, leaves a lasting legacy. Manasseh's sins had such profound consequences that they are later cited as a primary reason for Judah's exile (2 Kings 24:3-4, Jeremiah 15:4).
  • Hope for Repentance: While the book of Kings focuses on Manasseh's wickedness, the parallel account in 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 reveals Manasseh's eventual repentance and restoration, offering a powerful message of God's grace and forgiveness, even for the most grievous sins.
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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 62:4 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 5:19 (2 votes)

    [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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Kings 20:21 (2 votes)

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