Since King Manasseh of Judah has committed all these detestable acts…this is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I am about to bring such a disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that everyone who hears about it will shudder. (2 Kings 21:11-12)
As I thought about Manasseh’s life, God’s patience and mercy once again really struck me.
Manasseh was probably the worst of all the kings of Judah, bringing idol worship back, sacrificing his own son, and spilling much innocent blood.
Tradition has it that it was under Manasseh’s reign that the prophet Isaiah was “sawn in two” (Hebrews 11:37).
As a result, God passed judgment on Manasseh and Judah.
But that judgment did not come for many years. Why? Because it was God’s desire that they repent.
Amazingly, Manasseh did. (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)
Manasseh’s son Amon didn’t, unfortunately, but his grandson Josiah, as we’ll see in later chapters, also had a repentant heart.
As a result, God’s judgment did not fully fall until after Josiah’s death.
It made me think of God’s mercy to me over the years despite all my “detestable acts.”
His patience toward me has been incredible. And I’m grateful.
As David wrote and experienced himself,
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in faithful love. (Psalm 103:8)
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 