Stump of Jesse–From Fallen Kings To the Eternal King
The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the Lord brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon. 2 Chronicles 33:10–11 (ESV)
When we look at history, we may sometimes wonder why God allowed certain men to come to power and rule. No doubt, in some cases a wicked man in power is a judgment against a wayward nation. We may wonder why godly Hezekiah ruled for twenty-nine years . . . only to be followed by his son, Manasseh, son of David. While Hezekiah led spiritual reform, Manasseh undid the good his father had done, inviting God’s judgment upon Judah. Manasseh was only twelve years old when he came to power. He ruled for fifty-five years in Jerusalem.
It is reported that Hezekiah’s son “did what was evil in the sight of the Lord . . . for he rebuilt the high places that his father Hezekiah had broken down, and he erected altars to the Baals . . . and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.” (2 Chronicles 33:2-3)
It was a criticism of the days of the Judges that “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6) These words are a criticism during the reign of Manasseh: “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention.” The Lord eventually got Manasseh’s attention, and he did repent, but the damage was done.
When God foretold the rule of the Eternal King, He warned the people that if they did not hear the words of God spoken by Him, God would hold them accountable (Deuteronomy 18:18-19). There was never a need for the Eternal King to repent, for He did all that the Father sent Him to do, perfectly. Christ the King will return visibly one day and all those who have dismissed His Word will mourn.
O my Savior, help afford By Thy Spirit and Thy Word!
When my wayward heart would stray, Keep me in the narrow way;
Grace in time of need supply While I live and when I die
The Lutheran Hymnal 342:5