2 Chronicles 33:1–6. Manasseh systematically dismantles his father’s godly legacy by rebuilding pagan altars, practicing sorcery, and sacrificing his own children. The apple fell “very far” from the proverbial tree. Some of Manasseh’s sins were among the most heinous the nation had ever seen.

2 Chronicles 33:7–9. By placing a carved image directly inside the Temple, Manasseh leads the nation into a spiritual decline so severe that Judah becomes more wicked than the pagan nations God had previously destroyed.

2 Chronicles 33:10–13. After Manasseh ignores God’s warnings, he is captured by the Assyrians as punishment and taken to Babylon in shackles. In his lowest moment, something amazing happens. Manasseh humbles himself and prays to Yahweh, asking Him to forgive him—the most unforgivable sinner.

2 Chronicles 33:14–17. Yahweh shows mercy upon Manasseh and even restores him to the throne in Judah. A complete reversal of the judgment upon him. Manasseh proves the genuineness of his changed heart upon returning to Judah by fortifying Jerusalem and aggressively purging the city of the idols he once set up and worshiped.

2 Chronicles 33:18–20. Manasseh is one of Judah’s greatest villains who turned into one of the greatest testimonies of God’s forgiveness and mercy.