“He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.” (2 Chronicles 33:13 ESV).

Manasseh’s story is one of the most shocking accounts of sin and mercy in all of Scripture. He was the most wicked king in Judah’s history. He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had torn down, worshiped false gods, led Judah into idolatry worse than the nations God had driven out, and even practiced child sacrifice. Yet, when God sent him into captivity in Babylon, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed. Remarkably, God heard his plea and restored him to Jerusalem and his throne. This was the turning point: “Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.” His life stands as both a warning and a witness. It warns us how far a heart can drift from God, even with a godly heritage. But it also bears witness to the mercy of a God who is patient, gracious, and willing to forgive even the worst of sinners.

Manasseh’s life reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. It’s easy to believe that some people are too far gone, but this passage corrects that thinking. If God was moved by the prayer of a king as wicked as Manasseh, we can have hope for anyone—ourselves included. His captivity was not merely punishment; it was God’s loving discipline that led to repentance. God still works this way. He humbles us, not to crush us, but to bring us to repentance. True knowledge of God often comes not through comfort, but through crisis. If we’ve drifted, we can return. And if we know someone who seems hopelessly lost, we can keep praying. God is still moved by sincere entreaty.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank You for showing us in Manasseh’s life that no one is too far gone. Help us to humble ourselves, to turn to You in repentance, and to believe that You are willing to forgive. When we face hardship, help us to see Your loving hand at work, drawing us back to Yourself. May we know with certain knowledge that You alone are God. In Jesus’ name, amen.