Hezekiah dies and is succeeded by Manasseh, then Amon and Josiah” 2 Kings 20:20–21; 2 Chronicles 32:32–33; 2 Kings 21:1–9; 2 Chronicles 33:1–9; 2 Kings 21:10–17; 2 Chronicles 33:10–19; 2 Kings 21:18; 2 Chronicles 33:20; 2 Kings 21:19–26; 2 Chronicles 33:21–25; 2 Kings 22:1–2; 2 Chronicles 34:1–7

Manasseh was an evil king for most of his rule. He set up idols, even in the Temple itself, led his people into idolatry and murdered innocent people, to the extent that:

^{2 Kings 21:16} … Jerusalem was filled from one end to the other with innocent blood.

But even Manasseh wasn’t beyond redemption. After being taken in chains to Babylon by the Assyrians:

^{2 Chronicles 33:12-13} But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!

The change lasted. Manasseh rebuilt Jerusalem’s outer wall, had his army defend other Judean cities, removed the alters and idols, and restored proper worship of God as as far as he could:

^{2 Chronicles 33:16-17} Then he restored the altar of the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings on it. He also encouraged the people of Judah to worship the Lord, the God of Israel. However, the people still sacrificed at the pagan shrines, though only to the Lord their God.