"[Manasseh] was only 12 years old when he came to the throne in 687 B.C. He became a fanatical idolater, bringing a whole host of heathen practices into his realm. He also put a heathen altar in the temple and later moved the Asherah pole into this building (2 Kings 21:1-7). He also had horses and chariots dedicated to the sun (23:11).
"Manasseh made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used enchantments, indulged in sorcery, and sponsored ghosts and familiar spirits (2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron 33:6). He persecuted the pious people who were faithful to the Lord (2 Kings 21:6). Jewish tradition says he sawed the prophet Isaiah in two. The subsequent reformation of Josiah could not bring the people back to true worship. Manasseh brought his country to ruin (Jer 15:4).
