And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. 11 Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon. 12 Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers... 2 Chronicles 33:10-12
Manasseh is a classic case study on at least two topics.
First, Manasseh was arguably the most evil king Judah ever had. Even though he experienced the severe judgment of God, he repented. God not only saved him, but restored him to the throne—a case study in God’s amazing grace to the worst of sinners. Never stop praying for the lost, no matter how lost they are. God can and does save even the most wicked among us!
Second, when the now godly Manasseh was restored as king, he tried to bring about revival in the land. Sadly, v.17 says the people continued in false worship.—a case study in the fact that godly leadership is no guarantee of a godly citizenry. Do not think that if only we had a godly president (and there isn’t one currently running), the nation would repent from our current evil situation. If true revival is to come to our land, it will not be based on who lives in the White House, but by how we live in our houses!