The kingdom of Judah, prosperous throughout the times of Hezekiah, was once more brought low during the long years of Manasseh's wicked reign, when paganism was revived, and many of the people were led into idolatry. "Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen." 2 Chronicles 33:9. The glorious light of former generations was followed by the darkness of superstition and error. Gross evils sprang up and flourished--tyranny, oppression, hatred of all that is good. Justice was perverted; violence prevailed.

Judas rige oplevede en opgangstid under Ezekias, men under Manasses lange og onde kongegerning gik det atter tilbage. Hedenskabet kom til live igen, og mange af landets indbyggere blev forledt til afgudsdyrkelse. "Manasse forførte Juda og Jerusalems indbyggere til at handle værre end de folkeslag, Herren havde udryddet for israelitterne." 2Krøn. 33,9. Det herlige lys, som havde skinnet i tidligere slægtled, blev afløst af overtroens og vildfarelsens mørke. Der gik frygtelige onder i svang tyranni, undertrykkelse og had til alt godt. Retfærdigheden blev knægtet, og voldsmentaliteten tog overhånd.