2 Chronicles 33:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Later on, Manasseh, who surpassed all others in madness and cruelty, dismantled the rightful worship, closed the temple, encouraged idolatrous practices, and was more corrupt than any of his forebears. Yet, when he eventually repented, he was counted among God’s friends. If he had allowed himself to despair over the seriousness of his transgressions and lost hope for redemption, he would have missed out on all that he ultimately gained. Instead, turning his gaze away from the magnitude of his sins towards the boundlessness of God’s mercy, and breaking free from the chains of the evil one, he arose, endeavored, and pursued a righteous path.

Beloved children, you are aware that the Lord God, after administering a slight punishment to the one who held onto idols and caused the death of many innocents, welcomed him back upon his repentance. Having pardoned his offenses, God reinstated him to his former glory. The Lord not only forgives those who turn back to Him but also elevates them to their prior status. Idolatry is the gravest sin, as it represents profound wrongdoing against God; however, it too can be forgiven when accompanied by genuine repentance.

Manasseh was indeed notorious for his wickedness; he inflicted torture upon Isaiah, engaged in numerous forms of idolatry, and filled Jerusalem with the blood of the innocent. However, during his captivity in Babylon, he transformed his affliction into a genuine repentance that brought healing. - For it is written, ‘Manasseh humbled himself before the Lord, and prayed, and the Lord heard him, and restored him to his kingdom.’ If one who had committed such heinous acts as sawing the prophet could find redemption through repentance, how much more will you find salvation if you have not engaged in such deeds?

By the command of the loving God, the formidable ox was shattered, and Manasseh was delivered by the angel of God, who guided him back to Jerusalem, where he ultimately spent his days in repentance and confession of his transgressions. Consider the indescribable greatness of the generosity and compassion of the one truly good and merciful God, who graciously saves and blesses all who seek Him. Indeed, it is given freely! For what, I ask, did Manasseh offer to God that could possibly make amends for the condemnation and ruin of the countless souls who were driven to despair and eternally condemned to Gehenna? Nothing at all. Yet he turned to God and embraced the abundant gifts of the Lord, for which he received the honor of His grace. A reflection on Psalm 6.

I acknowledge that humanity is a being prone to transformation, and that our essence is transient; thus, I joyfully embrace the words of God, worshiping Him who uttered them and sharing them with others. The Holy Scripture recounts how God welcomed the repentant Manasseh, and I would venture to say that He would similarly accept even the fallen angel if he were to repent; for Manasseh, despite being a significant transgressor, turned away from his sins and upheld a spirit of repentance until his passing, finding favor with God. Countless sinners have been redeemed through repentance, and continue to be throughout the ages, as they sincerely turn back, remain humble in remorse, and hold fast to the Orthodox faith until their last breath.

When wrongdoers who endure hardships genuinely recognize their transgressions and approach God with humility, sincerely repentant and resolved not to return to their former sins, it is evident that their afflictions serve a beneficial purpose. For when an individual honestly turns away from sin towards God, the Lord, in His grace, responds by embracing them within His mercy.

The compassionate Lord graciously welcomed the sinner's repentance, not merely forgiving his transgressions but also reinstating his reign. Consequently, Manasseh dedicated his remaining days to eliminating all evidence of his previous wrongdoing, working diligently for the prosperity and safety of his kingdom, and promoting righteousness among his people. This illustration, dear brothers and sisters, resonates intimately with each of you. It is undoubtedly not the initial sin or infraction of the law that lands anyone in confinement.

You have accumulated the sins of Manasseh by your own choices, treating passions as detestable idols and inflating your soul with anger against God. Conquered and humbled, Manasseh repented of his iniquities and cried out for mercy to the God of his ancestors. The Lord showed compassion to him. Manasseh was released and returned to his reign, earnestly working to eliminate the remnants of the idolatry he previously embraced, restoring the worship of the true God. The legacy of his repentance is a prayer, much like David’s plea: ‘Have mercy on me, O God,’ which continues to guide all who seek to express their contrition to God. It opens with the invocation, ‘O Lord Almighty, God our Father’ (2 Chronicles 36:24ff.) and is recited during the Great Supper.