מלכים ב, פרק כ״א, פסוק י״ז

The conclusion of a king's reign often serves as a final judgment on his legacy. The summary of Manasseh's time on the throne closes the chapter on a stormy and complex life, yet it leaves out some of the most dramatic events of his final years.

Beyond his severe idolatry, Manasseh was responsible for massive bloodshed. He systematically killed the prophets who rebuked him, including the prophet Isaiah, acting much like Jezebel did in her time [אברבנאל].

However, a look at other historical records reveals a significant gap in the narrative. The Book of Chronicles details a sequence of events completely absent here. Assyrian army captains captured Manasseh, bound him in bronze fetters, and exiled him to Babylon. In his extreme distress, the king surrendered, prayed to God, and repented. God heard his plea and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem. Following his return, Manasseh removed the idols, rebuilt the altar of God, and commanded the nation to serve Him.

Because this profound story of repentance is entirely left out, a major question arises as to why this account chose to record only his terrible sins [אברבנאל].