2 Kings 21:1

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Manasse was twaalf jaar oud toe hy koning geword het, en hy het vyf en vyftig jaar in Jerusalem geregeer; en die naam van sy moeder was Hefs¡ba.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Manasseh, a king of Judah, started ruling when he was 12 years old and ruled for 55 years. His mother was named Hephzibah. The verse gives basic information about the king's reign.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you become a king at a very young age, like 12. That's what happened to Manasseh. He became king when he was just a kid, and he was the king for a really long time, 55 years! His mommy was named Hephzibah.

Historical Background

The book of 2 Kings was written by prophets, possibly Jeremiah or a contemporary, around the 6th century BCE. It was written for the people of Israel and Judah to remind them of their history and the consequences of their actions, especially their adherence or lack thereof to God's laws.

Living It Out Today

Think about a young person taking on a big responsibility, like a student leading a school club. Just like Manasseh, they might need guidance and support to make good decisions. This can teach us about the importance of mentorship and guidance in leadership roles.

Topics

• leadership
• history
• kingdoms
• reign
• parentage
• guidance

Related Verses

• 1 Kings 11:1-13
• 2 Chronicles 33:1-25
• Isaiah 7:1-2
• Matthew 18:3-6
• Romans 13:1-7

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Manasseh's reign successful?

Manasseh's reign was marked by both positives and negatives. While he reigned for a long time, he also led the people into idol worship, which was contrary to God's commandments.

What does the name Hephzibah mean?

Hephzibah means 'my delight is in her', which could symbolize the joy and pride Manasseh's mother brought to his family.

How does Manasseh's early reign relate to today?

Manasseh's early reign can teach us about the importance of guidance and wisdom in leadership, even when we're young and take on big responsibilities.

Are there other examples of young leaders in the Bible?

Yes, like Josiah, who began his reign at 8 years old, and Samuel, who started serving God as a young boy.