Manasseh is generally considered the worst of the kings of Judah. But this passage describes what is sadly missing in many of the accounts of the 'good' kings: repentance and restoration. Manasseh seems to be presented in the same way the apostle Paul presents himself in 1 Timothy 1:15-16—as the 'foremost of sinners' who received mercy as an example of God’s perfect patience. Such mercy is possible because of the infinite sacrifice of 'Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all' (1 Tim. 2:5-6), no matter how great their sin.