The King Who Repented: Menashe’s Astonishing Return

A Story That Redefines Repentance

“There is nothing in the world that stands in the way of repentance.” These words of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai in the Zohar come alive in the story of King Menashe. He was the most wicked king Judah ever knew, an idolater, a murderer, and, according to tradition, the man who killed the prophet Yeshayahu, his own grandfather. And yet, Menashe became the ultimate symbol of teshuvah, the power of sincere repentance and return to God.

The Talmud teaches that Menashe cried out from the depths of a Babylonian dungeon and was ultimately heard by God, who made a special opening beneath His Heavenly Throne to accept Menashe's prayer. The Maharal explains that while most penitents are welcomed through the usual gates of justice, Menashe’s return was accepted solely through Divine kindness. If God had not received Menashe, it would have closed the door to repentance for everyone else.

But who was Menashe? And what makes his story so unique?

From the Throne to the Fire: Menashe’s Fall

Menashe, son of the righteous King Chizkiyahu and Cheftzibah (daughter of the prophet Yeshayahu), began his reign at age 12 and ruled for 55 years. Unlike his righteous father, Chizkiyahu, Menashe became a model of spiritual corruption. He rebuilt idolatrous altars, worshiped celestial bodies, planted Asherah trees, and desecrated the Temple by erecting idols and destroying God’s altar.

According to the Talmud (Sanhedrin 103b), he placed a massive idol that crushed people beneath it every morning. He erased God’s name from Torah scrolls and consulted sorcerers and necromancers. Tradition even records that he killed Yeshayahu for rebuking him. The Tanach declares bluntly: “He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, to provoke Him” (Melachim II 21:6). His sins even transcended the sinful ways of the Amorites. 

Fire, Chains, and a Whispered Prayer

When Menashe ignored the warnings of the prophets, God sent the Assyrian army to capture him. He was taken in iron chains to Babylon, where, according to the Talmud, he was placed inside a copper cauldron and burned. In agony, Menashe called out to every idol he had worshiped, but none answered. Finally, he remembered a verse his father had taught him: “In your distress… He will not abandon you” (Devarim 4:30–31).

With nothing left, he turned to the God of his ancestors and prayed from the depths of his heart. The angels tried to block his prayer, asking, “Will You accept someone who placed an idol in Your sanctuary?” God replied: “If I don’t accept him, I close the door on all who seek to return.” And so, God created a special tunnel beneath His throne to let Menashe’s prayer in. He restored Menashe to kingship in Jerusalem, where he finally declared, “There is justice and there is a Judge.”

A Legacy of Hope for All Who Stray

The sages (see Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer and tractate Sanhedrin) saw Menashe’s return not only as personal redemption but as a message for the generations. Though Sanhedrin lists three kings who didn't have a share in the World to Come (Yeravam, Achav, and Menashe), Rabbi Yehuda insists that Menashe was forgiven. Rabbi Yochanan rebuked those who claimed otherwise, warning that they discouraged future penitents.

The Midrash Rabbah even uses a verse from Psalms to prove Menashe’s acceptance: “Gilead is Mine, and Menashe is Mine” (Tehillim 60), and explains that God embraces even the most wayward souls.

Menashe's story leaves no doubt. No matter how far a person has fallen, the gates of teshuvah are never closed. God, in His mercy, reaches even into the depths to draw someone back. As the prophet says: “Return, wayward children, I will heal your backsliding. I will love you freely” (Hoshea 14:5).