Manasseh was only twelve years old when he became King of Judah. His father, King Hezekiah, was one of the godliest kings to have ever reigned over Judah, instituting many reforms to the nation, and purging it from idolatry. After these things, Hezekiah became sick. The sickness was unto death, and God told him, “Set your house in order” (2 Ki. 20:1). Hezekiah prayed that the Lord would heal him, and God answered; his life was extended for fifteen more years (vv. 5–6). It is believed that Manasseh grew up as a young man during this period of extended time to Hezekiah’s life.

Tragically, Manasseh would grow up and become the most wicked king in the history of Judah, and he would reign for fifty-five years. How did this happen? If Hezekiah was such a godly man, surely Manasseh must have seen his father’s example even though young when his father died. A godly father does not always produce a godly son, and the reverse is true too: ungodly fathers sometimes have children who grow up to walk in faith and godliness. Consider the case of Josiah: his father was Amon, a very wicked man (2 Chr. 33:21–25). But Josiah surpassed even his great-grandfather Hezekiah in godliness.

As parents, we can have a great influence on our children. Indeed, we are exhorted to bring them up in the “training and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). However, each person has a will of their own and some follow the instincts of the flesh and the world instead of the path of faith. They become “prodigals.” If you have a prodigal in your life who is dear to you, keep praying and believing. The heavenly Father is with you, for He loves prodigals too (Lk. 15:11–31).