Manasseh [was] twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Hephzibah.
Ver. 1. Manasseh was twelve years old.] He was born three years after his father's great recovery, 2Ki 20:6 and about twenty-four years after the ruin of the kingdom of Israel, 2Ki 18:2 ; 2Ki 18:10 till at length Ephraim was utterly broken from being a people; Isa 7:8 Ezra 4:2 ; Ezr 4:10 much about the time that Manasseh was taken among the thorns, and carried captive to Babylon. 2Ch 33:11
And reigned.] Hence some conclude that he was not long a prisoner, because no reckoning is made of his captivity, but he is said nevertheless to have reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem.
Fifty and five years.] This is the longest reign we read of in the holy history. Length of days is no true rule of God's favour.
And his mother's name was Hephzibah.] a Who was daughter to the prophet Isaiah, say the Hebrews; but that is uncertain. She was a good woman, likely, because Hezekiah's wife: and therefore Manasseh's sin was the greater, because he came of so godly parents.
a See Isaiah 62:4 .