WHO IS A GOD LIKE YOU?

A Christian book examines forgiveness using the ancient story of King Manasseh.

As “one of the most corrupt kings” who appear in biblical narratives, Manasseh is an ideal case study for this work’s exploration of the Christian theology of God’s forgiveness. If the man who “deceived Judah and led them to commit more evil acts than the Canaanite nations which the Lord had destroyed” can be redeemed, argues Baptiste, then no individuals are so far removed from God that they cannot also be forgiven. In just 20 pages of narrative and analysis, this book begins with an introduction to Judah’s history, from the Exodus story and God’s command to the Israelites to “have no other gods before me” to the division of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah following King Solomon’s death. Crowned the 14th king of Judah at the age of 12, Manasseh’s list of offenses included building altars for Baal and other deities, practicing witchcraft, and sacrificing his own children as burnt human offerings. Because many of Manasseh’s subjects followed his example—and not that of his celebrated father, the religiously devout King Hezekiah—God pledged to bring “calamity on Jerusalem.” This culminated in Manasseh’s capture at the hands of the Assyrians. With an emphasis on both God’s punishment and forgiveness, Baptiste concludes the book by persuasively connecting Manasseh’s eventual “rescue” and repentance to the Christian doctrine of salvation. With endnotes that fill just as many pages as the volume’s chapters, this is a well-researched study that relies not only on biblical accounts, but also on scholarship, commentary by evangelical theologians, and a sound analysis of original Hebrew texts. Written for a general audience, the work’s appraisal of Manasseh’s life will not be particularly revelatory to theologians familiar with Judaic lore, who may wish for a more nuanced, academic assessment of the story’s history and place within ancient Jewish literature. Similarly, the book’s distinctly Protestant approach, as indicated in its sources and emphasis on personal salvation (as opposed to the sacrament of reconciliation), may alienate Roman Catholic readers.

A concise, well-written evangelical study of forgiveness through a biblical lens.