Manasseh was a king of Judah, known for his long reign from approximately 687 to 642 BCE. He is often remembered for his initial turn towards idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, which led to significant religious and social turmoil in the kingdom. His actions were seen as a departure from the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Later in his life, after being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh repented and returned to Jerusalem. He then worked to restore the worship of Yahweh and removed many of the idols he had previously established. His reign is a complex story of downfall and redemption.