Why will the Lord “make them a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem”?

Manasseh is seen as the most syncretistic of all Davidic kings (2 Kings 21:10–21; 2 Kings 23:26; 2 Kings 24:3) and his wickedness had a profound impact on the nation. He is therefore held responsible for at least some of Judah’s unfaithfulness.¹ But this is the only time Jeremiah mentions his reign and there is never any suggestion that the current generation are simply victims of the damage done by Manasseh. It was only when they persistently rejected the call to repent that the prophet makes it clear that they are identifying with the failures of past generations and willingly following in their rebellion, bringing judgment on themselves.²