Which king of Judah is described as the most wicked and leading Israel into idolatry?

• A. Hezekiah
• B. Manasseh
• C. Josiah
• D. Ahaz

Answer: (B)

Manasseh, Judah’s king, is described as the most wicked ruler who led the people into idolatry. The biblical record portrays him as doing evil in the sight of the Lord to a degree that surpassed other kings: he rebuilt high places and altars for Baal, made an Asherah pole, and even set up an image in the temple itself. He worshiped the host of heaven, promoted widespread idolatry, and practiced abhorrent rites such as child sacrifice, all of which provoked the Lord to anger and drew Judah away from covenant faithfulness. This emphasis on broad apostasy—the leading of the people into idolatry—sets him apart from others like Hezekiah and Josiah, who are remembered for reforms and faithfulness, and even from Ahaz, who was wicked, though not described with the same degree of idolatrous leadership. Chronicles does note that Manasseh humbled himself later and prayed for mercy, and God forgave him, but the lasting impact of his reign remains the strongest example of turning Judah from the Lord.