Day 347: The Reigns of Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah

In today's episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we explore the detailed accounts of the reigns of three kings of Judah: Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah. Manasseh begins his rule at the young age of 12 and reigns for 55 years, during which he commits numerous acts that are evil in the sight of the Lord, including idolatry, sorcery, and child sacrifice. However, after being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbles himself before the Lord and is restored to his kingdom, leading to significant religious reforms. His son, Amon, only rules for two years and continues in his father's former evil ways without repentance. He is ultimately assassinated. Josiah, commencing his reign at the age of eight, stands out by ardently seeking God and undertaking extensive religious reforms to restore true worship in Judah. His notable achievements include organizing a grand Passover celebration and repairing the Temple. Despite his piety, Josiah dies in battle against King Neco of Egypt. His reign and dedication to the Lord are remembered through laments composed by the prophet Jeremiah.

00:00 Introduction to Manasseh's Reign
00:04 Manasseh's Evil Deeds
02:14 Manasseh's Repentance and Reforms
04:16 Amon's Short Reign
04:58 Josiah's Early Reforms
07:54 Discovery of the Book of the Law
10:57 Josiah's Covenant Renewal
12:10 Josiah's Passover Celebration
16:19 Josiah's Final Battle and Death

Buy Immerse: Chronicles Now!
Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

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