Date of Award

5-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Steven Delamarter

Abstract

This is an examination of the history of the interpretation of King Manasseh in 2 Kings 21:1-18; 2 Chronicles 33:1-20 and several related verses. This study is undertaken in order to answer three related questions. First, why are there two differing accounts of Manasseh - one painting him as the model of evil and the other as the model of repentance? Next, what is the Manasseh tradition, and how has it developed within the textual histories of both Jewish and Christian milieus? Finally, what is the discrepancy between the biblical presentations of Manasseh and his reputation according to tradition? The purpose of this thesis is to document the scope and character of the Manasseh tradition. At the end, some suggestions will be given as to why these biblical accounts vary, and it will be shown that these dissimilarities do not necessarily correspond to disinformation.

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