King Manasseh – The Longest Reigning King In The Bible
(2 Kings 21:1) Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years.
King Manasseh was the longest reigning king in the Bible. He began his lengthy reign at the young age of twelve, ruling the Kingdom of Judah for 55 long years. During his many years as the leader of Judah, the Bible says Manasseh done what was evil in the sight of the Lord by leading the people into idol worship, reversing the good that his father King Hezekiah had done.
After Manasseh and his people ignored warnings from the Lord, God sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, who took Manasseh as their prisoner. As a prisoner, Manasseh humbled himself before God and prayed to the Lord. God heard his prayer and restored him back to his kingdom in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 33)
King Uzziah (Also known as Azariah) – The Second Longest Reign
(2 Chronicles 26:3) Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years.
King Uzziah had the second longest reign in the Bible. Uzziah’s rule over the Kingdom of Judah lasted fifty-two years, just three years less than King Manasseh. Unlike Manasseh, the Bible says Uzziah done what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Unfortunately, after becoming very famous and powerful, Uzziah allowed himself to become proud which led to his downfall.
He sinned against God by personally entering the sanctuary of the Lord’s Temple and burning incense on the incense altar. This was something only the priests were to do. After Uzziah became furious at the priests for confronting him about what he had done, God struck him with leprosy. He remained a leper until the day he died. (2 Chronicles 26)
The Longest Reigning King Of Israel
(2 Kings 14:23) In the fifteenth year of Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah, Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel became king in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years.
Of the kings of Israel, Jeroboam II had the longest reign. His rule over Israel lasted for forty-one years. He was yet another king who the Scriptures say did evil in the Lord’s sight.
