fifty-five years: Manasseh's long rule, from 697 to 642 BC was not due to his faithfulness to the Lord, but because the Lord honored his covenant promises (see also 2 Kings 8:19; 19:34; 20:6; 2 Samuel 7:11–16). External conditions were mostly stable. Although Assyrian kings Esarhaddon (680–669 BC) and Ashurbanipal (668–626 BC) led several military campaigns, they did not target Judah until later in Manasseh’s reign, likely around 650 to 648 BC (see 2 Chronicles 33:10–13). Ashurbanipal focused on building projects, religious activities, and the arts, including creating a great library.
he did evil: Manasseh was the most wicked king of Judah. Discussions about his reign highlight his evil religious practices.