2 Chronicles 33:14-25
Not only is the grace of God moved by Manasseh’s plea, but it gives him another opportunity to make up for, to a certain extent, the evil that he had done in the past. As a matter of fact, some conversions only take place on the death bed. And although there is still time for the soul to be saved, in contrast it is too late to serve the Lord down here. An irredeemable loss for ever! (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:15).
Fruits are the proof of a conversion. The conversion of Manasseh is there for all Judah to see. The false gods, which he had served so much, are rejected; the worship of the LORD replaces that of idols. That is indeed the mark of true conversion (1 Thessalonians 1:9). This word means a turnabout, a complete change of direction. The Lord Jesus becomes the object of one’s life and all the energy which, until that time, was spent on serving the world and sin, is replaced by devotion to the Lord.
Amon did not profit from his father’s example. He did not humble himself in his heart. Therefore he passes away "like the flower of the field" – according to the expression of the prophet – "because the spirit of the LORD bloweth on it" (Isaiah 40:6-7).