Abstrakt
The article analyses literary traditions about Manasseh in Early Jewish literature. In particular, seven texts have been discussed: Animal Apocalypse, Apocalypse of Abraham, 2 Baruch, Martyrdom of Isaiah, Greek Prayer of Manasseh, Prayer of Manasseh in 4Q381, and a prayer in Apostolic Constitutions 7.37.
When convenient, parallels from Rabbinic literature and Josephus' Antiquities of Jews were mentioned. These literary sources provide us with unique insights into the ongoing development of the tradition and recollections about the Judean King of 7th century BCE.
Manasseh has been remembered in two very distinctive ways, on the one hand as the most wicked sinner guilty of the worst possible deeds and, on the other hand, as a blessed righteous example for the next generations.