Forgetful

Peter J. Leithart May 18, 2006

“Manasseh” is derived from a causative form of the verb “forget” – hence, cause to forget. Manasseh causes Judah to forget by liturgical change – rebuilding high places, erecting altars and Asherahs, and so on. Memory is nourished by liturgy; forgetfulness by liturgical perversion.

Peter J. Leithart

Peter J. Leithart is president of the Theopolis Institute, Birmingham, Alabama. He posts regularly at his Substack, Notes from Beth-Elim.

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