There must have been a chink in Manassah's armor. He ignored the excellent role models in his life, the scriptures, and the Lord's direct warning. What would it take for him to repent? He was ruining an entire nation. He was leading them down a path of destruction through witchcraft and hellacious policies.
Finally God said, "Enough!" For this man extreme punishment such as being bound in fetters while chained to a wall down on his knees in isolation made him realize he had lived and ruled wrong. It takes reflection to decide whether you are pleasing or displeasing to the Lord. If you need to change your ways and ultimately your heart, will you have to be brought to your knees first? If yes, God will be there.