What role did the tribe of Manasseh play according to Numbers 2:23? Manasseh’s Place in the Wilderness Camp • West side of the Tabernacle, within the camp of Ephraim (Numbers 2:18–20). • Positioned between Ephraim (to the lead) and Benjamin (following). Leadership and Census • “The leader of the Manassites is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur” (Numbers 2:20). • “His division Numbers 32,200” (Numbers 2:21; cf. Numbers 1:34–35). Marching Order • The entire Ephraim camp—Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin—“shall set out third” (Numbers 2:24; cf. Numbers 10:22–24). • Manasseh moved immediately after Ephraim, carrying its banner as part of Joseph’s descendants. Significance • Continues Jacob’s blessing that Ephraim would be foremost yet Manasseh would also become a great people (Genesis 48:19). • Embodies unity and balance: two halves of Joseph serve side-by-side, protecting the Tabernacle from the west. • Their 32,200 fighting men illustrate God’s provision—smaller than Ephraim’s 40,500 yet vital to the camp’s strength (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:18–22). |
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