Topical Encyclopedia The term "Manassite" refers to a member of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh is named after Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). Manasseh was one of the two sons of Joseph who were adopted by Jacob as his own, thereby granting them a share in the inheritance of the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5).Territory and Settlement The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two half-tribes, each receiving a separate inheritance. One half-tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead and Bashan, while the other half-tribe settled on the west side of the Jordan, in the land of Canaan. This division is detailed in the Book of Joshua: "Half the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance in Bashan, and the other half received their inheritance among their brothers west of the Jordan" (Joshua 22:7). The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh was known for its valor and military prowess, as described in 1 Chronicles 5:23-24: "The people of the half-tribe of Manasseh settled in the land from Bashan to Baal Hermon, that is, to Senir, or Mount Hermon. They were numerous and mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families." Role in Israel's History The Manassites played a significant role in the history of Israel. During the conquest of Canaan, the tribe of Manasseh, along with the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, was instrumental in the military campaigns led by Joshua. The Manassites were also involved in the battles against the Canaanites and other neighboring peoples. In the period of the Judges, the Manassites were part of the coalition of tribes that fought against the Midianites under the leadership of Gideon, who was himself a Manassite from the town of Ophrah (Judges 6:11-15). Gideon's victory over the Midianites is one of the most celebrated events in the Book of Judges. Religious and Cultural Contributions The tribe of Manasseh, like the other tribes of Israel, was expected to adhere to the covenantal laws given by God through Moses. They participated in the religious festivals and sacrifices prescribed in the Torah. The Manassites, along with the other tribes, were called to be a holy people, set apart for the worship of Yahweh. The Manassites also contributed to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Israel. The prophet Elisha, a significant figure in the history of Israel, was from the region of Abel-meholah, which was within the territory of Manasseh (1 Kings 19:16). Challenges and Failures Despite their strengths, the Manassites, like many of the other tribes, faced challenges in fully obeying God's commands. They struggled with idolatry and the influence of surrounding pagan cultures. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, along with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, was eventually taken into captivity by the Assyrians due to their unfaithfulness to the covenant (1 Chronicles 5:25-26). Legacy The legacy of the Manassites is intertwined with the broader narrative of the people of Israel. As descendants of Joseph, the Manassites held a special place in the history of Israel, symbolizing both the blessings and responsibilities of the covenant relationship with God. Their account is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the ongoing call for His people to live in obedience and faith. Concordance Manas'site (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 3:14 Thesaurus Manas'site (1 Occurrence)Manas'site. Manasses, Manas'site. Manassites . Multi-Version Concordance Manas'site (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 3:14 Jair the son ... /m/manas'site.htm - 6k Manassites (7 Occurrences) Manasses (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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