The term "Manassahite" 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, with portions of its territory located on both sides of the Jordan River. The eastern half-tribe settled in the region of Gilead and Bashan, which is present-day northern Jordan and southern Syria. This area was known for its fertile land and was granted to them by Moses before the Israelites crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land (Numbers 32:33-42). The western half-tribe settled in the central part of Canaan, west of the Jordan River, sharing borders with the tribes of Ephraim, Issachar, and Zebulun (Joshua 17:1-11).

Role in Israel's History

The Manassahites played a significant role in the history of Israel. As part of the northern kingdom, the tribe of Manasseh was involved in various military campaigns and political events. Notably, Gideon, one of the judges of Israel, was from the tribe of Manasseh (Judges 6:15). Under his leadership, the Israelites achieved a significant victory over the Midianites, as recorded in Judges 7.

The tribe of Manasseh also participated in the division and eventual downfall of the united monarchy. After the reign of Solomon, the kingdom split into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The tribe of Manasseh became part of the northern kingdom, which was eventually conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, leading to the dispersion of the ten tribes.

Spiritual and Cultural Contributions

The Manassahites, like other tribes, contributed to the spiritual and cultural life of Israel. The tribe's location on both sides of the Jordan River allowed it to serve as a bridge between the eastern and western tribes, fostering unity and cooperation among the Israelites. The tribe's leaders and warriors were often called upon to support their fellow Israelites in times of conflict and need.

In the genealogies and lists of tribes, the tribe of Manasseh is frequently mentioned, highlighting its importance in the narrative of the Israelite people. The tribe's legacy is preserved in the biblical record, serving as a testament to its role in the unfolding account of God's covenant with Israel.

Biblical References

· Genesis 41:50-51: "Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, 'God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.'"
· Genesis 48:5: "Now your two sons born to you in Egypt before I came to you here will be reckoned as mine; Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine."
· Numbers 32:33: "So Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land with its cities and the territory surrounding them."
· Judges 6:15: "But Gideon replied, 'Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.'"
· Joshua 17:1-11: This passage details the allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh, describing its boundaries and cities.

The Manassahites, as descendants of Joseph, held a special place in the history and heritage of Israel, contributing to the nation's development and spiritual journey.Manassahite (2 Occurrences)

Deuteronomy 4:43
Bezer, in the wilderness, in the land of the plain, of the Reubenite; and Ramoth, in Gilead, of the Gadite; and Golan, in Bashan, of the Manassahite.
(YLT)

2 Kings 10:33
from the Jordan, at the sun-rising, the whole land of Gilead, of the Gadite, and the Reubenite, and the Manassahite (from Aroer, that 'is' by the brook Arnon), even Gilead and Bashan.
(YLT)

Manassahite (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Manassahite (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 4:43
Bezer, in the wilderness, in the land of the plain, of the ...
/m/manassahite.htm - 7k

Manasseas

/m/manasseas.htm - 6k

Manassah (1 Occurrence)

/m/manassah.htm - 6k

Sun-rising (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:33 from the Jordan, at the sun-rising, the whole land of Gilead, of the
Gadite, and the Reubenite, and the Manassahite (from Aroer, that 'is' by the ...
/s/sun-rising.htm - 10k

Brook (75 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 10:33 from the Jordan, at the sun-rising, the whole land of Gilead, of the
Gadite, and the Reubenite, and the Manassahite (from Aroer, that 'is' by the ...
/b/brook.htm - 45k

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