Topical Bible: Gilead: Grandson of Manasseh

◄ Gilead: Grandson of Manasseh ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gilead, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as the grandson of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. His lineage is traced through Machir, Manasseh's firstborn, as recorded in the genealogical accounts of the tribes of Israel. Gilead's name is often associated with the region east of the Jordan River, which became the inheritance of the half-tribe of Manasseh.

Genealogy and Family Lineage

Gilead is mentioned in the genealogical records found in the Book of Numbers and 1 Chronicles. In Numbers 26:29, the Berean Standard Bible states, "The descendants of Manasseh: through Machir, the Machirite clan (Machir was the father of Gilead); through Gilead, the Gileadite clan." This passage highlights Gilead's position within the tribe of Manasseh, emphasizing his role as a progenitor of the Gileadite clan.

Territorial Inheritance

The land of Gilead, named after this patriarch, is a mountainous region known for its balm, a valuable resin used for medicinal purposes. The territory of Gilead was allocated to the descendants of Machir, as described in Joshua 17:1, "Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn: Gilead and Bashan were given to Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh and the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war."

Cultural and Historical Significance

Gilead's descendants played a crucial role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges. The region of Gilead was a strategic location, serving as a buffer zone between the tribes of Israel and their eastern neighbors. It was also the setting for several biblical narratives, including the account of Jephthah, a judge of Israel who hailed from Gilead (Judges 11:1).

Symbolism and Legacy

The name Gilead carries symbolic weight in biblical literature, often representing healing and restoration. The "balm of Gilead" is referenced in Jeremiah 8:22, "Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?" This metaphor underscores the region's association with healing and divine intervention.

Gilead's legacy is further cemented by its mention in various prophetic and poetic texts, where it symbolizes strength, resilience, and the enduring promise of God's covenant with Israel. The descendants of Gilead, through their territorial inheritance and historical contributions, exemplify the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the continuity of Israel's tribal heritage.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:29,30
Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.
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Numbers 27:1
Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.
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Numbers 36:1
And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel:
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Joshua 17:1,3
There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he was the firstborn of Joseph; to wit, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.
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1 Chronicles 2:21,23
And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was three score years old; and she bore him Segub.
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1 Chronicles 7:14,17
The sons of Manasseh; Ashriel, whom she bore: (but his concubine the Aramitess bore Machir the father of Gilead:
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Library

How it is Said that Jacob Went into Egypt with Seventy-Five Souls ...
... For there is reckoned there Machir the son of Manasseh, grandson of Joseph, and
Machir's son, that is, Gilead, grandson of Manasseh, great-grandson of Joseph ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 40 how it is said.htm

The Israelites
... Nineteenth, arose under Ramses I., whose grandson, Ramses II ... The kingdom of Manasseh
passed away with Abimelech ... Jabesh-gilead was rescued from the Ammonite king ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Manasseh was said to have been established beyond the Jordan at the time that Gad
and Reuben were in possession of the land of Gilead (Numb, xxxii.33, 39-42 ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... witnessed no alteration in the policy initiated by his predecessor Manasseh; but
when ... judgment, among the rest a certain Zephaniah, a great-grandson of Hezekiah ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... The biblical text does not expressly state that Joash failed to win back the districts
of Gilead from the Syrians, but affirms that he took from them the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm