Machir is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, known as the firstborn son of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph and Asenath. As a prominent member of the tribe of Manasseh, Machir's lineage and descendants played a crucial role in the settlement and history of the Israelites.

Biblical References and Genealogy

Machir is first mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribes of Israel. In Genesis 50:23, it is noted that Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's children, as well as the children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, indicating the continuation of Joseph's lineage through Machir. This passage highlights the importance of Machir's family in the broader narrative of the Israelites.

In Numbers 26:29, the descendants of Machir are specifically identified as the Machirites: "The descendants of Manasseh: through Machir, the Machirite clan." This identification underscores Machir's role as the progenitor of a significant clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

Territorial Inheritance

Machir's descendants were granted a substantial inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. In Joshua 13:31, the land of Gilead and Bashan is described as being given to the half-tribe of Manasseh, specifically to the descendants of Machir: "Half of Gilead, Ashtaroth, and Edrei—the royal cities of Og in Bashan—were for the descendants of Machir son of Manasseh, for half of the sons of Machir by their clans."

This allocation of land is further confirmed in Joshua 17:1, where it is stated, "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, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war."

Role in Israelite History

Machir's descendants were known for their military prowess and played a significant role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Their inheritance in Gilead and Bashan, regions known for their strategic importance and fertile land, positioned the Machirites as influential players in the history of Israel.

In Judges 5:14, during the Song of Deborah, the warriors from Machir are mentioned as part of the forces that came to aid in the battle against the Canaanite king Jabin: "From Ephraim, their roots in Amalek, came those who follow you, Benjamin, with your peoples. From Machir, captains came down; from Zebulun, those who bear the marshal’s staff."

Legacy

The legacy of Machir is evident in the continued prominence of his descendants throughout the biblical narrative. As the father of the Machirites, Machir's lineage is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel, particularly the house of Joseph. His descendants' inheritance and military contributions underscore the enduring influence of Machir within the history of the Israelites.Numbers 26:29
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 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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