Machir, the firstborn son of Manasseh, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative as a prominent figure among the descendants of Joseph. His lineage and the inheritance of his descendants are pivotal in understanding the territorial allocations among the tribes of Israel.

Genealogy and Family Background

Machir was the son of Manasseh, who was the firstborn of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were adopted by Jacob as his own, thus receiving a portion of the inheritance among the tribes of Israel. Machir's mother was an Aramean concubine, as noted in 1 Chronicles 7:14: "The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel, whom his Aramean concubine bore; she bore Machir the father of Gilead."

Role and Significance

Machir is recognized as the progenitor of the Machirites, a clan within the tribe of Manasseh. His descendants played a crucial role in the conquest and settlement of the land east of the Jordan River. The biblical text highlights Machir's martial prowess and leadership qualities, which were instrumental in the acquisition of the region of Gilead.

The Land of Gilead Allotted to Machir

The land of Gilead, a fertile and strategically significant region, was allotted to the descendants of Machir. This allocation is detailed in the Book of Numbers, where it is recorded that the children of Machir captured Gilead and dispossessed the Amorites who dwelt there. Numbers 32:39-40 states: "The descendants of Machir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it, and drove out the Amorites who were there. So Moses gave Gilead to the Machirites, the descendants of Manasseh, and they settled there."

The allocation of Gilead to Machir's descendants underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the inheritance of the land. It also reflects the divine orchestration in the distribution of territories among the tribes of Israel, as seen in Joshua 17:1: "Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn, Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, received Gilead and Bashan because they were men of war."

Legacy and Influence

Machir's legacy is further emphasized through his descendants, who continued to play a significant role in the history of Israel. The Machirites were known for their valor and contribution to the military strength of the tribe of Manasseh. The inheritance of Gilead not only provided them with a strategic stronghold but also with a rich and productive land that supported their growth and prosperity.

In the broader biblical narrative, Machir's account is a testament to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The allocation of Gilead to Machir and his descendants serves as a reminder of the divine providence that guided the establishment of the nation of Israel in the Promised Land.Numbers 32:39,40
And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorite which was in it.
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Deuteronomy 3:15
And I gave Gilead to Machir.
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Joshua 13:31
And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining to the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their own daughters to their
sons, and served ... The families of Machir and Jair migrated one after the ...
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