The tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a unique position in the biblical narrative due to its division into two half-tribes, with one portion settling west of the Jordan River. This entry focuses on the half-tribe of Manasseh that established itself in the land of Canaan, west of the Jordan.

Biblical Background

Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, and his Egyptian wife Asenath. The tribe of Manasseh, along with the tribe of Ephraim, was granted a special status by Jacob, who adopted Joseph's sons as his own, thus giving Joseph a double portion among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5). This act effectively elevated Manasseh and Ephraim to the status of full tribes.

Settlement West of the Jordan

The division of the tribe of Manasseh into two half-tribes is first noted in the context of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The tribe was allotted land on both sides of the Jordan River. The western half-tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance in the land of Canaan, alongside the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin.

The territory of the western half-tribe of Manasseh was extensive, stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. It included significant portions of the fertile Jezreel Valley and the mountainous regions of Samaria. This area was strategically important, serving as a crossroads for trade and military routes.

Biblical References

The allocation of land to the western half-tribe of Manasseh is detailed in the Book of Joshua. Joshua 17:1-2 describes the inheritance given to the descendants of Manasseh, emphasizing the division of land among the families within the tribe. The passage highlights the leadership of Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, who was a man of war and received Gilead and Bashan as his inheritance.

Joshua 17:3-6 recounts the unique case of Zelophehad's daughters, who, in the absence of a male heir, petitioned for and received an inheritance among their father's brothers. This event underscores the importance of maintaining family inheritance within the tribe and reflects the broader biblical theme of justice and equity.

Historical and Theological Significance

The western half-tribe of Manasseh played a significant role in the history of Israel. Its strategic location made it a key player in the defense and administration of the northern kingdom. The tribe's territory included important cities such as Shechem, which held religious and historical significance as a center of worship and covenant renewal (Joshua 24:1).

Theologically, the division of Manasseh into two half-tribes serves as a reminder of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs. The tribe's inheritance reflects the faithfulness of God in granting the descendants of Joseph a prominent place among the tribes of Israel.

Conclusion

The western half-tribe of Manasseh, with its rich inheritance and strategic location, played a vital role in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Its story is a testament to the enduring legacy of Joseph and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people. The tribe's presence west of the Jordan River serves as a reminder of the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel, as well as the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's covenant.Joshua 16:9
And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 17:5-11
And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tradition attributed the misfortunes of the tribe to the ... in size: Ephraim, Gad, and
Manasseh comprised many ... Whereas, in the north and west, cuneiform writing ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The Treres were probably the predominating tribe among the ... One half of the army
proclaimed Sharezer king; the northern ... order, from Sidon in the west the Arabs ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... bani-pal summons the Scythians to his aid"The Scythian invasion"Judah under Manasseh
and Amon ... The river came right up to the walls on the west, and the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Who was Ephraim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How did Isaiah die? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

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