Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant position in the biblical narrative, both in terms of its ancestral heritage and its role during the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The tribe descends from Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). As such, Manasseh is often associated with themes of blessing, inheritance, and divine providence.

Position in the Camp:

In the arrangement of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey, as detailed in the Book of Numbers, the tribe of Manasseh was positioned on the west side of the Tabernacle. This placement was part of the larger camp of Ephraim, which included the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin. Numbers 2:18-20 states: "On the west side, the divisions of Ephraim are to camp under their standard, with the leader of the Ephraimites being Elishama son of Ammihud. His division Numbers 40,500. Next will be the tribe of Manasseh. The leader of the Manassites is Gamaliel son of Pedahzur."

The strategic placement of Manasseh alongside Ephraim and Benjamin highlights the unity and cooperation among the tribes descended from Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. This arrangement also underscores the importance of the tribe of Manasseh within the collective identity of Israel.

Role in the March:

During the Israelites' march through the wilderness, the tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role as part of the third group to set out, following the tribes of Judah and Reuben. Numbers 10:22-23 records: "Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out, under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command. Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of Manasseh."

This order of march reflects the organized and divinely ordained structure of the Israelite community, with each tribe contributing to the overall movement and protection of the nation. The tribe of Manasseh, as part of the Ephraimite camp, was integral to maintaining the cohesion and forward momentum of the Israelites as they journeyed toward the Promised Land.

Spiritual Significance:

The tribe of Manasseh, through its position in the camp and its role in the march, symbolizes the themes of faithfulness and divine guidance. The careful arrangement of the tribes around the Tabernacle, with the presence of God at the center, serves as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. Manasseh's participation in this sacred journey underscores the tribe's commitment to following God's leading and upholding the legacy of their forefather Joseph, who was a model of faith and perseverance.

In summary, the place of Manasseh in the camp and march of Israel is a testament to the tribe's integral role in the unfolding story of God's people. Through their strategic placement and active participation, the tribe of Manasseh contributes to the fulfillment of God's promises and the realization of His divine plan for Israel.Numbers 2:18,20
On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 10:22,23
And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud.
Nave's Topical Index

The Story of Gideon and his Three Hundred Soldiers
... Gideon sent messengers through all Manasseh on the west of Jordan ... The ten thousand
men in the camp he had placed on ... in the war, to hold the only place at the ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of gideon and.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... of Gad, and [the half tribe of] Manasseh, for half ... So Joshua removed his camp to
the mountainous country, and ... city of Shiloh, for that seemed a fit place for it ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Stones Crying Out
... children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over ... would be to throw up
some earthwork round the camp. It seems to have been the resting-place of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/stones crying out.htm

Numbers
... war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it ... the older narrative are absent, and
their place is taken ... Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, on condition ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... as the swarms of grasshoppers, which camp in the ... reaction was not allowed to take
place without opposition ... We are told that Manasseh "shed innocent blood very ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... If Eleazar, and especially Manasseh, owned their position, or at ... Octavianus (in 42
bc) took the place of Brutus ... were lured into the Parthian camp, and finally ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... ours in Christ Jesus; "Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine ... and as his study was
his only place of refuge ... by God to make his people leave the camp and foresake ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... worn out by its own activity, had given place to a new ... was in excellent fighting
order, and ready to march in any ... He at once struck his camp and marched out to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... him to act without further delay: "Go, do not hesitate, for we march with thee and ...
seems borne out by the fact that the decisive battle took place beyond the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... Esar-haddon had dealt leniently with Manasseh of Judah ... kings of Persian origin had
taken the place of the ... The camp was fixed near Sippara, towards the northern ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Who was King Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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

Who was Manasseh in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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