The Manassites are the descendants of Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). As one of the tribes of Israel, the Manassites hold a significant place in biblical history, with their lineage and inheritance playing a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of the Israelites.

Tribal Inheritance and Territory

The tribe of Manasseh was unique among the tribes of Israel in that it received a double portion of land, divided between territories on both sides of the Jordan River. This division is rooted in the blessing of Jacob, who adopted Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, effectively granting Joseph a double portion through his sons (Genesis 48:5-6).

The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh settled in the region of Gilead and Bashan, east of the Jordan River. This territory was granted to them by Moses, along with the tribes of Reuben and Gad, due to their large herds and desire for the fertile lands suitable for livestock (Numbers 32:33-42). The western half-tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance in the land of Canaan, west of the Jordan, as detailed in the book of Joshua (Joshua 17:1-11).

Notable Figures and Events

Several notable figures and events are associated with the Manassites. One of the most prominent leaders from this tribe was Gideon, who was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon, a member of the Abiezrite clan within Manasseh, famously led a small army of 300 men to victory, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness (Judges 6-8).

Another significant figure is Jair, a judge of Israel, who hailed from the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh. He judged Israel for twenty-two years and had thirty sons who rode thirty donkeys and controlled thirty towns in Gilead, known as Havvoth Jair (Judges 10:3-5).

Spiritual and Historical Significance

The Manassites, like other tribes, experienced periods of faithfulness and rebellion. Their account is intertwined with the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God, marked by cycles of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance. The tribe's geographical division also symbolizes the broader unity and diversity within the nation of Israel.

In the prophetic literature, the tribe of Manasseh is mentioned in the context of future restoration and blessing. Ezekiel's vision of the division of the land in the Messianic age includes a portion for Manasseh, signifying their continued place in God's redemptive plan (Ezekiel 48:4).

Biblical References

· Genesis 41:50-51: "Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, 'God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.'"
· Numbers 32:33: "So Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land with its cities and the territory surrounding them."
· Joshua 17:1: "Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn, namely for Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, who was a man of war. He received Gilead and Bashan."
· Judges 6:15: "But Gideon replied, 'Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.'"
· Ezekiel 48:4: "Manasseh will have one portion; it will border the territory of Naphtali from east to west."

The Manassites, through their history and legacy, reflect the complexities and blessings of God's covenant with Israel, serving as a testament to His enduring faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine purposes.The Manassites

that is, the members of the tribe of Manasseh. (4:43; Judges 12:4; 2 Kings 10:33)

4520. Menashshi -- descendant of Mannasseh
... descendant of Mannasseh. Transliteration: Menashshi Phonetic Spelling:
(men-ash-shee') Short Definition: Manassites. ... of Mannasseh NASB Word Usage Manassites ( ...
/hebrew/4520.htm - 6k

The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee.
... Of this land Josephus writes thus; "And after these (the Manassites) Issachar maketh
mount Carmel and the river her bounds in length, and mount Itaburion in ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 62 the disposition of.htm

Gideon's Brave Band
... He also sent messengers throughout all the land of the Manassites, and they assembled
under his leadership; and he sent messengers to the Asherites, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/gideons brave band.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... Jehu, and spoiled the eastern parts of the country beyond Jordan, which belonged
to the Reubenites and Gadites, and to [the half tribe of] Manassites; as also ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... At most they were small towns and easily captured. Along this highway went the
Hebrew tribes later known as the Ephraimites and Manassites. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that of Gad, and as many of the Manassites as
followed them, were passed over the river, they built an altar on the banks of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

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