Topical Bible: the Tribe of Manasseh: David Appointed Rulers and Captains Over

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The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Named after Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the tribe was part of the half-tribe that settled on the east side of the Jordan River, while the other half settled on the west. This division is often referred to as the half-tribes of Manasseh, with their inheritance spanning both sides of the Jordan.

During the reign of King David, the tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the military and administrative structure of Israel. David, known for his strategic and wise leadership, appointed rulers and captains over the tribes, including Manasseh, to ensure effective governance and military readiness. This organization was essential for maintaining order and defending the nation against external threats.

In 1 Chronicles 27:20-21 , the Bible records the leaders appointed by David over the tribes: "Over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead was Iddo son of Zechariah; over Benjamin was Jaasiel son of Abner; over Dan was Azarel son of Jeroham." This passage highlights the specific appointment of Iddo son of Zechariah as the leader over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, indicating the importance of the tribe in the eastern territories.

The tribe of Manasseh was known for its valor and strength, contributing significantly to the military campaigns of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 12:19-21 , members of the tribe are mentioned as joining David at Ziklag, demonstrating their loyalty and martial prowess: "Some from Manasseh defected to David when he went with the Philistines to fight against Saul. But they did not help the Philistines, because after consultation their rulers sent him away. They said, 'It will cost us our heads if he defects to his master Saul.' When David went to Ziklag, these were the men of Manasseh who defected to him: Adnah, Jozabad, Jediael, Michael, Jozabad, Elihu, and Zillethai, commanders of thousands in Manasseh."

The strategic appointments by David over the tribe of Manasseh reflect the tribe's integral role in the united monarchy of Israel. Their leaders were tasked with maintaining order, administering justice, and ensuring the tribe's readiness for battle. This organization under David's rule exemplifies the biblical principle of wise stewardship and leadership, as each tribe was given leaders who were capable and trustworthy.

The tribe of Manasseh, with its dual inheritance and significant contributions to the kingdom, remains a testament to the faithfulness and strength of the people of Israel. Their involvement in the governance and military efforts under King David underscores their importance in the biblical narrative and the unfolding history of God's chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 26:32
And his brothers, men of valor, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 27:20,21
Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah: of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... judges"The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the ... that all
the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh took their ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, sware
thus to ... David "sware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... his aid"The Scythian invasion"Judah under Manasseh and Amon ... that he exercised a decisive
influence over the destinies ... been one of those perfect rulers of men ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Christ and his church shall be; and how he at last shall, all over the earth ... thee"
(Ezekiel 28:13-18); till thou leftest thy station, and place appointed of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm