Topical Bible: the Tribe of Manasseh: Descended from Joseph's Eldest Son Adopted by Jacob

Bible > Topical > the Tribe of Manasseh

◄ the Tribe of Manasseh: Descended from Joseph's Eldest Son Adopted by Jacob ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Manasseh is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the eldest son of Joseph and his Egyptian wife Asenath. Manasseh was born in Egypt before the arrival of Jacob's family during the famine (Genesis 41:50-52). The name "Manasseh" means "causing to forget," as Joseph declared, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house" (Genesis 41:51).

Adoption by Jacob

In a significant act of blessing and adoption, Jacob, also known as Israel, claimed Manasseh and his younger brother Ephraim as his own sons. This adoption elevated them to the status of tribal patriarchs alongside Jacob's direct sons. Jacob declared, "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you here, will be reckoned as mine: Ephraim and Manasseh will be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine" (Genesis 48:5). This act effectively granted Joseph a double portion of inheritance through his two sons.

Blessing and Prophecy

During the blessing of Joseph's sons, Jacob crossed his arms, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh, the elder. Despite Joseph's attempt to correct his father, Jacob insisted, saying, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19). This prophetic blessing indicated the future prominence of Ephraim over Manasseh.

Territory and Settlement

The tribe of Manasseh received a significant portion of land during the conquest of Canaan under Joshua. Their territory was unique, as it was divided into two parts: one half settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead and Bashan, and the other half on the west side, in the central part of Canaan (Joshua 13:29-31; 17:1-11). This division was due to the request of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to settle in the fertile lands east of the Jordan, which Moses granted (Numbers 32:33).

Role in Israel's History

The tribe of Manasseh played a significant role in the history of Israel. Notable figures from this tribe include Gideon, a judge who delivered Israel from Midianite oppression (Judges 6-8), and Jephthah, another judge who led Israel against the Ammonites (Judges 11-12). The tribe's strategic location and size made it influential in the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy.

Spiritual and Cultural Legacy

The tribe of Manasseh, like other tribes, experienced periods of faithfulness and apostasy. The prophets often called the northern tribes, including Manasseh, to repentance due to their idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant. Despite these challenges, the tribe's legacy is preserved in the biblical narrative as part of the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

References in Scripture

The tribe of Manasseh is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, with references in Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 Chronicles, and other books. These references highlight the tribe's genealogies, territorial allotments, and historical contributions to the nation of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 41:51
And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, has made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 48:5
And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook