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 is known for its substantial inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. During the dedication of the altar in the wilderness, the tribe participated in the offerings that were made by the leaders of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.

Biblical Context

The dedication of the altar is detailed in Numbers 7, where the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel brought offerings for the dedication of the altar. Each tribe's leader presented their offerings over a span of twelve days. The offerings were identical for each tribe, symbolizing unity and equal participation in the worship and service of the Lord.

Offering of the Tribe of Manasseh

The leader of the Tribe of Manasseh at the time of the dedication was Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. On the eighth day, Gamaliel presented the offering on behalf of his tribe. The Berean Standard Bible records this event in Numbers 7:54-59:

"On the eighth day, it was Gamaliel son of Pedahzur, the leader of the Manassites. His offering was one silver dish weighing 130 shekels, one silver bowl weighing 70 shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, to present as a peace offering. This was the offering of Gamaliel son of Pedahzur."

Significance of the Offering

The offerings made by the Tribe of Manasseh, like those of the other tribes, were rich in symbolism and significance. The silver and gold vessels, filled with fine flour and incense, represented purity and the dedication of resources to God. The animals offered for burnt, sin, and peace offerings symbolized atonement, reconciliation, and fellowship with God.

The participation of the Tribe of Manasseh in the dedication of the altar underscores their role in the collective worship and covenant relationship with Yahweh. It reflects their commitment to the laws and ordinances given through Moses and their place within the broader community of Israel.

Historical and Theological Insights

The Tribe of Manasseh's offering at the dedication of the altar is a testament to their faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. It highlights the importance of communal worship and the shared responsibility of the tribes in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. The offerings also foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the Tribe of Manasseh, despite its challenges and occasional lapses, is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and the enduring legacy of the patriarchs. The dedication offerings serve as a model of worship and devotion, calling believers to offer their best to God in gratitude and reverence.Numbers 7:54-59
On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... from their foes, expressed their gratitude by offering the crown ... the captivity of
the land."* The tribe of Dan ... of a copyist, who substituted Manasseh for Moses ...
/.../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 ... Lord, or if to offer thereon burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or if ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the couplet recited by Solomon at the dedication of the ... 10-16, where Ahaz is described
as offering sacrifice and ... they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... The Assyrian triangle and the defence of Nineveh: Assur-bani-pal summons the Scythians
to his aid"The Scythian invasion"Judah under Manasseh and Amon ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.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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