Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the division of the Promised Land. Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, born to him in Egypt by Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). The tribe is named after Manasseh, and it is one of the two half-tribes that descended from Joseph, the other being Ephraim.Biblical Context and Significance The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a pivotal event in the Old Testament, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the inheritance of Canaan. The tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in this process. The land was divided by lot under the leadership of Joshua, as instructed by God, and the tribe of Manasseh received a significant portion of territory. Selection of Representatives In the allocation of the land, representatives from each tribe were chosen to oversee and facilitate the division. From the tribe of Manasseh, notable leaders were selected to ensure the fair distribution of their inheritance. These leaders were responsible for representing their tribe's interests and ensuring that the division was conducted according to divine instructions. Territorial Inheritance The inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two parts: one portion on the west side of the Jordan River and another on the east. This division is detailed in the Book of Joshua. The western portion was located in the central part of Canaan, while the eastern portion, often referred to as the Transjordan, was situated in the region of Gilead and Bashan. Joshua 17:1-2 states: "Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn. Gilead and Bashan were given to Makir, the firstborn of Manasseh and the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war. So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh according to their clans: for the sons of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans." Role in the Division Process The tribe of Manasseh, through its representatives, played a vital role in the division process. Their involvement ensured that the land was apportioned in accordance with the divine mandate given to Moses and Joshua. The leaders from Manasseh, along with those from the other tribes, were tasked with maintaining the integrity and fairness of the distribution, reflecting the unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel. Conclusion The tribe of Manasseh's participation in the division of the land underscores its importance in the history of Israel. The allocation of their inheritance, both west and east of the Jordan, highlights the tribe's strategic and influential position within the nation. Through their selected representatives, the tribe of Manasseh contributed to the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land, fulfilling the covenantal promises made to their forefathers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 34:23The prince of the children of Joseph, for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Iranian Conquest The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What is the Prayer of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Amon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Manasseh Manasseh: (Moses, RV) Father of Gershom Manasseh: King of Judah: History of Manasseh: Son of Joseph and Asenath Manasseh: Son of Joseph and Asenath: Adopted by Jacob on his Deathbed Manasseh: Son of Joseph and Asenath: Called Manasses Manasseh: Two Jews Who Put Away (Divorced) Their Gentile Wives After the Captivity Manasseh:: Affiliate With the Jews in the Reign of Hezekiah Manasseh:: Blessing or Moses On Manasseh:: Incorporated Into Kingdom of Judah Manasseh:: Join Gideon in War With the Midianites Manasseh:: Make Satisfactory Explanation Manasseh:: Malcontents of, Join David Manasseh:: One-Half of Tribe East of the Jordan River Manasseh:: One-Half of Tribe West of Jordan River Manasseh:: Place of, in Camp and March Manasseh:: Prophecy Concerning Manasseh:: Reallotment of Territory To, by Ezekiel Manasseh:: Reallotment of the Territory To, by Hazael Manasseh:: Return from Captivity Manasseh:: Struck Down by Hazael Manasseh:: The Eastern Half Assists in the Conquest of the Country West of the Jordan River the Tribe of Manasseh: Aided David Against Saul the Tribe of Manasseh: At Coronation of David the Tribe of Manasseh: At Hezekiah's Passover the Tribe of Manasseh: Could not Drive out the Canaanites But Made Them Tributary the Tribe of Manasseh: Country of, Purified from Idols by Hezekiah and Josiah the Tribe of Manasseh: David Appointed Rulers and Captains Over the Tribe of Manasseh: Descended from Joseph's Eldest Son Adopted by Jacob the Tribe of Manasseh: Encamped Next To, and Under the Standard of Ephraim West of the Tribe of Manasseh: Families of the Tribe of Manasseh: Half of, Obtained Inheritance East of Jordan the Tribe of Manasseh: Inheritance of the Other Half the Tribe of Manasseh: Offering of, at Dedication the Tribe of Manasseh: Often at War With Ephraim the Tribe of Manasseh: On Gerizim Said Amen to the Blessing the Tribe of Manasseh: Part of Third Division of Israel in Their Journeys the Tribe of Manasseh: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land the Tribe of Manasseh: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Manasseh: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Manasseh: Predictions Respecting the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Abimelech the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Barzillai the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Daughters of Zelophehad the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Elijah the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Gideon the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Jair the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Jephthah the Tribe of Manasseh: Remarkable Persons of Jotham the Tribe of Manasseh: Returned to Their Allegiance to the House of David in Asa's the Tribe of Manasseh: Strength of, on Entering Canaan the Tribe of Manasseh: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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