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 and its role in the census of the Israelites.

Biblical Context and Significance

The tribe's origins trace back to Genesis, where Manasseh is born to Joseph during his time in Egypt. As the firstborn, Manasseh was expected to receive the primary blessing, but Jacob, his grandfather, crossed his hands and gave the greater blessing to Ephraim, Manasseh's younger brother (Genesis 48:13-20). Despite this, the tribe of Manasseh grew to be one of the most prominent tribes in Israel.

Census and Military Organization

The Book of Numbers records the census of the Israelites, which was conducted to organize the people for military and administrative purposes. The tribe of Manasseh was included in this census, highlighting its importance and contribution to the nation of Israel.

In Numbers 1:34-35 , the census of the tribe of Manasseh is described: "From the sons of Manasseh, their genealogies according to their clans and families, every man twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered with the tribe of Manasseh numbered 32,200."

This census was crucial for determining the military strength of the tribe and its role in the conquest of Canaan. The tribe of Manasseh was divided into two half-tribes, with one half settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other on the west, further emphasizing its strategic importance.

Leadership and Representation

During the census, leaders from each tribe were appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in the task. From the tribe of Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was chosen as the leader (Numbers 1:10). His role was to represent the tribe and ensure accurate registration of its members.

The selection of leaders from each tribe, including Manasseh, underscores the organized structure of the Israelite community and the importance of each tribe's contribution to the collective identity and mission of the nation.

Inheritance and Territory

The tribe of Manasseh received a significant portion of land as its inheritance. The half-tribe on the east of the Jordan River occupied a large territory in Gilead and Bashan, while the western half settled in the fertile regions of central Canaan. This division of land is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where the boundaries and cities of the tribe are meticulously outlined (Joshua 17).

The tribe's inheritance was not only a fulfillment of God's promise to the descendants of Abraham but also a testament to the tribe's strength and influence within the nation of Israel.

Conclusion

The Tribe of Manasseh played a vital role in the history of Israel, from its participation in the census to its strategic settlement in the Promised Land. Its leaders, warriors, and territories contributed significantly to the unfolding narrative of God's chosen people.Numbers 1:10
Of the children of Joseph: of Ephraim; Elishama the son of Ammihud: of Manasseh; Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... made their settlement amid the Royal tribe of Judah ... some of Ephraim, Benjamin, and
Manasseh [602] , had ... Anyhow, since certain persons have adopted this course ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one ... of the captivity of
the land."* The tribe of Dan ... of a copyist, who substituted Manasseh for Moses ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... They were inhabited by the Semitic tribe of the ... and villages were destroyed, and
200,150 persons were led ... Esar-haddon had dealt leniently with Manasseh of Judah ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... of perfect purity in their persons, their altars ... with the government of a mountain
tribe dwelling to ... and Nergal-sharuzur for this purpose selected from their ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the incidents he gives are carefully selected, apt and ... came in time to form a tribe
by themselves ... A number of the Israelites transferred their allegiance to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The Treres were probably the predominating tribe among the ... to be indicated by the
number of different ... Esarhaddon probably selected for the purpose a force ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... that occupation being then followed by the Gipsy tribe. ... observance of the
Lord's-day; all persons were prohibited ... and desire to be one of that number that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Who was Ephraim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How did Isaiah die? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

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