Topical Encyclopedia
The Manassites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman. Manasseh was the elder brother of Ephraim, and together they were adopted by Jacob as his own sons, thus receiving an inheritance among the tribes of Israel (
Genesis 48:5). The tribe of Manasseh is often mentioned in the context of the half-tribe, as their inheritance was divided between land on the east and west sides of the Jordan River.
Territory and SettlementThe tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was allotted land on both sides of the Jordan River. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh settled in the region of Bashan, which is present-day Golan Heights, and extended to the borders of Gilead. This area was known for its rich pastures and was suitable for the large herds of livestock owned by the tribe (
Numbers 32:39-42). The western half-tribe of Manasseh received land in the central part of Canaan, stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, including parts of the fertile Jezreel Valley (
Joshua 17:1-11).
Biblical SignificanceThe Manassites played a significant role in the history of Israel. Gideon, one of the most notable judges of Israel, was from the tribe of Manasseh. He led a small army to victory against the Midianites, demonstrating God's power and deliverance (Judges 6-8). The tribe's strategic location on both sides of the Jordan made them influential in the defense and administration of the northern kingdom.
Challenges and ConflictsDespite their strengths, the Manassites faced challenges in fully possessing their allotted territory. The Canaanites, who inhabited the land, were not entirely driven out, and the Manassites were forced to coexist with them, often leading to conflicts and compromises (
Joshua 17:12-13). This failure to completely obey God's command to remove the inhabitants of the land led to spiritual and cultural challenges for the tribe.
Spiritual LegacyThe tribe of Manasseh is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The division of their inheritance across the Jordan River symbolizes the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel. The Manassites, like all tribes, were called to uphold the covenant with God, serving as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities that come with being part of God's chosen people.
Key Bible References·
Genesis 48:5: "Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, just as Reuben and Simeon are mine."
·
Numbers 32:39-42: The account of the eastern half-tribe of Manasseh taking possession of the land of Bashan.
·
Joshua 17:1-11: The description of the land allotted to the western half-tribe of Manasseh.
·
Judges 6-8: The account of Gideon, a judge from the tribe of Manasseh, and his victory over the Midianites.
The Manassites, through their history and legacy, reflect the broader narrative of Israel's journey with God, marked by both triumphs and trials.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MANASSITESma-nas'-its (menashshi; ho Manasse): Members of the tribe of Manasseh (Deuteronomy 4:43; Judges 12:4 the King James Version; 2 Kings 10:33).
Strong's Hebrew
4520. Menashshi -- descendant of Mannasseh... descendant of Mannasseh. Transliteration: Menashshi Phonetic Spelling:
(men-ash-shee') Short Definition:
Manassites.
... of Mannasseh NASB Word Usage
Manassites (
...Library
The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee.
... Of this land Josephus writes thus; "And after these (theManassites) Issachar maketh
mount Carmel and the river her bounds in length, and mount Itaburion in...
Gideon's Brave Band
... He also sent messengers throughout all the land of theManassites, and they assembled
under his leadership; and he sent messengers to the Asherites, the...
Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the...
... Jehu, and spoiled the eastern parts of the country beyond Jordan, which belonged
to the Reubenites and Gadites, and to [the half tribe of]Manassites; as also...
A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... At most they were small towns and easily captured. Along this highway went the
Hebrew tribes later known as the Ephraimites andManassites....
How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that of Gad, and as many of theManassites as
followed them, were passed over the river, they built an altar on the banks of...
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <....
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <....
Thesaurus
Manassites (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MANASSITES. ma-nas'-its (menashshi
... 10:33).
Multi-Version Concordance
Manassites (7 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 4
...Manas'sites (10 Occurrences)
Manas'sites.Manassites, Manas'sites. Manchild . Multi-Version Concordance
Manas'sites (10 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 4:43 Bezer...
Gadite (14 Occurrences)
... 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites....
Reubenite (16 Occurrences)
... 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites....
Gadites (32 Occurrences)
... 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites....
Reubenites (37 Occurrences)
... 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites....
Bashan (54 Occurrences)
... 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites....
Oversight (23 Occurrences)
... seven hundred, heads of fathers' houses, whom king David made overseers over the
Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of theManassites, for every...
Golan (4 Occurrences)
... 4:43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites....
Tableland (8 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43 Bezer in the wilderness, in the table-land, for the Reubenites;
and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for theManassites...
Resources
Why did the Israelites take the Canaanites as slaves instead of destroying them as they were instructed? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jehu destroy the Baal worship in Israel but not the worship of golden calves? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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