Berean Study Bible Manasseh’s Western InheritanceManasseh received an inheritance among Israel as one of Joseph’s two sons adopted by Jacob. Because of the tribe’s size, its territory extended on both sides of the Jordan River. Jos 13:29-31 This is what Moses had given to the clans… as Joseph’s firstborn son, Although Reuben was Jacob’s natural firstborn, Joseph received the firstborn’s double portion through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Each became the head of a distinct tribe with its own inheritance. 1Ch 5:1-2 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel.… namely for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh Machir was Manasseh’s eldest son and the ancestor of a powerful clan within the tribe. His descendants formed a leading part of eastern Manasseh. Num 26:29-34 These were the descendants of Manasseh:… and father of the Gileadites, The family of Machir settled in Gilead, the highland region east of the Jordan. Their identity and territorial claim were tied to their descent from him. 1Ch 2:21-23 Later, Hezron slept with the daughter of Machir… who had received Gilead and Bashan Gilead and Bashan were productive and strategically important lands east of the Jordan. They had been conquered from the Amorite kings and assigned to Machir’s descendants. Deu 3:13-15 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead… because Machir was a man of war. Machir’s family had demonstrated military strength in Israel’s conquest of the eastern territories. Their possession of Gilead and Bashan reflected both their role in battle and the inheritance granted to them. 1Ch 5:18-22 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh… So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh— Manasseh, Joseph’s firstborn son, received an inheritance through one of Israel’s two Joseph tribes. Part of Manasseh had already settled east of the Jordan, while these clans received territory west of the river in Canaan. The division of the land fulfilled the inheritance God had promised to Israel’s fathers. Jos 13:29-31 This is what Moses had given to the clans… the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These were the principal family groups descended from Manasseh through Gilead. Their allotted lands preserved each clan’s inheritance within the tribe. Abiezer later became known as the family of Gideon, while Shechem was associated with the important central region of Canaan. Num 26:29-34 These were the descendants of Manasseh:… These are the other male descendants of the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The land was assigned according to the established family lines of Manasseh. Joseph’s descendants received a double tribal inheritance through Manasseh and Ephraim, reflecting Jacob’s adoption of Joseph’s sons as his own. Gen 48:5-6 And now your two sons born to you in Egypt… But Zelophehad son of Hepher (the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh) Zelophehad belonged to the tribe of Manasseh through Joseph’s line. His family was part of the clans of Manasseh that received land in the central region of Canaan. His recorded ancestry established his rightful place within the tribe and protected the family’s claim to its allotted inheritance. Num 26:29-34 These were the descendants of Manasseh:… had no sons but only daughters. Since Zelophehad died without sons, his family faced the loss of its inheritance from the tribal record. Israel’s inheritance was ordinarily passed through male heirs, but the Lord established a provision for daughters when no sons remained, preserving both the family name and its property within the tribe. 1Ch 2:34-35 Sheshan had no sons, but only daughters.… These are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah faithfully sought the inheritance belonging to their father’s household. Their appeal was upheld by the Lord, and they received land among their father’s relatives. Their inclusion here confirms that Manasseh’s inheritance was distributed according to God’s command, including the lawful rights of these five women. Num 27:1-11 Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher… They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, The daughters of Zelophehad brought their case before Israel’s highest religious, national, and tribal authorities. Eleazar served as high priest, Joshua led the nation in the land, and the leaders represented the tribes responsible for administering the inheritance allotments. Num 27:2 the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses,… and said, “The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Their appeal rested on the command God had given through Moses concerning their father’s inheritance. Since Zelophehad had no sons, his daughters were entitled to receive his portion so that his name and property would remain within Manasseh. Num 27:7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly.”… So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, Joshua carried out the ruling without delay, granting the five daughters a share alongside the male descendants of Manasseh. Their inheritance preserved their father’s household within the tribal allotment. Num 27:8 Furthermore, you shall say to the Israelites,… in keeping with the command of the LORD. The distribution of the land followed God’s established order. Joshua’s obedience confirmed that the inheritance laws given through Moses remained binding as Israel settled the promised land. Jos 11:15 As the LORD had commanded His servant Moses,… Thus ten shares fell to Manasseh, Manasseh received ten allotted portions west of the Jordan, including inheritance for the families descended through Zelophehad’s daughters. These portions were added to the tribe’s earlier holdings east of the river. Num 26:54-56 Increase the inheritance for a large tribe… in addition to the land of Gilead and Bashan Gilead and Bashan had been given to the eastern half of Manasseh after Israel’s conquest of those fertile regions. Their pasturelands, cities, and strategic position made Manasseh’s inheritance especially extensive. Deu 3:13-15 To the half-tribe of Manasseh I gave the rest of Gilead… beyond the Jordan, Manasseh was settled on both sides of the Jordan, with one half dwelling in the eastern territories and the other receiving land within Canaan. Deu 3:20 until the LORD gives rest to your brothers… because the daughters of Manasseh received an inheritance among his sons. The daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—received their father’s portion because he died without sons. Their appeal established that a family’s inheritance would not be lost when no male heir remained. As descendants of Manasseh through Hepher, they were counted among the tribe’s inheritors and received land alongside the male families. Num 27:7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak correctly.”… And the land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the sons of Manasseh. The remaining clans of Manasseh held Gilead east of the Jordan, a broad and fertile region allotted to the half-tribe that settled there. Thus Manasseh’s inheritance extended on both sides of the Jordan: Gilead for its eastern families and territory in Canaan for those who crossed with Joshua. Jos 13:29-31 This is what Moses had given to the clans… Now the border of Manasseh went from Asher Asher was a place within Manasseh’s inheritance, not the territory of the tribe of Asher. It marked the beginning of the boundary assigned to the half-tribe descended from Joseph. Jos 16:1-4 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended… to Michmethath near Shechem, The boundary extended toward Michmethath, near the important city of Shechem in the central hill country. Shechem had long been a significant place in Israel’s history and lay near the border between Manasseh and Ephraim. Jos 16:6 and out toward the Sea. From Michmethath on the north… then southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah. From there the line turned south toward En-tappuah, a settled area associated with Tappuah. These precise boundaries established the inheritance God gave Manasseh in the division of Canaan. Jos 16:8 From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah… The region of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, Manasseh received this surrounding district, including Tappuah (“apple”), as part of its inheritance in central Canaan. As one of Joseph’s two sons, Manasseh held a large and important territory, including lands on both sides of the Jordan. 1Ch 7:28-29 Their holdings and settlements included Bethel and… but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to Ephraim. Although the district lay within Manasseh’s allotment, the city was assigned to Ephraim. The arrangement reflects the adjoining inheritances of the two tribes descended from Joseph and shows that tribal boundaries could include cities belonging to a neighboring tribe. Jos 16:8 From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah… From there the border continued southward to the Brook of Kanah. The Brook of Kanah marked part of the boundary between Ephraim and Manasseh in the central hill country of Canaan. Its course provided a recognizable landmark for preserving the tribal inheritances assigned by lot. Jos 16:8 From Tappuah the border went westward to the Brook of Kanah… There were cities belonging to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim held certain towns within the surrounding territory of Manasseh. As the two tribes descended from Joseph, their adjoining lands and shared settlements reflected their close connection while preserving their distinct inheritances. Jos 16:9 along with all the cities and villages set apart… but the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook Manasseh’s main territory lay north of the Brook of Kanah, while Ephraim’s portion extended southward. The boundary distinguished the lands of the two tribes despite the presence of Ephraimite cities within Manasseh’s region. 1Ch 7:29 And along the borders of Manasseh were Beth-shean, Taanach,… and ended at the Sea. The western boundary reached the Mediterranean Sea, completing Manasseh’s allotment on that side of the land. Jos 15:12 And the western border was the coastline of the Great Sea.… Ephraim’s territory was to the south, Ephraim occupied the central highlands south of Manasseh. Though Joseph’s younger son, Ephraim received Jacob’s greater blessing and became a leading tribe in the northern kingdom of Israel. Ezk 48:5-6 Ephraim will have one portion bordering the territory… and Manasseh’s was to the north, Manasseh’s western inheritance lay north of Ephraim, while another half of the tribe had already received land east of the Jordan. Together, the tribes of Joseph held a large and influential portion of the land. Ezk 48:3-5 Naphtali will have one portion bordering the territory… having the Sea as its border The Mediterranean Sea marked the western edge of Manasseh’s territory, though control of parts of the coastal plain remained contested for generations. Num 34:6 Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea;… and adjoining Asher on the north Asher bordered Manasseh to the north, extending toward the fertile coastal regions and the hills of Galilee. Jos 19:24-31 The fifth lot came out for the clans of the tribe of Asher:… and Issachar on the east. Issachar lay along Manasseh’s eastern boundary near the Jezreel Valley, a strategic and productive region that connected the central highlands with northern Israel. Jos 19:17-23 The fourth lot came out for the clans… Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh was assigned Manasseh received cities west of the Jordan in addition to its larger inheritance east of the river. These enclaves show that tribal territories were not always continuous and gave Manasseh access to fertile valleys and important routes. Jos 19:17-23 The fourth lot came out for the clans… Beth-shean, Situated where the Jordan Valley meets the Jezreel Valley, Beth-shean controlled a strategic passage and remained a significant Canaanite stronghold for many years. 1Sa 31:10 They put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths… Ibleam, Ibleam stood near key routes through the Jezreel Valley and helped secure Manasseh’s western holdings. 2Ki 9:27 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road…… Dor (that is, Naphath), Dor was a coastal city and the center of a surrounding district. Its harbor and access to Mediterranean trade made it a valuable possession. Jos 12:23 the king of Dor in Naphath-dor, one; the king of Goiim… Endor, Endor lay near Mount Tabor and later became known as the place where Saul sought counsel from a medium before his death. 1Sa 28:7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman”… Taanach, Taanach guarded an important route through the Jezreel Valley and was associated with Israel’s conflict against Canaanite kings in the days of Deborah and Barak. Jdg 5:19 Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan… and Megiddo, Megiddo commanded the major highway connecting Egypt with Syria and Mesopotamia. Its location made it one of the most contested military sites in the land. 2Ki 23:29 During Josiah’s reign, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt… each with their surrounding settlements. The towns included their dependent villages, fields, and pasturelands. Together they strengthened Manasseh’s position in the central and northern regions of Canaan. Jos 21:42 Each of these cities had its own surrounding pasturelands;… But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, Manasseh received territory on both sides of the Jordan, yet its western inheritance included Canaanite strongholds that remained beyond Israel’s control. Their failure to take these cities left established pagan populations within the land God had assigned to them. Jdg 1:27 At that time Manasseh failed to drive out… because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. The Canaanites resisted Israel from fortified cities and refused to surrender their long-held settlements. Their continued presence became a source of conflict and spiritual danger, as Israel lived alongside peoples whose worship and customs opposed the Lord. Jdg 1:28 When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites… However, when the Israelites grew stronger, Israel’s growing population and military security gave the tribes greater control over the territory allotted to them. God had fulfilled His promise by establishing them in Canaan and giving them strength against their enemies. Jdg 1:35 And the Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres… they put the Canaanites to forced labor; Rather than removing the remaining Canaanite population, Israel subjected them to labor and gained economic benefit from their presence. This policy allowed pagan communities to remain within the land. Jdg 1:28 When Israel became stronger, they pressed the Canaanites… but they failed to drive them out completely. Their incomplete obedience left Canaanite influence among the tribes, contributing to the idolatry and compromise that would later trouble Israel throughout the period of the judges. Jos 15:63 But the descendants of Judah could not drive out… Then the sons of Joseph said to Joshua, Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph’s sons whom Jacob adopted as his own, together received Joseph’s double inheritance in Israel. Joshua belonged to Ephraim and led the nation after Moses’ death. They brought their concern to him as the one overseeing the division of the land. Jos 16:1-4 The allotment for the descendants of Joseph extended… “Why have you given us only one portion as an inheritance? Although Ephraim and the western half of Manasseh received adjoining territories, they regarded their allotment as inadequate. Their complaint likely concerned the usable land available to them, since parts of the region remained occupied by Canaanites and included difficult hill country. Gen 48:22 And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give… We have many people, Joseph’s descendants had become numerous and influential among the tribes. Their growth reflected the blessing given to Joseph’s family and formed the basis of their appeal for more territory. Gen 48:19 But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!”… because the LORD has blessed us abundantly.” They recognized that their population and prosperity came from the LORD. Yet their request also revealed a reluctance to take full possession of the land already assigned to them. Deu 33:13-17 Concerning Joseph he said: “May his land be blessed… Joshua answered them, Joshua responded to Ephraim and Manasseh, the tribes descended from Joseph, as they sought additional territory. As Israel’s leader, he directed the distribution of the land while holding each tribe responsible to possess its inheritance. Jos 18:3-4 So Joshua said to the Israelites, “How long will you put off… “If you have so many people Joseph’s descendants had become a large and influential portion of Israel. Their numbers gave weight to their request, but Joshua answered by directing them toward land they could develop and occupy. Deu 1:10-11 The LORD your God has multiplied you, so that you are… that the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, The territory already assigned to them included the mountainous central region of Canaan. Though productive in places, its rugged landscape limited settled farmland and required further cultivation. 2Ki 6:1 Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha,… go to the forest and clear for yourself an area Joshua instructed them to expand into the wooded country rather than merely ask for a larger allotment. They were to clear the land, establish settlements, and make use of the territory available to them. Psa 80:8-9 You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations… in the land of the Perizzites and the Rephaim.” This region remained occupied by Canaanite peoples, including the Perizzites and the Rephaim, who were known for their strength and stature. Israel’s possession of the land required courage, labor, and trust in the Lord’s promise to give them victory. Gen 15:20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, “The hill country is not enough for us,” Ephraim and western Manasseh believed their allotted territory could not support their large population. The wooded highlands required clearing and cultivation, while the more open and fertile valleys remained under Canaanite control. Jdg 1:34 The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country… they replied, The descendants of Joseph brought their concern to Joshua, who was overseeing the division of the land. Their request reflected the difficulty of settling territory that had not yet been fully secured. Num 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him replied,… “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, The Canaanite armies held a major advantage on the broad valley floors, where chariots could move effectively. Their military strength made the Israelites reluctant to press into the lowlands. Jdg 1:19 The LORD was with Judah; they took possession… both in Beth-shean with its towns Beth-shean was an important fortified Canaanite city near the Jordan Valley and the approaches to Jezreel. Its surrounding towns formed part of a strong regional network controlling travel and trade. 1Ch 7:29 And along the borders of Manasseh were Beth-shean, Taanach,… and in the Valley of Jezreel.” The Valley of Jezreel was a fertile plain and a major route through the land. Canaanite control of the valley left Joseph’s tribes confined to the hill country, but Joshua would call them to clear additional land and drive out the inhabitants despite their chariots. Jdg 6:33 Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people… So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh— Joshua spoke to the two tribes descended from Joseph through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob had counted both sons among his own, giving Joseph a double inheritance in Israel. These tribes held considerable influence and possessed a large share of the land west of the Jordan. Jos 14:4 The descendants of Joseph became two tribes… “You have many people and great strength. Joshua recognized their growing population and military ability. Their complaint about insufficient territory was therefore met with a reminder that they had the resources to secure and develop more land. Gen 48:19 But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!”… You shall not have just one allotment, Ephraim and Manasseh would receive additional territory rather than remain limited to the land already assigned to them. Joshua directed them to take possession of the forested hill country and drive out the Canaanites who still occupied it. Gen 48:22 And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give… because the hill country will be yours as well. Joshua assured the descendants of Joseph that their inheritance included the mountainous territory of Ephraim and Manasseh. Though difficult to settle, the region offered valuable land and defensive strength. Jos 14:12 Now therefore give me this hill country… It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Much of the territory remained wooded and undeveloped. The people were to clear and cultivate it, extending their possession throughout the land assigned to them rather than seeking additional territory elsewhere. Deu 7:22 The LORD your God will drive out these nations… Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, The Canaanites possessed a feared military advantage, especially in the valleys where chariots could operate effectively. Their strength was real, but it did not cancel God’s command or Israel’s promised inheritance. Jos 11:4-6 So these kings came out with all their armies,… you can drive them out.” Joshua called Joseph’s tribes to act in faith and obedience. God had given them the land, and they were responsible to take possession of it despite the resistance they faced. Deu 9:3-4 But understand that today the LORD your God goes across… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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