The Census of the Manassites refers to the enumeration of the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. This census is significant in understanding the demographic and military strength of the Israelites during their wilderness journey and their preparation to enter the Promised Land.

Biblical Context

The tribe of Manasseh was one of the two half-tribes descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob, with Manasseh being the elder son. The census of the Manassites is recorded in two primary instances in the Pentateuch: the first in the Book of Numbers, chapter 1, and the second in Numbers, chapter 26. These censuses were conducted under the leadership of Moses and Aaron, as commanded by God.

First Census (Numbers 1:34-35)

The first census took place in the second year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, while they were encamped in the wilderness of Sinai. The purpose of this census was to count all the men of Israel who were able to go to war, from twenty years old and upward. According to Numbers 1:34-35 :

"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 enumeration highlights the military potential of the tribe of Manasseh as they prepared for the challenges ahead in the conquest of Canaan.

Second Census (Numbers 26:28-34)

The second census occurred nearly forty years later, as the Israelites were on the plains of Moab by the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. This census was conducted to prepare for the division of the land among the tribes of Israel. Numbers 26:28-34 provides the details of this census:

"The descendants of Joseph included the clans of Manasseh and Ephraim. These were the descendants of Manasseh: The Makirite clan from Machir. Machir was the father of Gilead. The Gileadite clan from Gilead. These were the descendants of Gilead: The Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek, the Asrielite clan from Asriel, the Shechemite clan from Shechem, the Shemidaite clan from Shemida, and the Hepherite clan from Hepher. Now Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons—only daughters, and the names of Zelophehad’s daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. These were the clans of Manasseh, and those numbered totaled 52,700."

The increase in numbers from the first to the second census reflects the growth and resilience of the tribe despite the years of wandering in the wilderness.

Significance

The censuses of the Manassites, like those of the other tribes, served multiple purposes. They were essential for organizing the military forces of Israel, ensuring equitable distribution of the land, and maintaining the genealogical records that were crucial for tribal identity and inheritance rights. The mention of Zelophehad's daughters in the second census also underscores the importance of inheritance laws and the provision for families without male heirs, which later became a significant legal precedent in Israel (Numbers 27:1-11).

The tribe of Manasseh played a vital role in the history of Israel, with half of the tribe settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other half on the west, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. The censuses provide a snapshot of the tribe's strength and organization during a formative period in Israel's history.