Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a unique position in the biblical narrative due to its division and inheritance on both sides of the Jordan River. Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, and his Egyptian wife Asenath. The tribe's inheritance is detailed primarily in the books of Joshua and Numbers.Territorial Allotment The inheritance of the Tribe of Manasseh is described in Joshua 17. The tribe was divided into two half-tribes: one settled on the east side of the Jordan River, and the other on the west. This division was a result of the request made by the descendants of Joseph for a larger portion of land due to their significant numbers and strength. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh received land in the region of Bashan, which is present-day Golan Heights. This territory was granted to them by Moses before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. Numbers 32:33 states, "So Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the land with its cities and the territory surrounding them." The western half-tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance in the central part of Canaan, stretching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. This included the fertile valleys and strategic locations, such as the Jezreel Valley. Joshua 17:1-2 records, "Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn. Gilead and Bashan had been 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 by their clans." Daughters of Zelophehad A notable aspect of the inheritance of Manasseh is the case of the daughters of Zelophehad. Zelophehad, a descendant of Manasseh, had no sons, only daughters. In Numbers 27, these daughters—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah—approached Moses and the leaders of Israel to request an inheritance among their father's brothers. The Lord instructed Moses to grant their request, setting a precedent for inheritance rights for daughters in Israel. Joshua 17:3-4 confirms this: "Now Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the leaders, saying, 'The LORD commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.' So Joshua gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers, in keeping with the LORD’s command." Challenges and Conquests The tribe faced challenges in fully possessing their allotted territory. Joshua 17:12-13 notes, "But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely." This incomplete conquest led to ongoing struggles with the remaining Canaanite inhabitants. Significance in Israel's History The Tribe of Manasseh played a significant role in the history of Israel. Its strategic location and size made it influential in the northern kingdom after the division of Israel. The tribe's leaders, such as Gideon, emerged as key figures in the biblical narrative, demonstrating the tribe's military prowess and faithfulness to God. The inheritance of the Tribe of Manasseh reflects the broader themes of God's promises, the importance of faith and obedience, and the complexities of possessing the land. The tribe's account is a testament to the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the challenges faced by the Israelites in their journey to establish a nation under God's rule. |