Introduction:
Manasseh, one of the tribes of Israel, was the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman. The tribe of Manasseh is unique in that it received a double portion of inheritance, with lands on both sides of the Jordan River. This entry focuses on the western inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, which was located in the Promised Land west of the Jordan.

Biblical Background:
The allocation of the land to the tribes of Israel is detailed in the Book of Joshua. Manasseh, being one of the sons of Joseph, was granted a significant portion of land. The tribe was divided into two half-tribes: one settled east of the Jordan, and the other settled west. The western inheritance of Manasseh is described in Joshua 17.

Geographical Boundaries:
The western inheritance of Manasseh was situated in the central region of Canaan. According to Joshua 17:7-10 , the territory extended from Asher to Michmethath, east of Shechem. The boundary ran southward to include the inhabitants of En-tappuah. The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh, but Tappuah itself, on the border of Manasseh, belonged to the Ephraimites. The boundary continued to the Brook Kanah, with towns south of the brook belonging to Ephraim, though they were within the cities of Manasseh. The northern boundary extended to the sea, with Asher on the north and Issachar on the east.

Cities and Settlements:
The western portion of Manasseh included several key cities and settlements. Joshua 17:11 lists some of these, including Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo, along with their surrounding settlements. These cities were significant for their strategic locations and fertile lands.

Challenges and Conquests:
Despite the allocation of land, the tribe of Manasseh faced challenges in fully possessing their inheritance. Joshua 17:12-13 notes that the Manassites were unable to drive out the Canaanites from certain cities, and the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. However, when the Israelites grew stronger, they subjected the Canaanites to forced labor but did not completely drive them out.

Significance in Israel's History:
The western inheritance of Manasseh played a crucial role in the history of Israel. The region included the fertile Jezreel Valley, which was vital for agriculture and trade. The cities within Manasseh's territory, such as Megiddo, were of strategic military importance. The tribe's location also placed it at the crossroads of major trade routes, influencing its interactions with neighboring tribes and nations.

Cultural and Spiritual Aspects:
Manasseh's western inheritance was not only significant for its physical attributes but also for its spiritual heritage. The tribe was part of the larger narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land served as a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Joseph.

Conclusion:
The western inheritance of Manasseh reflects the complexity and richness of Israel's tribal allotments. It highlights the challenges faced by the Israelites in claiming their God-given inheritance and underscores the importance of faith and obedience in overcoming obstacles. The legacy of Manasseh's western territory continues to be a subject of study and reflection in biblical history and theology.