Manasseh

Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph, the son of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel. His mother was Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). The name "Manasseh" means "causing to forget," as Joseph declared, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house" (Genesis 41:51). Manasseh, along with his brother Ephraim, was born in Egypt before the years of famine.

Manasseh's significance in biblical history is primarily tied to the blessing he received from his grandfather Jacob. In Genesis 48, Jacob adopts Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons, granting them an inheritance among his other sons. During the blessing, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left on Manasseh, the elder. Despite Joseph's protest, Jacob insists, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will be great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a multitude of nations" (Genesis 48:19).

The tribe of Manasseh eventually becomes one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is unique in that it is divided into two half-tribes: one settled east of the Jordan River and the other west. The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh, along with Reuben and Gad, requested to settle in the land of Gilead, which Moses granted on the condition that they assist in the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 32:33). The western half-tribe received its inheritance in the central region of Canaan (Joshua 17).

Throughout Israel's history, the tribe of Manasseh played a significant role. Notably, Gideon, one of Israel's judges, was from the tribe of Manasseh (Judges 6:15). However, the tribe also struggled with idolatry and disobedience, as seen in the accounts of the kings of Israel.

Ephraim

Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and Asenath, born in Egypt. His name means "fruitful," as Joseph said, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction" (Genesis 41:52). Ephraim, like his brother Manasseh, was adopted by Jacob and received a blessing that placed him above his elder brother, despite the traditional custom of primogeniture.

The tribe of Ephraim became one of the most prominent tribes in Israel. It was known for its strength and leadership, often taking a central role in the affairs of the nation. The territory of Ephraim was located in the central hill country of Canaan, a fertile and strategically important area. The city of Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located for many years, was within Ephraim's borders (Joshua 18:1).

Ephraim's prominence is further highlighted by the fact that the name "Ephraim" is sometimes used to refer to the entire northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy (Isaiah 7:2, Hosea 5:3). The tribe's influence was significant during the period of the judges and the early monarchy. Joshua, the successor of Moses and a key leader in the conquest of Canaan, was from the tribe of Ephraim (Numbers 13:8).

Despite its strengths, the tribe of Ephraim also faced challenges, including internal strife and conflicts with other tribes. The prophet Hosea frequently addressed the sins and idolatry of Ephraim, calling the tribe to repentance and faithfulness to God.

In summary, Manasseh and Ephraim, the sons of Joseph, played crucial roles in the history of Israel. Their accounts reflect themes of blessing, leadership, and the complexities of tribal dynamics within the nation of Israel.