# Manasseh ## Name(s) and Meaning - **Names:** Manasseh - **Meaning:** "Causing to forget" or "He who causes to forget" - **Significance:** The name reflects Joseph's sentiment that God has made him forget all his hardship and his father's house (Genesis 41:51). ## Lifespan/Timeline - **Lifespan:** Dates not precisely given, but he lived during the patriarchal period, as Joseph's son. - **Historical Context:** Manasseh was born in Egypt during the time of Joseph's rise to power as a ruler under Pharaoh. ## Roles/Titles - **Roles:** Patriarch of the tribe of Manasseh - **Significance:** Manasseh was the elder son of Joseph and Asenath. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel, receiving a portion of the land on both sides of the Jordan River. ## Tags - #biblical-figures - #roles-patriarch - #tribes-of-Israel - #timelines-patriarchs ## Cross-References - Birth and naming in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41|Genesis Chapter 41]]. - Mentioned among the tribes in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 26|Numbers Chapter 26]]. - Allotment of land in [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]. - Mentioned in the genealogies in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 7|1 Chronicles Chapter 7]]. ## Key References: Manasseh ### Primary Passages - **Inheritance of Manasseh:** [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]—Describes the allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh, one of the two tribes descended from Joseph. - **Manasseh’s Role in Judges:** [[Judges/Judges Chapter 1|Judges Chapter 1]]—Details how the tribe of Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites from their allotted territories. ### Mentions in Genealogies - **Son of Joseph:** Mentioned in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41|Genesis Chapter 41]] as the firstborn son of Joseph, born in Egypt before the famine. - **Tribal Listing:** Included in the genealogies of the tribes of Israel in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 1|Numbers Chapter 1]] and [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 7|1 Chronicles Chapter 7]], emphasizing the tribe's significance among the Israelites. ### New Testament References - **Genealogy of Jesus:** While Manasseh himself is not directly mentioned, the tribe of Manasseh is part of the broader narrative of the tribes of Israel, which plays a role in the genealogy of Jesus. ### Prophetic/Typological References - **Symbol of Forgetfulness:** The name "Manasseh" meaning "causing to forget" ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41|Genesis Chapter 41]]), symbolically represents Joseph's journey from suffering to prosperity, which can typologically relate to themes of redemption and restoration found throughout scripture. ### Tags - #key-references - #genealogy - #tribe-of-manasseh - #prophecy - #inheritance ## Relationships: Manasseh ### Family Relationships - **Father:** Joseph, son of Jacob, who was sold into slavery in Egypt and rose to become second in command under Pharaoh ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41|Genesis Chapter 41]]). - **Mother:** Asenath, daughter of Potiphera, priest of On ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 41|Genesis Chapter 41]]). - **Siblings:** Ephraim, his younger brother, also blessed by Jacob ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). - **Children:** Machir, who became the father of Gilead ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 26|Numbers Chapter 26]]). - **Descendants:** The tribe of Manasseh, which was split into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan River ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). ### Allies/Friends - **Judah:** As part of the twelve tribes of Israel, Manasseh’s descendants often allied with other tribes during conquests and settlements ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 1|Judges Chapter 1]]). ### Adversaries/Conflicts - **Canaanites:** The tribe of Manasseh, along with others, faced conflicts with the Canaanites during the conquest of the Promised Land ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). - **Midianites:** During the time of Judges, the Midianites oppressed the Israelites, including the tribe of Manasseh, until Gideon, who was from the tribe of Manasseh, led a deliverance ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Spiritual Relationships - **God:** The descendants of Manasseh, like the other tribes, were part of the covenant community of Israel, experiencing both blessings for obedience and consequences for disobedience as outlined in the Law ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]]). ### Tags - #relationships - #family - #allies - #conflicts - #relationship-with-God - #tribeofmanasseh - #conquestofcanaan ## Significance: Manasseh ### Theological Importance - **Inheritance and Blessing:** Manasseh was one of Joseph’s sons, and his descendants played a significant role in the division of the Promised Land. His blessing by Jacob, despite being the firstborn, was overshadowed by the blessing given to his brother Ephraim, which illustrates the theme of God’s sovereignty in choosing whom He blesses ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). - **Tribe of Manasseh:** The tribe is often mentioned in the context of Israel's history and its inheritance, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham about his descendants inheriting the land ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). ### Historical Context - **Settlement in Canaan:** Manasseh’s descendants were split into two half-tribes, one settling east of the Jordan and the other west. This division is significant in the narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement in Canaan ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 22|Joshua Chapter 22]]). - **Role in Tribal Confederation:** The tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the tribal confederation of Israel, often involved in battles and territorial disputes ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 1|Judges Chapter 1]]). ### Symbolism and Typology - **Reversal of Birthright:** The story of Manasseh and Ephraim, where the younger receives the greater blessing, symbolizes the theme of God’s grace and His unexpected choices, paralleling other biblical stories where the younger is chosen over the elder ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). - **Typology of Restoration:** The land and people of Manasseh serve as a type of the restoration God promises to Israel, reflecting a future hope for the nation despite past failures ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 5|1 Chronicles Chapter 5]]). ### Tags - #significance - #theological-themes - #inheritance - #biblical-history - #typology - #sovereignty - #grace ## Character Study: Manasseh ### Strengths and Virtues - **Tribal Leader:** Manasseh is recognized as one of the tribes of Israel, descending from Joseph's son, demonstrating God's blessing and promise through Joseph ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). - **Inheritance:** Received a significant portion of land on both sides of the Jordan River, indicating their prosperity and importance among the tribes ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). ### Weaknesses and Failures - **Incomplete Conquest:** The tribe failed to drive out all the Canaanites from their allotted land, which led to cohabitation and eventual idolatry ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 1|Judges Chapter 1]]). - **Idolatry:** In later generations, the tribe fell into idolatry, turning away from the worship of Yahweh, which was a common failing among the tribes ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). ### Lessons Learned - The importance of complete obedience to God’s commands is highlighted, as partial obedience led to spiritual and societal problems ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 2|Judges Chapter 2]]). - The blessings and responsibilities of being part of God’s covenant people require faithfulness and vigilance ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 22|Joshua Chapter 22]]). ### Tags - #strengths-leadership - #strengths-prosperity - #weaknesses-incompleteobedience - #weaknesses-idolatry - #lessons-obedience - #lessons-faithfulness ## Themes and Symbolism: Manasseh ### Key Themes - **Inheritance and Legacy:** Manasseh, as one of the tribes of Israel, represents the theme of inheritance and the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes. This reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). - **Partial Obedience:** The tribe of Manasseh’s failure to fully drive out the inhabitants of their allotted territory demonstrates the theme of partial obedience leading to future challenges ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]], [[Judges/Judges Chapter 1|Judges Chapter 1]]). - **Repentance and Restoration:** King Manasseh's later repentance after a period of idolatry and evil highlights the themes of repentance and God's willingness to forgive and restore ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 33|2 Chronicles Chapter 33]]). ### Symbolic Elements - **Two Half-Tribes:** The division of Manasseh into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan, symbolizes both the unity and diversity within the people of God. It also illustrates the concept of partial fulfillment of God's promises due to incomplete obedience ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]]). - **Idolatry and Exile:** Manasseh's idolatry and the subsequent exile serve as a symbol of the consequences of turning away from God. This illustrates the biblical principle that disobedience leads to judgment, but repentance results in mercy ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 33|2 Chronicles Chapter 33]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Kingship and Redemption:** King Manasseh’s story serves as a type of redemption narrative, foreshadowing the grace available through Christ. Despite his initial rebellion, his repentance and restoration prefigure the ultimate redemption offered through Jesus ([[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 33|2 Chronicles Chapter 33]], [[Romans/Romans Chapter 5|Romans Chapter 5]]). ### Tags - #themes - #symbolism - #typology - #foreshadowing - #inheritance - #obedience - #repentance - #idolatry - #redemption ## Connections: Manasseh ### Parallel Figures - **Ephraim:** Manasseh, as a son of Joseph, shares a significant familial bond with Ephraim. Both are blessed by Jacob, but Ephraim is placed before Manasseh despite the latter being the firstborn ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). This reversal echoes themes similar to those seen between Esau and Jacob. - **Reuben:** Like Manasseh, Reuben's tribe was also given land on the east side of the Jordan, illustrating the strategic and cooperative nature of these tribes in Israel's early settlement ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]]). ### Foreshadowing/Typology - **Christ:** While Manasseh himself does not directly foreshadow Christ, the concept of the blessing of the younger over the elder (Ephraim over Manasseh) hints at the upside-down kingdom Christ preaches, where the last shall be first ([[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 20|Matthew Chapter 20]]). ### Cultural/Historical Context - **Tribal Allotment:** The tribe of Manasseh plays a crucial role in the settlement of the Promised Land, being one of the tribes that receives land on both sides of the Jordan River ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). This unique allocation reflects the tribe's significant size and importance. - **Judges Era:** During the period of the Judges, Manasseh's territory becomes a backdrop for various conflicts and narratives, including those of Gideon, who is from this tribe ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Tags - #parallel-figures - #foreshadowing-Christ - #historical-context - #tribal-allotment - #reversal-of-fortune ## Legacy: Manasseh ### Impact on Israel/Church - **Tribal Inheritance:** As a son of Joseph, Manasseh's descendants were granted a significant portion of land in the Promised Land, impacting the division and settlement of the tribes of Israel ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). The tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the military and political landscape of Israel, particularly in the northern regions. - **Half-Tribe Across the Jordan:** The division of Manasseh into two half-tribes, one on each side of the Jordan River, influenced the geographical and cultural dynamics of Israel ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]]). ### Mentions in Later Scripture - **Genealogies:** Manasseh is mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, highlighting his importance in the lineage of Israel ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 5|1 Chronicles Chapter 5]], [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 7|1 Chronicles Chapter 7]]). - **Judges Era:** The tribe of Manasseh was involved in the events of the Judges, as seen in the story of Gideon, who was from the tribe of Manasseh ([[Judges/Judges Chapter 6|Judges Chapter 6]]). ### Spiritual Lessons - **Inheritance and Responsibility:** Manasseh's legacy teaches about the responsibility that comes with God's blessings and inheritance. The division of his tribe's land can serve as a metaphor for the spiritual division and unity among believers. - **Role in God's Plan:** Despite challenges, the tribe's participation in Israel's history shows that everyone has a role in God's overarching plan, encouraging believers to find their place in God’s mission. ### Modern Applications - Manasseh's story encourages believers to consider how they steward the spiritual and material inheritances they receive. - His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration among different groups within the faith community, reflecting the division and cooperation seen in his tribe. ### Tags - #legacy - #impact-on-israel - #tribalinheritance - #spiritual-lessons - #biblicalgenealogy ## Geography: Manasseh ### Significant Locations - **Canaan:** The land where the tribe of Manasseh received its inheritance. Half of the tribe settled on the west side of the Jordan River, in Canaan proper ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). This location is significant as part of the Promised Land allocated to the descendants of Abraham. - **Gilead and Bashan:** The regions east of the Jordan River where the other half of the tribe of Manasseh settled. These areas were given to Manasseh because of their assistance in conquering the territory ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]]). ### Travel and Movement - **Journey with the Israelites:** The tribe of Manasseh traveled from Egypt with the other tribes, crossing the Red Sea and wandering the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 12|Exodus Chapter 12]], [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 14|Numbers Chapter 14]]). - **Division and Settlement:** Upon entering the Promised Land, the tribe of Manasseh was divided, with half settling east of the Jordan, in Gilead and Bashan, and the other half settling west of the Jordan, in central Canaan ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). ### Historical/Spiritual Context - **Canaan and Jordan River:** Represents the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham about the land his descendants would inherit ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15|Genesis Chapter 15]]). The division of the land among the tribes symbolized the establishment of Israel as a nation. - **Gilead and Bashan:** These regions were known for their fertile land and significant pastures, which were vital for the tribe’s prosperity. The location east of the Jordan also highlights the unity and division within Israel, as Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh chose to settle there for their livestock, but promised to help in the conquest of Canaan ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]]). ### Tags - #geography - #locations-canaan - #locations-gilead - #locations-bashan - #travel - #tribe-of-manasseh - #promised-land ## Additional Resources: Manasseh ### Cross-Referenced Scripture - **Inheritance and Tribes:** The inheritance of the tribe of Manasseh, along with its divisions, is detailed in the allocations of land within Israel ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). - **Half-Tribe East of Jordan:** The portion of the tribe of Manasseh that settles east of the Jordan River ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 32|Numbers Chapter 32]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]]). - **Genealogical Listing:** Manasseh's descendants are enumerated in the genealogical records, showing the growth and significance of his lineage ([[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 7|1 Chronicles Chapter 7]]). - **Blessing by Jacob:** The blessing pronounced by Jacob over Manasseh and Ephraim, where Ephraim is given precedence ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). ### Genealogical References - **Descendant of Joseph:** Manasseh is one of Joseph's sons and a key figure in the genealogy of the tribes of Israel ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 46|Genesis Chapter 46]]). - **Ancestry in Israel:** The genealogical record of Manasseh within the tribe listings ([[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 26|Numbers Chapter 26]]). ### Maps and Geographic References - **Territorial Divisions:** Suggested mapping of the tribal territories west and east of the Jordan River, emphasizing the lands given to Manasseh ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]]). - **Cities of Refuge:** Locations within Manasseh's territory that serve as cities of refuge ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 21|Joshua Chapter 21]]). ### Recommended Bible Study Passages - **Blessing by Jacob:** The story of Jacob blessing Manasseh and Ephraim, which holds theological significance ([[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 48|Genesis Chapter 48]]). - **Settlement and Inheritance:** Study of the tribe of Manasseh’s settlement and inheritance ([[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 17|Joshua Chapter 17]], [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 13|Joshua Chapter 13]]). ### Tags - #additional-resources - #cross-references - #genealogy - #maps - #inheritance - #tribes - #blessing