The term "Machirite" refers to the descendants or members of the family of Machir, the firstborn son of Manasseh, who was the son of Joseph. Machir is a significant figure in the tribal history of Israel, particularly in the allocation of the Promised Land. The Machirites are often associated with the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 50:23 · Machir is first mentioned in the context of Joseph's family. "Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim’s children. Also, the children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were placed at birth on Joseph’s knees." This passage highlights the early recognition of Machir's lineage within the broader narrative of Joseph's family.

2. Numbers 26:29 · The census of the Israelites in the wilderness includes the Machirites: "The descendants of Manasseh: through Machir, the Machirite clan (Machir was the father of Gilead); through Gilead, the Gileadite clan." This enumeration underscores the importance of Machir's descendants in the tribal structure of Israel.

3. Joshua 17:1 · The allocation of land to the tribe of Manasseh includes a specific mention of Machir: "Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn: Gilead and Bashan were given to Machir, the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war." This passage indicates that Machir's descendants were recognized for their martial prowess and were rewarded with significant territories.

4. 1 Chronicles 7:14-15 · The genealogical records in Chronicles provide further details about Machir's family: "The descendants of Manasseh: Asriel was born to his Aramean concubine. She gave birth to Machir the father of Gilead. Machir took a wife from among the Huppites and Shuppites. His sister’s name was Maacah." This genealogy highlights the connections between Machir and other clans within the tribe of Manasseh.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The Machirites played a crucial role in the settlement and defense of the eastern territories of Israel. Their association with Gilead, a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance, underscores their reputation as warriors. The Machirites' inheritance of land east of the Jordan reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Joseph, as well as the broader narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Theologically, the Machirites exemplify the continuity of God's covenant with the patriarchs, as their lineage is traced back to Joseph, a key figure in the preservation and prosperity of Israel. The Machirites' account is a testament to the faithfulness of God in maintaining His promises across generations, as well as the importance of family and tribal identity in the unfolding of biblical history.MACHIR; MACHIRITE

ma'-kir (makhir; Macheir), ma'-kir-it:

(1) The eldest son of Manasseh (Genesis 50:23). In Numbers 26:29 it is recorded that Machir begat Gilead, but another narrative informs us that the children of Machir "went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites that were therein. And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein" (Numbers 32:39, 40 Joshua 17:1, 3; compare also 1 Chronicles 2:21, 25; 1 Chronicles 7:14-17 Deuteronomy 3:15 Joshua 13:31). In the song of Deborah, Machir is used as equivalent to Manasseh (Judges 5:14).

(2) Son of Ammiel, dwelling in Lo-debar (2 Samuel 9:4, 5), a wealthy landowner who protected Mephibosheth (Meribbaal), son of Jonathan, until assured of the friendly intentions of David (compare Ant, VII, ix, 8). Afterward, during the rebellion of Absalom, Machir with others came to David's assistance at Mahanaim, bringing supplies for the king and his men (2 Samuel 17:27).

John A. Lees

Machirite (1 Occurrence)
... MACHIR; MACHIRITE. ma'-kir (makhir; Macheir), ma'-kir-it: (1) The eldest son of
Manasseh (Genesis 50:23). ... Multi-Version Concordance Machirite (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/machirite.htm - 8k

Machir (20 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MACHIR; MACHIRITE. ma'-kir (makhir; Macheir),
ma'-kir-it: (1) The eldest son of Manasseh (Genesis 50:23). ...
/m/machir.htm - 16k

Machirites (2 Occurrences)

/m/machirites.htm - 7k

Sheresh (1 Occurrence)
... she'-resh, sharesh; Codex Vaticanus Souros; Codex Alexandrinus Soros, Lucian, Phares,
Phoros): A Machirite name in a genealogy of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:16). ...
/s/sheresh.htm - 7k

Begotten (77 Occurrences)
... Numbers 26:29 Sons of Manasseh: of Machir 'is' the family of the Machirite; and
Machir hath begotten Gilead; of Gilead 'is' the family of the Gileadite. (YLT). ...
/b/begotten.htm - 33k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus