Introduction:
Manasseh is a significant figure in the Bible, known both as a tribe of Israel and as an individual, specifically a king of Judah. The name "Manasseh" is derived from the Hebrew word meaning "causing to forget," reflecting Joseph's sentiment when he named his firstborn son, as God had made him forget all his hardship and his father's house (Genesis 41:51).

Tribe of Manasseh:
The tribe of Manasseh is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-52). Manasseh, along with his brother Ephraim, was adopted by Jacob as his own sons, thus receiving an inheritance among the tribes of Israel (Genesis 48:5-6).

The land allotted to the tribe of Manasseh was divided into two parts: one half settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead and Bashan, and the other half on the west side, in the land of Canaan (Joshua 13:29-31, 17:1-11). This division was due to the tribe's large population and the need for ample territory to accommodate them.

King Manasseh of Judah:
Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, was the fourteenth king of Judah and reigned for fifty-five years, the longest of any king in Judah's history (2 Kings 21:1). His reign is noted for its significant departure from the religious reforms of his father, Hezekiah. Manasseh is often remembered for his idolatry and the introduction of pagan practices, which included the worship of Baal, Asherah, and the host of heaven, as well as the practice of child sacrifice (2 Kings 21:3-6).

The Bible records that Manasseh led Judah into greater sin than the nations that the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites (2 Kings 21:9). His actions provoked the LORD to anger, and prophets were sent to warn of impending judgment (2 Kings 21:10-15).

Despite his wickedness, Manasseh's account takes a redemptive turn in the account found in 2 Chronicles. After being taken captive by the Assyrians, Manasseh humbled himself before God and repented. God was moved by his entreaty and restored him to his kingdom in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Following his repentance, Manasseh undertook reforms to remove foreign gods and restore the worship of the LORD (2 Chronicles 33:15-16).

Legacy:
Manasseh's legacy is complex, marked by both profound sin and sincere repentance. His reign had lasting consequences for Judah, contributing to the nation's eventual downfall and exile. However, his personal account of repentance and restoration serves as a powerful testament to God's mercy and willingness to forgive those who turn back to Him.

References in Scripture:
· Genesis 41:50-52; 48:5-6 – Birth and adoption of Manasseh.
· Joshua 13:29-31; 17:1-11 – Allotment of land to the tribe of Manasseh.
· 2 Kings 21:1-18 – Reign and idolatry of King Manasseh.
· 2 Chronicles 33:1-20 – Manasseh's captivity, repentance, and reforms.Manas'seh's (2 Occurrences)

Genesis 48:17
And when Joseph saw that his father was laying his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he held up his father's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head unto Manasseh's head.
(See RSV)

Joshua 17:10
southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea was his border; and they reached to Asher on the north, and to Issachar on the east.
(See RSV)

Manas'seh's (2 Occurrences)
Manas'seh's. Manasseh's, Manas'seh's. Manasses . Multi-Version Concordance
Manas'seh's (2 Occurrences). Genesis 48:17 And when Joseph ...
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Manasseh's (9 Occurrences)

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Manasses (1 Occurrence)

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