Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly within the narratives of Genesis and the history of the tribes of Israel. His account is intertwined with the themes of providence, blessing, and the unfolding of God's covenant with the patriarchs.

Birth and Naming

Manasseh was born in Egypt during the period of Joseph's rise to power as the vizier under Pharaoh. His mother, Asenath, was the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On (Genesis 41:50-51). Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh, which means "causing to forget," saying, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household" (Genesis 41:51). This name reflects Joseph's journey from suffering to prosperity and his reliance on God's providence.

Blessing by Jacob

In Genesis 48, as Jacob (Israel) neared the end of his life, he blessed Joseph's sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. Although Manasseh was the elder, Jacob crossed his hands and placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, giving him the greater blessing. Joseph attempted to correct his father, but Jacob insisted, saying, "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). This act of blessing was prophetic, indicating the future prominence of Ephraim over Manasseh, yet affirming that Manasseh would also become a great people.

Tribe of Manasseh

The tribe of Manasseh became one of the twelve tribes of Israel, with its inheritance divided between two regions. Half of the tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead and Bashan, while the other half settled on the west side, in the land of Canaan (Joshua 13:29-31; 17:1-11). This division is unique among the tribes and highlights the tribe's significant size and influence.

The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the conquest of the Promised Land, as they were among the tribes that helped secure the territory before returning to their allotted lands (Joshua 22:1-9). The tribe's strategic location and military prowess were vital in the defense and expansion of Israelite territory.

Legacy and Significance

Manasseh's legacy is marked by his role as a progenitor of one of the tribes of Israel and his part in the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. Despite the greater blessing given to Ephraim, the tribe of Manasseh maintained a significant presence in the history of Israel. The tribe's leaders and warriors are noted in various biblical accounts, contributing to the nation's military and political strength.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, Manasseh's account underscores the themes of divine sovereignty and the unexpected ways in which God's purposes are fulfilled. His life and the history of his descendants serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the people of Israel.Genesis 41:50,51
And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bore to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 46:20
And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On bore to him.
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Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren
... Joseph had two sons in the land of Egypt by his wife Asenath, Manasseh and Ephraim. ...
Dan entered with one son, and Naphtali with four sons. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the history of 2.htm

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... Her name was Asenath; and to Joseph and his wife God gave two sons. The oldest
son he named Manasseh, a word which means "Making to Forget.". ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

Chapter xlvi
... land of Egypt (sons), whom Asenath, the daughter ... Septuagint translation, which gives
five grandsons of Joseph. For Manasseh's son Machir and his son Gilead ate ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... before the year of famine came, which Asenath the daughter ... the name of the first
born 'Manasseh': For, said he ... say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... he had children before the scarcity came on; Manasseh, the elder ... and said he would
either bring his son back to ... doubled; he also sent presents to Joseph of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

What is the Prayer of Manasseh? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org

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