Topical Bible: the Tribe of Manasseh: Strength of, on Entering Canaan

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Manasseh, the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman. As part of the larger narrative of the Israelites entering the Promised Land, the strength and significance of the Tribe of Manasseh are highlighted in several biblical passages, particularly in the context of their inheritance and military prowess.

Inheritance and Division of Land

Upon entering Canaan, the land was divided among the tribes of Israel. The Tribe of Manasseh received a significant portion of land, which was divided into two parts: one half settled on the east side of the Jordan River, and the other half on the west. This division is detailed in the Book of Joshua:

"Now this was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn, that is, for Makir, Manasseh’s firstborn, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, he received Gilead and Bashan." (Joshua 17:1)

The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh was granted the regions of Gilead and Bashan, areas known for their fertile land and strategic importance. The western half-tribe received territories within the central part of Canaan, including parts of the Jezreel Valley, a region crucial for agriculture and trade.

Military Prowess and Leadership

The Tribe of Manasseh was recognized for its military strength and leadership capabilities. The descendants of Manasseh were known as valiant warriors, contributing significantly to the conquest of Canaan. The tribe's ability to mobilize and lead in battle is evident in their participation in various military campaigns alongside other Israelite tribes.

In the Book of Judges, the tribe's military prowess is further exemplified through the leadership of Gideon, a member of the tribe of Manasseh. Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Despite his initial hesitance, Gideon led a small army to victory, demonstrating the strength and faith of the tribe:

"The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him." (Judges 6:34)

Challenges and Faithfulness

Despite their strengths, the Tribe of Manasseh faced challenges in fully driving out the Canaanites from their allotted territories. This incomplete conquest is noted in the Book of Joshua:

"Yet the sons of Manasseh were not able to occupy these cities, because the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land." (Joshua 17:12)

This struggle reflects the broader theme of Israel's challenges in fully obeying God's command to possess the land. Nevertheless, the tribe's faithfulness is seen in their continued participation in the life and worship of the Israelite community.

Cultural and Spiritual Contributions

The Tribe of Manasseh also contributed to the cultural and spiritual life of Israel. As descendants of Joseph, they carried forward the legacy of their forefather, who played a crucial role in preserving the family of Jacob during the famine in Egypt. The tribe's presence on both sides of the Jordan River symbolized a bridge between the eastern and western territories of Israel, fostering unity among the tribes.

In summary, the Tribe of Manasseh played a vital role in the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. Their strength in battle, strategic inheritance, and leadership in times of crisis underscore their importance in the biblical narrative of the conquest and settlement of Canaan.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 26:34
These are the families of Manasseh, and those that were numbered of them, fifty and two thousand and seven hundred.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... by the tribe of Ephraim and the half tribe of Manasseh ... Manasseh left Jerusalem about
bc332 ... 1. enjoyment; 2. satisfaction of desire; 3. refreshment and strength. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with strength."Then did ... not certain that all
the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh took their ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... sware "by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength."[41] He ... children of Reuben,
and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, sware thus to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... 26:1). And verily if the cities of the Gentiles, and the strength of their bars ... of
all her turns and stops, in her journeying from Egypt to Canaan, from Babylon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the walls of which are of great size and strength, rising in ... The name of this tribe
was retained ... or betyle similar to those found in Canaan;* more frequently ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... came in time to form a tribe by themselves ... It was essential, therefore, before entering
on the struggle ... useless angles which might detract from its strength. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... of the children of Israel, from Egypt to the land of Canaan; and commanded ... had never
been: wherefore, with more greediness, according to the strength of nature ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Glory is in his wisdom, glory is in his holiness, glory is in his mercy, justice,
and strength; and "God is love" (1 John 4:16).[1]. II. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... his soul; they speak the language of Canaan; they talk ... that occupation being then
followed by the Gipsy tribe. ... As soon as his strength enabled him, he devoted ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm