The Manassites, descendants of Manasseh, son of Joseph, were one of the twelve tribes of Israel. What makes them unique among the tribes is their geographical division, as they were the only tribe to settle on both sides of the Jordan River—one-half in Canaan and the other in Gilead, east of the Jordan. This division, while offering strategic advantages, also created challenges in unity and national identity.
Despite these challenges, the tribe of Manasseh played a significant role in Israel’s history, producing military leaders, influential figures, and contributing to national expansion. Their story offers insights into obedience, compromise, and the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands.
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Who Were the Manassites?
The Manassites were the descendants of Manasseh, the eldest son of Joseph and Asenath, an Egyptian woman (Genesis 41:50-52). Despite being the older son, Manasseh did not receive the greater blessing from Jacob, who favored Ephraim (Genesis 48:13-20). However, Manasseh still became a large and influential tribe, receiving one of the biggest territorial inheritances in Israel.
Key aspects of the Manassites:
- Divided into two half-tribes, one settling west of the Jordan in Canaan, and the other settling east of the Jordan in Gilead and Bashan.
- Played a key role in battles and expansion, especially under leaders like Gideon and Jair.
- Maintained connections with both Joseph’s legacy and their own independent identity.
The tribe’s division was both a blessing and a challenge, requiring them to balance faithfulness with their geographic separation from the rest of Israel.
Geographic Location and Cultural Practices
The tribal allotment of Manasseh was vast, spanning both sides of the Jordan River.
- Western Manasseh (Canaanite side) – Occupied central Canaan, including key cities like Shechem and Megiddo.
- Eastern Manasseh (Transjordan side) – Controlled the regions of Gilead and Bashan, known for fertile lands and strong fortresses.
Due to their vast landholdings, the Manassites:
- Engaged in agriculture and livestock, especially in Gilead’s rich pastures.
- Built fortified cities, particularly in Bashan, a region known for its strongholds and warrior culture.
- Maintained trade connections with neighboring peoples, including the Ammonites and Moabites.
The geographical division between the two halves of Manasseh would later lead to political and religious tensions, especially when the eastern tribes built an altar near the Jordan River, which almost led to civil war (Joshua 22:10-34).
Biblical References to the Manassites
1. The Blessing and Division of Manasseh (Genesis 48:13-20, Joshua 17:1-6)
Jacob blessed Ephraim above Manasseh, but the tribe still received one of the largest inheritances in the Promised Land.
- Genesis 48:19 – “His younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.”
- Joshua 17:1 – “This was the allotment for the tribe of Manasseh as Joseph’s firstborn son.”
Despite being divided between Canaan and Transjordan, Manasseh remained a dominant force in Israel.
2. The Role of Manasseh in Conquest and Expansion (Numbers 32:39-42, Joshua 13:29-31)
The eastern half of Manasseh played a significant role in conquering Gilead and Bashan, lands previously controlled by the Amorites and Og, King of Bashan.
- Numbers 32:39 – “The descendants of Makir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it and drove out the Amorites who were there.”
- Joshua 13:29-31 – “This is what Moses had given to the half-tribe of Manasseh: all the land of Bashan, the whole kingdom of Og.”
This expansion increased their influence but also separated them from the rest of Israel.
3. Manassite Leaders: Gideon and Jair (Judges 6:11-16, Judges 10:3-5)
Several key biblical leaders came from Manasseh, including Gideon and Jair.
- Gideon (Judges 6:11-16) – God raised up Gideon from Manasseh to defeat the Midianites and deliver Israel.
- Jair (Judges 10:3-5) – A Manassite judge who ruled Israel for twenty-two years and established multiple cities in Gilead.
These leaders demonstrated both military skill and reliance on God in times of crisis.
4. The Near-Civil War Over the Altar at the Jordan (Joshua 22:10-34)
After settling in their land, the eastern tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh built an altar near the Jordan River, causing suspicion among the other tribes.
- Joshua 22:11-12 – “When the Israelites heard that they had built the altar on the border of Canaan at Geliloth near the Jordan on the Israelite side, the whole assembly of Israel gathered at Shiloh to go to war against them.”
The eastern tribes clarified that the altar was not for rebellion, but as a witness to their shared faith with Israel. The conflict was resolved peacefully, but it highlighted the challenges of being a divided tribe.
5. The Decline of Manasseh and the Assyrian Exile (2 Kings 15:29, 1 Chronicles 5:23-26)
The eastern half of Manasseh was among the first tribes to be conquered by Assyria due to their idolatry and disobedience.
- 2 Kings 15:29 – “In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maakah, Janoah, Kedesh, and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the people to Assyria.”
- 1 Chronicles 5:25-26 – “But they were unfaithful to the God of their ancestors and prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.”
The tribe’s divided nature made them vulnerable, and they were eventually exiled along with the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Religious Beliefs and Deities
Though originally faithful to Yahweh, the eastern half of Manasseh fell into idolatry over time, influenced by their pagan neighbors.
- Worshiped Canaanite and Amorite gods, leading to their downfall.
- Established high places and altars contrary to God’s command.
- Suffered exile under Assyria as a consequence of their spiritual compromise.
Their story serves as a warning about the danger of turning away from God’s commands.
Conclusion
The Manassites were a unique and powerful tribe in Israel, occupying land on both sides of the Jordan River. While their territorial division allowed for expansion, it also created challenges in unity and faithfulness.
Their history teaches several lessons:
- God’s blessings require faithfulness – Despite receiving a vast inheritance, Manasseh fell into idolatry and was exiled.
- Compromise can lead to vulnerability – Their divided territory made them more susceptible to outside influence.
- Obedience matters more than military strength – Though they were powerful warriors, their disobedience ultimately led to their downfall.
The Manassites’ rise and fall serve as both an encouragement and a warning, reminding believers that faithfulness to God is more important than power or territory.
Joshua 17:18
“Though the Canaanites have chariots fitted with iron and though they are strong, you can drive them out.”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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