Who Was Manasseh the Patriarch in the Bible — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, born before Ephraim in Egypt. His name means 'causing to forget,' reflecting Joseph's words: 'God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.' As the firstborn, Manasseh should have received the greater blessing. But when Joseph brought his sons to Jacob, the aged patriarch crossed his hands and gave the right-hand blessing to Ephraim. Joseph tried to correct his father, but Jacob insisted that Ephraim would be greater, though Manasseh would also become a great people. Despite receiving the lesser blessing, Manasseh's tribe grew to be one of the largest in Israel. At the first census in the wilderness, Manasseh numbered 32,200 fighting men — fewer than Ephraim's 40,500. But at the second census, Manasseh had grown to 52,700, surpassing Ephraim's 40,500. This growth fulfilled Jacob's promise that Manasseh too would become a great people. The tribe of Manasseh was unique in being divided into two halves. One half settled east of the Jordan, receiving territory from Gilead to Bashan. The other half settled west of the Jordan, in the fertile region between Ephraim and Issachar. This division reflected the tribe's large numbers and their right to extensive territory. Several notable figures came from Manasseh. Gideon, the judge who defeated the Midianites with three hundred men, was from the clan of Abiezer in Manasseh. Jair, who judged Israel for twenty-two years, was a Gileadite of Manasseh. In later history, the eastern half of Manasseh was the first tribe carried into captivity by Assyria. The western half followed soon after. The prophet Isaiah addressed both halves in his oracle: 'Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: and they together shall be against Judah.' Manasseh's story illustrates several truths. It shows that God's purposes are not bound by human customs of primogeniture. It demonstrates that a lesser blessing from God is still a great blessing. And it reminds us that every tribe, clan, and individual has a place in God's plan, regardless of whether they receive the primary or secondary role.

Where It Sits in Scripture

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