Manasseh: The Firstborn Son of Joseph

Manasseh: The Firstborn Son of Joseph

Manasseh’s story is often overshadowed by his younger brother Ephraim, yet his role in Israel’s history is significant. Born in Egypt to Joseph before the famine, Manasseh carried the honor of being the firstborn. Though Jacob gave greater blessing to Ephraim, Manasseh’s tribe still became one of the largest and most influential in Israel, demonstrating both strength and loyalty in battle. His name and legacy reflect remembrance and restoration in the midst of hardship.

Name & Etymology

The name Manasseh (מְנַשֶּׁה, Mənashsheh, pronounced meh-nah-sheh) comes from the Hebrew root נָשָׁה (nāshāh), meaning “to forget” or “to cause to forget.” Joseph explained: “Joseph named his older son Manasseh, for he said, ‘God has made me forget all my troubles and everyone in my father’s family’” (Genesis 41:51, NLT).

In the Septuagint (LXX), his name appears as Μανασσῆς (Manassēs), preserving the sense of forgetting sorrow. The name signifies release from past pain and a new beginning in a foreign land.

Biblical Narrative (The Story)

Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn son, born in Egypt before the famine.

• Jacob’s Blessing (Genesis 48:13–20): When Joseph brought his sons to Jacob, the patriarch crossed his hands, giving the greater blessing to Ephraim, the younger. Joseph protested, but Jacob insisted: “I know, my son; I know,” he replied. “Manasseh will also become a great people, but his younger brother will become even greater” (Genesis 48:19, NLT).

• Territory in Canaan (Joshua 17): Manasseh’s descendants received a large portion of land, including areas on both the western and eastern sides of the Jordan. This double allotment reflected Joseph’s favored status among the tribes.

• Military Role: The tribe of Manasseh became known for strength in battle. Half of the tribe settled east of the Jordan alongside Reuben and Gad, while the other half remained in Canaan proper, creating a broad influence across Israel’s geography.

Historical & Cultural Context

Manasseh’s double inheritance gave them strategic importance, controlling both sides of the Jordan River. This position allowed them to influence trade and defense but also exposed them to foreign threats. Their size and distribution made them one of the most powerful tribes in Israel.

Later, however, the northern kingdom, dominated by Ephraim and Manasseh, fell into idolatry. Prophets like Hosea and Amos often condemned them for unfaithfulness. Still, remnants of Manasseh’s tribe are remembered among those faithful to the Lord.

Character & Themes

Manasseh embodies the themes of remembrance, restoration, and overshadowing. His name reflects forgetting sorrow, but his story is often remembered in light of Ephraim’s greater blessing. His tribe shows both great strength and great vulnerability, living on the borderlands between faithfulness and compromise.

Connection to Christ

Manasseh’s name — “forgetting” — points forward to the redemption we find in Christ. Paul writes: “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13, NLT). In Christ, the pains of the past are transformed into hope for the future.

While Manasseh was overshadowed by Ephraim, Christ Himself took the role of the despised and overlooked, yet brought salvation. What seemed lesser in human eyes became the means of God’s greater plan.

Theological Significance

Manasseh’s story demonstrates that being overlooked does not mean being forgotten by God. Though Ephraim received the greater blessing, Manasseh’s tribe thrived and held significant influence. His legacy points to God’s ability to bring fruitfulness even in circumstances that feel diminished.

Myths & Misconceptions

• Myth: Manasseh was rejected because Jacob blessed Ephraim first.

  
  

  Truth: Jacob did not reject Manasseh. He still promised that Manasseh would become a great people, even if Ephraim surpassed him.

• Myth: Manasseh’s tribe was weak compared to Ephraim.

  
  

  Truth: Manasseh’s territory was vast and strategically vital, and they were known as skilled warriors.

Application

Manasseh challenges us to trust God even when we feel overshadowed or overlooked. His story reminds us that God’s blessings are not limited, and even when others seem to rise above us, He has a unique purpose for our lives. Our calling is to remain faithful, knowing that God does not forget His children.

Conclusion

Manasseh’s legacy is that of the firstborn who lived in the shadow of his younger brother yet became great in his own right. His name, meaning “forgetting,” speaks to God’s power to heal past sorrows and bring new life. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of that promise — past sins and pains are forgotten, and we are made fruitful for His glory.