The tribe of Manasseh has much to teach us even today. As one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the life and history of the tribe of Manasseh illustrates key themes that run throughout Scripture and remain relevant for modern readers.
Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph (Genesis 41:50-51). Joseph himself was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who was renamed Israel by God (Genesis 32:28). After Joseph brought his family to live in Egypt during a severe famine, the descendants of the twelve sons grew into the twelve tribes of Israel.
A few key lessons emerge from the Biblical account of Manasseh’s history:
God’s Sovereignty Overcomes Human Sin and Failings
Jacob blessed both of Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, but he crossed his arms so his right hand rested on the younger son Ephraim (Genesis 48:8-20). This unusual blessing indicated that Ephraim would become the more prominent tribe. God’s sovereignty ruled over typical human customs that favored the firstborn.
This theme continues later in Israel’s history when the tribe of Manasseh followed pagan gods (2 Kings 21:1-9). They sinned greatly against God, yet He brought restoration to those who repented (2 Chronicles 33:1-13). Despite human failings, God graciously restores those who turn back to Him.
God Fulfills His Promises
God promised to multiply Joseph’s descendants (Genesis 48:4). Though Manasseh was not as large as Ephraim, both tribes grew to be numbered among the largest tribes of Israel (Numbers 1:34-35). God kept His word.
The land allotted to Manasseh stretched from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea (Joshua 17:7-11). They failed to drive out all the Canaanites from their territory, yet through God’s power and provision they still received the inheritance promised to them.
Obedience to God Brings Blessing
Some from Manasseh helped David fight against the Philistines once he was made king (1 Chronicles 12:19-22). Others assisted Hezekiah in his reforms and spiritual renewal of Judah (2 Chronicles 30:1,10-11). They obeyed God’s anointed leaders and reaped the blessings of righteousness.
On the other hand, many from Manasseh fell into idolatry and ignored God’s word through the prophets. This disobedience led to divine discipline and exile (2 Kings 21:10-15). Yet even in exile God moved the heart of the Assyrian king to allow exiled Israelites to return (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). God blesses obedience and disciplines disobedience, but remains gracious.
God Looks at the Heart
Though Manasseh was an unfaithful king who led the nation into idolatry, he eventually humbled himself and sought the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Unlike his son Amon who failed to do so (2 Chronicles 33:21-23), Manasseh’s repentance was genuine. He removed idols and repaired God’s altar. His heart changed.
This example reminds us that God examines the heart above all else (1 Samuel 16:7). Those who truly humble themselves and turn to Him find forgiveness and restoration, as Manasseh did (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Outward appearances do not fool God.
Courage to Stand Alone
The tribe of Manasseh were among those who decided to return to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon (Ezra 10:30). They stood against the majority who preferred to remain in the surrounding lands. Their courage to stand alone and obey God is commendable.
The New Testament commends those who remain faithful to Christ even when the majority around them do not (Matthew 7:13-14). Though standing alone is difficult, God grants strength and blessing to those who uncompromisingly follow Him.
God Uses All People
Though the tribe of Manasseh failed at times, they produced some bright spots in Israel’s history. Gideon was from Manasseh; he led Israel to victory over the Midianites when they cried out to God for deliverance (Judges 6:14-15). Jair governed Israel well for twenty-two years providing peace and stability (Judges 10:3-5).
These positive examples remind us that God can use anyone for His purposes. No matter our background, if we obey God He will work through us. Scripture contains many cases of God using flawed and ordinary people in amazing ways when they aligned themselves with His will.
Learning from Negative Examples
Manasseh’s history includes many negatives like idolatry, arrogance, and rebellion. Yet Scripture exhorts us to learn not only from positive examples of righteousness, but also negative examples that display the consequences of sin (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).
The mistakes of Manasseh and other biblical figures help us identify pitfalls to avoid. Their examples of unfaithfulness and idolatry, along with the discipline those sins incurred, should caution believers today against going down similar roads. We must learn from others’ mistakes.
God’s Mercy and Redemption
Despite the many failings of Manasseh, God showed overwhelming mercy by restoring him to his throne after he repented (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Manasseh did not deserve a second chance, but God graciously redeemed him.
No matter how badly we have failed, God offers redemption to all who turn to Him. As believers in Christ, we have experienced God’s mercy. We must extend that same mercy and grace to others, just as God did to Manasseh.
Hope Despite Unfaithfulness
The story of Manasseh could be seen as a tragedy of wasted potential and deep unfaithfulness. But hidden within the severe failings is a message of hope.
Manasseh’s life reminds us that God can restore and renew people and nations no matter how far they have fallen. The downward spiral into sin does not have to be the end of the story. When we genuinely repent, God graciously redeems and revives. No situation is too far gone for God to renew hope.
Conclusion
Thousands of years later, the tribe of Manasseh still resonates with important themes and life lessons that remain applicable today. Though not always faithful, Manasseh played a unique role in God’s unfolding story and purposes. The themes revealed in Scripture’s account of Manasseh offer insight and wisdom to all who seek to follow God today.