“And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Beth-shean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.”
This verse is part of the account in the Book of Joshua that describes the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. Specifically, it focuses on the portion allocated to the tribe of Manasseh.
Background:The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were allotted various territories within the Promised Land after their forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Each tribe was assigned an inheritance based on the instructions given by God.
The Tribe of Manasseh:The tribe of Manasseh was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Joseph, the son of Jacob. The tribe of Manasseh received its portion on the west side of the Jordan River, alongside Ephraim. However, their territory extended into the region east of the Jordan River as well.
Allocations in Issachar and Asher:Joshua 17:11 mentions specific cities and regions that were assigned to Manasseh within the territories of Issachar and Asher. These include Beth-shean, Ibleam, Dor, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo.
- Bethshean:Located in the region of Issachar, Bethshean was a fortified city known for its strategic importance. It was situated in the fertile Jezreel Valley, close to the Jordan River.
- Ibleam:Ibleam was another city assigned to Manasseh within Issachar. Its exact location is not certain, but it is believed to be in the vicinity of Megiddo.
- Dor:Dor was a coastal city located in the territory of Asher. It was situated on the Mediterranean coast and was known for its port and trade.
- Endor:Endor was a village within Asher’s territory. It is most notable for its association with the witch consulted by King Saul in 1 Samuel 28.
- Taanach:Taanach was an important city in the region of Asher. It was situated on a strategic trade route and was later included within the territory of Manasseh.
- Megiddo:Megiddo was a significant city assigned to Manasseh within the territory of Asher. It was situated at a crucial crossroads and was known for its historical and military significance.
Three Countries:In Joshua 17:11, it is mentioned that Manasseh had “even three countries.” This likely refers to the three regions or sub-territories within Issachar and Asher that were allotted to Manasseh. These areas were not separate nations but divisions within the land where the tribe of Manasseh settled.
Overall, Joshua 17:11 provides insight into the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, specifically highlighting the territories given to the tribe of Manasseh within the regions of Issachar and Asher. It highlights several significant cities and their inhabitants that were included in Manasseh’s portion of the Promised Land.
