Bible Dictionaries

Holman Bible Dictionary

Manasseh

(muh nass' sseh) A personal name meaning “God has caused me to forget” (trouble). 1. One of at least two sons born to Joseph by Asenath (Genesis 41:50-51 ). Manasseh was adopted by Jacob as one to receive his blessing. Along with Ephraim, Manasseh became one of the twelve tribes of Israel and received a landed inheritance. In almost typical Old Testament fashion, Manasseh, the elder brother, did not receive the blessing of the firstborn (Genesis 48:13-20 ). Jacob crossed his hands and gave that blessing to Ephraim. When the Promised Land was apportioned, half of the tribe of Manasseh, the elder brother, did not receive the blessing of the firstborn (Genesis 48:13-20 ). Jacob crossed his hands and gave that blessing to Ephraim. When the Promised Land was apportioned, half of the tribe of Manasseh settled on the east bank of the Jordan and half on the west. See Tribes of Israel.

2. King of Judah (696-642 B.C.) who was a son of Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:21 ). His was the longest reign of any Judean king. Manasseh's reign was known as one of unfaithfulness to Yahweh. Second Kings blames him for Judah's ultimate destruction and exile (2 Kings 21:10-16 ).