Even though it isn't declared in Numbers 32 that the half-tribe of Manasseh asked for the land to the east of the Jordan, it is understood that they did, as Numbers 32:33 indicate that Reuben, Gad & the half-tribe of Manasseh were given the land on the proviso that they first helped their brethren in the battle to capture the land to the west of the Jordan.
However, a Jewish commentator has seen this differently. He refers to Genesis 48:21,22 when he believes that this decision for the half-tribe of Manasseh to remain on the other side was based on the promise by Israel to Joseph "to give one portion above thy brethren". So he sees this as Moses' decision & not a wish on Manasseh's part. Whatever the truth of the matter, the half-tribe didn't seem to object to it, as that area "was a place of cattle" ( Numbers 32:1) & so it seemed to be a wise decision for their prosperity, as was for Reuben & Gad.
I'm sorry Victor, I can't answer your question. I've tried to research it, but I'm not even able to learn who were the leaders of those tribes (apart from their original name-sakes). All we know, as stated earlier, that the east part of the Jordan was apparently very fertile & well grassed, so it appears that Reuben, Gad & the half-tribe of Manasseh were more inclined to rear cattle & sheep. So maybe the division of Manasseh was dependent on those who pursued this occupation, rather than of a specific sub-family tree within Manasseh that decided to stay there.
Manasseh, one of the 12 tribes of Israel that in biblical times comprised the people of Israel. The tribe was named after a younger son of Joseph, himself a son of Jacob.
After the Exodus from Egypt and the death of Moses, the Israelites entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, who assigned a territory to each of the 12 tribes. The tribe of Manasseh settled in central Palestine-some to the east, some to the west of the Jordan River. When the independent kingdom of Israel, established by the 10 northern tribes after the death of King Solomon (10th century BC), was conquered by the Assyrians in the late 8th century BC, many Israelites were carried off into slavery. In time the tribe of Manasseh was assimilated by other peoples and thus became known in legend as one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Among the most illustrious members of the tribe of Manasseh was Gideon, a fearless warrior who served as judge for 40 years.
However, a Jewish commentator has seen this differently. He refers to Genesis 48:21,22 when he believes that this decision for the half-tribe of Manasseh to remain on the other side was based on the promise by Israel to Joseph "to give one portion above thy brethren". So he sees this as Moses' decision & not a wish on Manasseh's part. Whatever the truth of the matter, the half-tribe didn't seem to object to it, as that area "was a place of cattle" ( Numbers 32:1) & so it seemed to be a wise decision for their prosperity, as was for Reuben & Gad.
thanks again!
God be with you!
After the Exodus from Egypt and the death of Moses, the Israelites entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua, who assigned a territory to each of the 12 tribes. The tribe of Manasseh settled in central Palestine-some to the east, some to the west of the Jordan River. When the independent kingdom of Israel, established by the 10 northern tribes after the death of King Solomon (10th century BC), was conquered by the Assyrians in the late 8th century BC, many Israelites were carried off into slavery. In time the tribe of Manasseh was assimilated by other peoples and thus became known in legend as one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. Among the most illustrious members of the tribe of Manasseh was Gideon, a fearless warrior who served as judge for 40 years.
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