Numbers 1:35
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty and two thousand and two hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 7
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 7
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
H4519
מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה
of Manasseh
Strong's:
H4519
Word #:
3 of 7
menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
Despite being initially smaller than Ephraim, Manasseh grew to become the largest tribe by the end of the wilderness period. This growth, combined with territorial inheritance on both sides of the Jordan, made Manasseh a significant tribe in Israel's history.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Manasseh's dramatic population growth encourage faith in God's ability to multiply small beginnings?
- What does this teach us about not despising the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10) in spiritual matters?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Manasseh's 32,200 fighting men made it one of the smaller tribes at this census, yet it would grow dramatically to 52,700 by the second census (Numbers 26:34), a 64% increase. This remarkable growth demonstrates God's blessing and providential care, showing that initial size or weakness does not limit God's ability to multiply and strengthen His people. The principle applies spiritually: what begins small in faith can grow mighty through God's grace.