Gilead, the son of Machir and grandson of Manasseh, is mentioned in several genealogical lists in the Old Testament. InNumbers 26:29-30, he is identified as the ancestor of the Gileadite clans, which included Iezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Shemida, and Hepher. These clans are also mentioned inJoshua 17:1-2, where they are described as receiving an inheritance in the land of Canaan. InNumbers 27:1andJoshua 17:3, Gilead's great-granddaughters, the daughters of Zelophehad, appeal to Moses for the right to inherit their father's property in the absence of male heirs. This incident leads to a change in the inheritance laws, allowing daughters to inherit property when there are no male heirs (Numbers 27:2-11). In1 Chronicles 2:21-23and1 Chronicles 7:14-17, Gilead is mentioned in the genealogies of Manasseh, confirming his role as a significant ancestor of the tribe. The repeated mentions of Gilead in these genealogical lists highlight the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society.
Gilead
MachirEnglishA man from the tribe of Manasseh living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.26.29.