The tribe of Ma'nas-seh, descendants of the other son of Jo'seph, had grown in numbers much more rapidly than the tribe of E'phra-im, and its male population over the age of twenty totaled 52,700. Its members had also prospered in flocks and herds, and were noted for skill and bravery in war. To half of this tribe Mo'ses had allotted the territory east of Jor'dan known as Gil'e-ad. To the other half Josh'u-a gave a section of the best territory of Ca'naan lying north of E'phra-im, extending from the Jor'dan to the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea. Even with these two large areas, the tribe of Ma'nas-seh complained that they needed more land. Josh'u-a told them to help the other tribes in taking some of the cities yet unconquered, and that the cities which they took outside of their allotment would belong to them.
The tribe of Is'sa-char was one of the larger of the twelve, having an adult male population of 64,300. It had been predicted that they would be an agricultural people, content with the fruits of peace and industry, and having no desire for the adventures of war. Material prosperity was their chief object in life, yet they did not have enterprise enough to avoid paying tribute to other nations which were stronger. They were given a rather small area just north of Ma'nas-seh, with the Jor'dan forming the eastern boundary, extending north for about thirty miles, and west for about the same distance. The land was mountainous, but within its borders there were many fertile plains, rich valleys, and several important towns. The main road leading from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an to the interior of Ca'naan passed through the southern part of the territory.
It had been predicted that the descendants of Zeb'u-lun would become a great maritime people. This tribe had increased greatly in numbers, having a male population over the age of twenty of 60,500. The people were chiefly interested in commerce and industrial growth. They received a comparatively small district immediately northwest of Is'sa-char, and bordering on the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea for a distance of about fifteen miles. The land was less mountainous than much of Ca'naan, and there were many fertile plains and valleys. On the west was a part of the plains of Me-gid'do, famed as a battlefield in both ancient and medieval times, and over which passed the road from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an to the interior of the country.
