Manasseh

Also known as: Joseph's oldest son (unnamed, Section 024) · Family: Israelites · Role: son of Joseph and Asenath · First appears: The Ruler Of Egypt

During the seven years of plenty, Asenath bore Joseph two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. When Joseph’s brethren came to Egypt, Manasseh questioned them at the city gates. After Joseph released them on the third day, he chose Simon as hostage, and Manasseh bound him and put him in prison.

Later, Joseph sent Manasseh after his brothers to search for the silver cup concealed in Benjamin’s sack; Manasseh searched the sacks, and the cup was found there. When Jacob blessed Manasseh and Ephraim, he placed the younger Ephraim above Manasseh and adopted them as his own sons. At Joseph’s behest, Manasseh laid a hand on Judah’s shoulder, calming his fury when Judah recognized the touch of a kinsman.