Interesting Facts

• Machir was the son of Manasseh, who was a son of Joseph.
• Machir had children who were brought up by Joseph. This signifies a close relationship between Joseph and his great-grandchildren through Machir.

Genealogy

• Machir was the grandson of Joseph.
• His father was Manasseh, one of the two sons born to Joseph in Egypt before Jacob arrived there.
• The sources mention that Machir had children, but their names or his marital connections are not provided.

Historical Context

Machir lived during the time the children of Israel dwelt in Egypt. His grandfather, Joseph, held a prominent position in Egypt, which likely influenced the lives of his descendants, including Machir. The detail that Machir’s children were brought up upon Joseph’s knees suggests a period of stability and close familial bonds within the Israelite community in Egypt, at least during Joseph’s lifetime. This was a time when the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied in the land, and there was peace and honor towards them because of Joseph’s status.

Narrative

The narrative concerning Machir is limited within these excerpts, primarily focusing on his lineage and his connection to Joseph. The significant detail provided is that his children were brought up upon Joseph’s knees. This act of raising grandchildren or great-grandchildren upon one’s knees often symbolized adoption, close care, or the continuation of the family line. In this context, it implies a deep bond between Joseph and Machir’s children, suggesting that Joseph played an active role in their lives. While the texts do not detail Machir’s own actions or personal story, his existence and the mention of his children’s close relationship with Joseph contribute to the broader narrative of Joseph’s long life and the early prosperity of his family within Egypt. This detail also subtly foreshadows the future growth and continuation of the tribes of Israel through the descendants of Joseph, including the line of Manasseh and his son Machir.