יהושע, פרק כ״ב, פסוק ז׳

The departure of the eastern tribes pauses to focus on the unique situation of the half-tribe of Manasseh. Providing this historical and geographical background clarifies exactly why only half of this specific family joined the tribes of Reuben and Gad on their journey back east [מצודת דוד, רד״ק].

During this farewell, Joshua offered a double blessing and dismissal. One perspective suggests that Joshua blessed the men of Manasseh exactly as he did the other tribes [רש״י], simply adding a few final parting words [מצודת דוד]. This repeated blessing may have been directed at all the returning men because they initially took their leave, delayed their departure for two days, and therefore required a second blessing before finally setting out [רד״ק].

However, the primary approach among commentators is that the half-tribe of Manasseh required a unique, private blessing separate from the rest. This was largely due to the emotional toll of their division. Unlike Reuben and Gad, who remained entirely intact as tribes, these men were forced to separate from the other half of their own family who received land within the borders of Israel. They also had to leave behind their close relatives in the tribe of Ephraim. Joshua sought to speak to their hearts and comfort them, ensuring they did not feel deprived or worried about being left outside the Promised Land [מלבי״ם, אלשיך, חומת אנך]. He even prolonged his words, holding onto the hope that they might change their minds and ask to settle within the land of Canaan after all [אלשיך].

This special treatment was also a reward for their pure obedience. The tribes of Reuben and Gad had specifically requested to live east of the Jordan River because the grazing land suited their vast livestock. In contrast, the half-tribe of Manasseh never made such a request. They agreed to settle there solely to fulfill the command of Moses, and this deep devotion earned them a special blessing [חומת אנך, אלשיך].

Furthermore, their split created a material complication. While Reuben and Gad could keep all their war spoils for themselves, the men of Manasseh were required to divide their newfound wealth with the other half of their tribe who had stayed behind to guard their cities. This complex process of dividing the spoils in Shiloh is exactly what caused Reuben and Gad to wait for them before they could all begin their shared journey home [מלבי״ם].