Home » » 12 Tribes of Israel Emblem Symmetry - Simeon and Manasseh, part 5

12 Tribes of Israel Emblem Symmetry - Simeon and Manasseh, part 5

At least now in 2012, when you do an Internet search on the emblems for the 12 Tribes of Israel, it's not all that consistent. Almost every tribe has at least two and sometimes more distinct and differing icons. Furthermore different tribes are listed, due to the substitution of Joseph's two half tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, which usually put out Levi and Joseph. On top of that, their listing in the holy texts are inconsistent. There are actually 14 names which can make up the 12 Tribes of Israel. Sometimes Manasseh is listed twice as East and West Manasseh. Consequently this has led to wee bit of diversity.

Part V - Simeon & Manasseh

Flag of Astrakhan
used here to show sword emblem of Simeon

It is the less popular emblems of Simeon and Manasseh that align with a harmonious design, the sword and arrows. Ancient yet modern weapons known to all the ancient kingdoms of earth put a certain kind of gravity between the tribe of Simeon and the tribe of Manasseh.

In many portrayals of the Twelve Tribes of Israel the other emblem associated with Simeon is a castle gate or tower. The castle in particular is thought to be at the City of Shechem. Sword or castle? Which is correct? It all depends on ones point of view. Nonetheless the union of the sword with arrow is an appropriate militaristic match of self defense.

The totem of the sword like the other emblems arise during their final blessings from father Jacob, who chastises Simeon for the cruel and deadly use of weapons. The totem of the castle is based on later chapters. Although the symbol of a castle may be a popular symbol for Simeon, his association with weapons comes much earlier.

The two grandsons of Joseph - Manasseh and Ephraim - are blessed as being as a son rather than a grandson to Jacob. Meaning that the blessings given to Joesph pass on to his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. Coincidentally the promotion of Joseph's sons as brothers equal to their paternal uncles Reuben and Simeon, happen right before Jacob blesses the twelve founding fathers of Israel. Jacob also specifies that he is giving Shechem to Joseph and not his brothers with his sword and bow.

Flag of Adygea
used here to show arrow emblem of Manasseh

In any case a bundle of arrows have become one of the many emblems associated with Manasseh. It's beyond me to say where and when this happened. Suffice it to say its been forgotten in the sands of time.




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