1)

What are the conotaions of the word "ve'Alav Mateh Menasheh"?

1.

Rashi (citing Targum Onkelos): It means 'next to'. 1

1

See Torah Temimah, note 9. Sifsei Chachamim: Rashi did not need to explain the same word in Pesukim 5 &12, since there the Torah writes "ve'ha'Chonim Alav" (where it is perhaps more obvious). Refer to 2:20:151:1. Alternatively, because the Gemara in Menachos, 96b learns it from here. Refer also to 2:20:151:3.

2)

Why does the Torah not write "ve'ha'Chonim alav" here, like it does in Pesukim 5, 12 & 27?

1.

Moshav Zekenim (citing R. Yehudah ha'Chasid): Because Efrayim and Menasheh are like one tribe.

2.

Moshav Zekenim: Because every tribe had a river coming out of Miriam's well [that supplied it with water] - and Efrayim and Menasheh had only one river.

3.

Oznayim la'Torah: Because Menasheh was the factual firstborn who had done nothing wrong to lose it to Efrayim 1 - and "Alav" on its own has connotations of superiority. 2

1

Who gained it only because Ya'akov Avinu declared "Achiv ha'Katon Yigdal mimenu", and because Efrayim was the more numerous tribe (Oznayim la'Torah).

2

Moreover, in Pinchas, where Menasheh was more numerous than Efrayim, the Torah mention Menasheh first.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:

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