Joshua 17:11

Beth-shean. Literally, “house of rest.” This was a city in the tribe of Issachar that was assigned to Manasseh. It was in a strategic place at the junction of two important valleys, namely, the deep Jordan valley and the Valley of Jezreel. It is possible that because Manasseh was a warlike tribe, and thus an able defender for Israel, it was thought wise to allow Manasseh to man this stronghold and dwell in it. In NT times Beth-shan was one of the largest of the ten Greek cities known as the Decapolis, and was called Scythopolis. To modern Arabs it is known as Tell el Husn, near modern Beisan (Beth-shan), which perpetuates the ancient name.

Ibleam. Today known as Tell BeVameh. It too was a heavily fortified town, being a part of a series of fortifications that extended from Beth-shan to the Mediterranean coast. It was situated about 13 mi. (21 km.) north-northeast of Samaria on the road to Megiddo. Along with Beth-shan it was probably given to Manasseh for defense purposes as well as to provide more living space.

Dor. A Mediterranean seaport in the inheritance of Asher, but given to Manasseh. It lay between the Carmel headland and the Caesarea of NT times.

En-dor. This town was to the north of the Hill Moreh, 3 3/4 mi. (6 km.) south of Mt. Tabor and 6 1/2 mi. (10.4 km.) southeast of Nazareth. The witch to whom Saul resorted lived at Endor (1 Sam. 28).

Taanach. A city commanding one of the passes to the plain of Esdraelon. It lay about 5 mi. (8 km.) southeast of Megiddo and was the site of a fortress on the road from Mt. Carmel to the main road running from Judea to Galilee. Its ruins are known today as Tell Ta‘annak.

Megiddo. An important strategic city overlooking the plain of Esdraelon. Its ruins have been identified with the mound called Tell el-Mutesellim. There seems to have been some military reason behind the turning over of these strategic cities to the tribe of Manasseh.

Three countries. Literally, “three of the heights.” The LXX reads, “and the third part of Mapheta, and its villages.” The Syriac has “three villages.” The RSV translates it “the third is Naphath.” A number of commentators take this expression to refer to the three cities formerly enumerated that lay on hills or three heights, namely, Endor, Taanach, and Megiddo — three mountain cities in distinction from the places on the plain.