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12. To him pertained Taanach. This was an important division, including most of the plain of Esdraelon. It was one of the most fertile sections of Palestine. Because of its location, crossed by vital highways from north to south and east to west, it was protected by fortresses. Taanach, Megiddo, and Beth-shan were among the most important strongholds in all of Palestine, and were assigned to Manasseh. They were not conquered, but were under tribute when Israel was strong (Joshua 17:11-13; Judges 1:27, 28). The cities, though assigned to Manasseh, were within the territory of Issachar (Joshua 17:11). Megiddo is the site of the death of Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:27) and of Josiah (2 Kings 23:29). Beth-shan is the fortress commanding the eastern approaches to the valley and is the city where the body of Saul was exposed in triumph (1 Sam. 31:8-10).