Joseph is easily the best known of the 12 sons (and was the favorite of Jacob: Gen 37:3-4), being mentioned in 16 chapters in Genesis (between Ch. He listened to her and opened her womb, 23 so she conceived, bore a son, and remarked, God has removed my shame. 24 Because she had been asking, May God give me another son, she named him Joseph. For example: The Blessing of Jacob (Genesis 49) directly mentions Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin and especially extolls Joseph over his brothers. Why Were the Sons of Jacob Chosen to Be the 12 Tribes of Israel? The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the rulers staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongsshall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.. For New Testament believers, this is picture of all those who were bought by the blood of the Lamb and redeemed to be firstborn, but defiled their Heavenly Father by their spiritual harlotry. It will be remembered that Jacob had bargained with Laban to serve him seven . "These are the names of Ishmael's sons in order of their birth", records the Torah in this week's portion, Chayei Sarah, and it goes on to list them in three groups and in three separate . Joseph 7. Through the 12 sons of Jacob, that promise became a reality. The Bible tells us that as the patriarch Jacob lay dying, he bestowed blessings on . Jacob is said to have had twelve sons by four women, his wives, Leah and Rachel, and his concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah, who were, in order of their birth, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin, all of whom became the heads of their own family groups, later known Who are Zilpah children? To Reuben (whose name means, See, a son), Jacob said, Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the first fruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. He was the son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. To Zebulun (Zebulun sounds like the Hebrew word honor): Zebulun shall dwell at the shore ofthesea; he shall become a haven for ships, and his border shall be at Sidon (In Joshua 19:11, a brook from Zebuluns territory extends to the sea, fulfilling this blessing). Here is a list of the 12 sons of Jacob/Israel in the order they were born (oldest to youngest), what their name means, and who their mother was. Both sons were set apart because of their faithful and righteous acts before the Lord. Zebulun What is the birth order of the 12 tribes of Israel? of birth; the accompanying numbers denote their overall birth order within Jacob's family: T ABLE 1. But Judah is perhaps best known for his esteemed place in the lineage of the Messiah. To Dan, Jacob said that he would "judge" Israel, and his tribe indeed was righteous for a time and "judged" in the Promised Land. 5 Bilhah conceived and bore a son for Jacob. What Does It Really Mean That Your Body Is a Temple? In Genesis 28:1-5, we learn the beginning of Jacobs history apart from his parents as they send him to Padam-aram to his maternal uncle, Laban to settle and find a wife. Levi 4. Joseph 7. births followed in the order in which they are enumerated in chapter 30, If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Reuben: the name means see a son - Whose mother was Leah. Because of this, he lost his birthright as the firstborn, with his father Israel giving it instead to the two sons of Joseph (1 Chr 5:1-2). The prophetess Deborah sang the tribe of Zebulons praises and described them as valiant and brave risk-takers (Judges 5:18). Jacob had a total of twelve sons born to him, in a definite order. Israels first king (Saul, 1 Samuel 9:1-2) was of the tribe of Benjamin, as was the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). These children are the offspring of four different women, . Dont play favorites with childrenJacob learned this through his sons scorn of Joseph. 1. To Naphtali (Naphtali sounds like the Hebrew wrestling), Jacob decreed, Naphtaliisadoeletloose thatbears beautiful fawns(Naphtalis military skill was marked by deer-like speed and dexterity). The land upon which he lay is what God will give to him and his offspring, which will be like the dust of the earth. He also tells Jacob in him and his offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed. To Issachar (Issachar sounds like the Hebrew word, wagesor hire): Issacharisastrongdonkey,crouchingbetweenthese sheepfolds. But in the conspiracy against Joseph, Reuben does not want to kill him, and suggests they toss him into a pit, so that he might free him later (Gen. 37:21-22). When the land was divided, their tribe did not receive any land; 48 cities scattered around Israel and located within the territories of the other tribes were allotted to them. . The Twelve Sons of Jacob (Israel) in Birth Order. % A great and mighty people as God had promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 6. Full Bible Timeline - section on the life of Jacob. 20 Jacob erected a pillar over her grave, and that pillar stands over Rachels grave to this day. Tamar then disguised herself as a prostitute and talked Judah into sleeping with her (Gen 38:14-18). These were the 12 sons of Jacob, a.k.a. Isaac begot Jacob. A fruitful vine - the Rock of Israel - Leader of Israel. 11.Joseph - Add to my family. Never had God bestowed such a blessing of honor upon man. 19; 20). http . Levi was important because it was from him that the priestly line of the Levites descended. Jacob had twelve sons, the firstborn of whom was Reuben. Bible Study Tools. 7) DERIVED FROM THE BIRTHSTONE ORDER ON THE BREASTPLATE. As a result, his blessing went to Josephs two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh.). Levi: the name means attached - Whose mother was Leah. Zebulun, Zilpah (Leah's maid), mother of: Gad, Asher, Bilhah (Rachel's maid), mother of: Dan, Naphtali. 5. Naphtali - My Struggle. 29:31 Later, the LORD noticed that Leah was being neglected, so he made her fertile, while Rachel remained childless. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. How Daniels Prophecy of 70 Weeks Connects to the End Times. 10 Leahs servant Zilpah bore a son to Jacob, 11 and Leah exclaimed, How fortunate! So she named him Gad. The names of the 12 sons of Israel attached to the gates of Jerusalem in Ezekiel 48 are those of the patriarchs at their birth, and as inscribed on the stones of the Breastplate. Jacobs children were blessed according to the covenant God had made with Abraham. Gad Asher Zilpah / Children Zilpah gave birth . Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. 15 He observed that his resting place was excellent, 18 LORD, Im waiting for your salvation., he will be a provider of delicacies fit for royalty.. 22 But while Israel lived in that land, Reuben went inside his fathers tent and had sexual relations with his fathers concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Gad and Asher:On the heels of Rachels entry into the battle of the babies, Leah decided to give her maid, Zilpah to Jacob (Genesis 30:9-12). Jacob had a total of twelve sons born to him, in a definite order. For New Testament believers, this is picture of Christian believers who were once faithful, but later depart from the faith by betraying God and rebelling to Him. Twelve sons of Jacob. Listen to our podcastThe Bible Never Said That. Because of his steadfastness in the face of all his sufferings, Joseph received a double blessing. The tribe would also valiantly support King David when he assumed the throne (1 Chronicles 12:34, 40). The idea of twelve tribes has been described as late Judahite (i.e. Gad 5. Instead of a single tribe in Josephs name, his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh each inherited their own tribe (Genesis 48; Joshua 14:4; Ezekiel 47:13). They agreed, and on the third day after undergoing the ritual, while they were in pain and incapacitated, Simeon and Levi went to the city and killed every single male, and brought Dinah back home. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains (1 Chronicles 12:9). The elegant carriage stood in front of the humble dwelling, surrounded by a swarm of black-clad chassidim. At the end of Jacobs life, when the time came to bless all his children and prophesy about their futures, Reubens portion was an indictment of his sin. For example, Jacob's son Benjamin is the patriarch of the Tribe of Benjamin. Er married a wife named Tamar, but God killed Er because he was wicked. God always works His willJoseph, though scorned and abandoned to slavery by his brothers was used mightily by God in the redemption of the nation of Israel (Genesis 39-50). In addition to these, Jacob had a daughter, Dinah, by his wife Leah. While Ashers tribe made a name for themselves as peacemakers, full of extraordinary wisdom. Zebulun - Honour. Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? With our finite human understanding, we cant comprehend what was going on in Gods mind when He chose Jacobs sons to form the tribes of Israel. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>>
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!QGE\5/m=~dyH>g#K%C#}K|:Z_m *>K~.m$f=qE)t:YyX9@d\Ay5~'2WyQFkuM9p@@mR~~iCp>ZOR)u For an extended study on the subject of the 12 Tribes of Israel and the Patriarchs and Matriarchs from whom they descended and their significance in Biblical History Click Here. In addition to these, Jacob had a daughter, Dinah, by his wife Leah. 9. Simeon and Levi:Still trying to win her husbands favor, Leah thanked God for the birth of her next son Simeon and then shortly thereafter, Levi. Jacob said that Joseph's blessings would surpass those of his forefathers because of his faithfulness to God. He was the second of the twin sons born to Rebekah and Issac . Shechem then begged his father to get her for him as a wife. One must apply solid hermeneutical methods (hermeneutics is principles of proper biblical interpretation) when looking at Scripture. Stories of Prophets: Jacob & 12 Children - Shady Al-Suleiman released through Familius Publishing in 2020. Jacob is said to have had twelve sons by four women, his wives, Leah and Rachel, and his concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah, who were, in order of their birth, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin, all of whom became the heads of their own family groups, later known Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? They were responsible for the priestly duties and God chose not to number them along with the other tribes.. Since this is a rare chapter that deals with all 12 tribes concisely, I thought we would take advantage and have a quick study of the 12 . Isaac attempted to favor Esau anyway, even though he was displeased with him marrying two pagan women, but God had already chosen Jacob to be next in the line of patriarchs, and this is exactly what happened. Then Leah bore a fourth son, and called his name Judah; because, she said, "Now will I praise the Lord.". (Leah)God hears Jacob fell in love with Laban's younger daughter, Rachel, Laban had him work for seven years, but then tricked him into marrying him to his older daughter, Leah. When Leah realized she ceased bearing Jacobs sons (for the moment), she gave her servant, Zilpah to Jacob and she bore him (7) Gad and (8) Asher. The whole worlds hope for redemption can be found in Gods plan executed through wayward Israel. Reuben Simeon: the name means one who hears - Whose mother was Leah. Jacob had only eleven sons born to him before he left Laban in Paddan Aram e.g. In the Genesis narrative, as each son is born, we learn not only their name but also the significance of the name to Rachel or Leah ( Genesis 29:32-35, Genesis 30:1-24, Genesis 35:18 ). Shechem, as well as all of the men of their city could marry the daughters of the Israelites if they all underwent circumcision. He stooped down; he couched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? Matthew 6:20 - "Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven", Matthew 13:44 - "The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.". He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labor (Issachars tribe was hard-working, tough, vigorous, and unfaltering, living up to this blessing). Its an association that harkens back to Gods covenant with His chosen people. The sons by . 14 Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. Why Did God Choose the 12 Sons of Jacob to Set the Foundation of Israel? All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring (Genesis 28:14). %PDF-1.3 I wait for yoursalvation,OLORD (Dans tribe indeed judged, but were not known for their moral standing nor religious righteousness). Each blessing reveals significant meaning in the time they were given, as well as for us today. Jesus says in Matthew 19:6, So they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Leah)man of hire Her birth occurred about 22:54 AM (1750 BC). Joseph - Add to my family. 7 Rachels servant conceived again and bore a second son for Jacob, 8 so Rachel said, Ive been through a mighty struggle with my sister and won. She named him Naphtali. Bilhah bore (5) Dan and (6) Naphtali. Jacob had twelve sons. `9N>92_]:s7Fp)JP{2JJf lq~_x}sj+vcv*sy?/kWx9%YX~EuS*+X_=fFT8ni}NA8!hiY W;Wa9r&m^&0g##fpuKj\`f hB;@v A(v;f15O.S0mbtU't*$ k1:iqEj2Ep?O`=y>_THoqx]kPmH @k+ls'm\Hx!Q[ b
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*{B 33 Later, she conceived again, bore a son, and declared, Because the LORD heard that Im neglected, he gave me this one, too. So she named him Simeon. Joseph is a fruitful vinewith bitterness archers attacked himbut his bow remained steadybecause of your fathers God who blesses you with blessings of the skies above(Genesis 49:22-26). After bearing Judah, Leah stopped bearing children. Theysold him into slavery out of spite and jealousy (Genesis 37:25). <>
For New Testament believers, this is picture of the Church being tramped over by God's enemies, but triumphing in the end. For New Testament believers, this is picture of a man who recognized his mistakes and repented wholeheartedly making amends for the evil he had done. Simeon means "to HEAR.". ; Gen 35:22c-26 - briefly lists the names of the 12 sons of Jacob, grouped by their respective mothers: Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah. If the day on the sacred calendar is not a holy day, then it is indicated at a dash (). 12.Benjamin - Son of righteousness. Leah's third son was named Levi "Because I have born him three sons.". Another well-accepted meaning of his name is a deceiver. Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author and speaker who has managed and directed childrens and youth programs for more than 20 years. 25 Rachels servant Bilhahs sons were Dan and Naphtali. Never having felt the love of her husband, Leah strove to win his approval by bearing sons. Naphtali 3. The Scriptures record that the gospel message was preached not only to the first century believers, but to ancient Israel (Heb 4:2), and to the Patriarchs (Gal 3:8) as well. The sons by Leah (Jacob's first wife) were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun. Joseph and Benjamin: Finally, after many years of infertility God opened Rachels womb and she bore Joseph, then Benjamin. Judah 4) Judah was the next. (Leah)dwelling "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" in Psalm 139, Be Still and Know That I am God in Psalm 46:10, "No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" - Isaiah 54:17, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jacob blesses his twelve sons just before he dies. Israel. The 70 Descendants of Jacob. We will look at the whole of what he said to them as recorded in the Bible (Genesis 49: 3-27). 30 Verses to Reflect on in the Book of Hebrews. Israel and gave his name to the nation. stream 23 Leahs sons were Reuben (Jacobs first-born), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. Numbers 1: The census taken a month after the Exodus from . Jacob had 12 sons. Because the 12 sons of Jacob became the 12 tribesGods covenantal peoplethe 12 stones on the high priests breastplate of course represent Gods promise to them (Genesis 28:12-15). The notable 12s list starts with the 12 sons of Jacob who became the 12 tribes of Israel and ends with 12 kinds of fruit on the tree of life(Revelation 22:2). Thanks! Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! As for kings - marriages were largely about political alliances (especially with . Jesus was descended from the tribe of Judah (Heb 7:14)(Rev 5:5). Reuben 11. When confronted about his trickery, Laban agreed to give Rachel to Jacob after the first week of his marriage to Leah. She then had three more sons: Simeon, Levi and Judah. Very few seasoned Christians are not familiar with Josephs dreams, his dealings with his jealous brothers, and the subsequent tragedy that turned triumph when he was sold into slavery then later rescued all of Israel from death by famine (Genesis 37-43). The Word of God was written for readers of all times, so that anybody reading it can draw wisdom from it, provided they have eyes to see and ears to hear. Rachel had Joseph and died giving birth to Benjamin. The 12 sons, 1 daughter and 4 women in Jacobs . Judah (the righteous line) 9. Nowhere in Scripture is 12 called a perfect number, although some try to associate the numbers with numerology (the belief in a divine or supernatural relationship between a number and coordinating events), yet this is seen nowhere in the Bible. Jacob offered to serve Laban seven years in exchange for Rachels hand in marriage. All rights reserved. Its not the number itself, its a reference to Gods covenantal peoplethe nation of Israel. Bilhah bore Jacob his next two sons, Dan and Nephtali. Gad 5. Sunday School Lessons. The sons of Jacob in order of birth (and to whom) are as follows: Leah gives birth to (1) Reuben, (2) Simeon, (3) Levi, and (4) Judah. God blessed Leah with a firstborn son named Reuben. Reuben 11. In birth order they were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Looking at what the Bible says, we can conclude 12 is simply the number God chose. Bible Teachings. Taking matters into her own hands, Rachel gave her servant Bilhah to Jacob for the purpose of surrogacy, as was the custom of that day (Genesis 30:4-8). 4. However, out of Gods grace and providence, Levis descendants were set apart unto the Lord and became the tribe best known for their spiritual service. :TKLG:kmZ aR :xHI LXE$9q2 LX06A&bsoZX iK 2 8g 1Bov%pQX``D+ & --HEj'
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The archers bitterly attacked him, shot at him, and harassed him severely, yet his bow remained unmoved; his arms were made agile by thehandsoftheMightyOneofJacob (fromthereistheShepherd, the Stone ofIsrael), bytheGodofyourfather who will helpyou, bytheAlmightywhowillblessyou with blessings of heaven above, blessingsofthedeepthat crouches beneath, blessings of the beasts and of the womb. Gad 5. Isaac is depicted in Scripture as a man of great faithfulness to the Lord. . Dan 2. For New Testament believers, this is picture of the riches that we have in Christ. In Genesis 29:31-30:24 the birth of twelve of Jacob's children is recorded. Hebrews 12:22-24 - "You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the gathering and Church of the Firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.". He calls his 12 sons to address them, and not just simply address them but to address them with a prophetic vision of the future of their tribes. For further reading about Jacobs sons and Israel, check out Emma Danzeys What Are Each of the 12 Tribes Known For? Because of this great transgression, Reuben forfeited his birthright. 7. 1) Reuben (motherLeah) (Genesis 29:32) 2) Simeon (motherLeah) (Genesis 29:33) 3) Levi (motherLeah) (Genesis 29:34) . Leah was the older of the two sisters and she birthed Jacob his first four sons. 4 But youre as undisciplined as a roaring river, defiled it, and then approached my couch., I will separate them throughout Jacobs territory. They became the Patriarchs of the 12 Tribes of Israel, with the exception of Joseph and Levi. Genesis 22:2 and Hebrews 11:17 both refer to Isaac as Abraham's "only son" because those passages concern God's promise and covenant. 3. Leah also bore Jacob a daughter called Dinah. Northern Euphrates (now eastern Turkey or northern Syria). Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your fathers bed, onto my couch and defiled it(Genesis 49:3-4). Zebulunson of Leah; means dwelling place, exalted, honored; three sons; Jacob's blessingshall dwell as a haven of the sea and . The great love of Jacob's life was Rachel, Laban's younger daughter and his favorite son was Joseph, Rachel's first born son. As mentioned in Genesis 29:35, upon giving birth to Judah, Leah sang praises to the Lord for having been blessed with a son. In the event column, "b." means birth, "c." means circumcised (one week later), and "md." means married. 5 Who are the wives of Jacob in the Bible? 30-50). 1) Reuben was Jacobs firstborn. Theblessingsofyourfather aremightybeyondtheblessingsof my parents, uptothebountiesoftheeverlastinghills. Genesis 46:8-27. 2) Simeon was next, and he was also a son of Leah. lkarhuset gvle vaccination Levi became the priest tribe, not one of the twelve, while Joseph split into two tribes named after the sons of . The story of Jacob (Israel) takes up a huge chunk of Genesis (Genesis 25:26-50:21). %
A Seafaring Man as Blessed by His Father - A Harbor for Ships, Jacob's Favored Son (first son of Leah). Abraham came from the city of Ur of the Chaldees and, along with his descendants, settled in the land of Canaan and they became a nation.