What Are The Twelve Tribes Of Israel?
The twelve tribes of Israel refer to the twelve sons of Jacob (renamed Israel by God). In the Bible, each tribe controlled a separate territory in Canaan, excluding the tribe of Levi who were priests. The twelve sons, ordered by birth are listed as follows: Reuben (Look, a son) – Born of Leah. Reuben is remembered for his mercy towards Joseph when his brothers wanted to kill him. Simeon (God heard I was hated) – Born of Leah. He and his brother Levi destroyed an entire city for the rape of his sister. Levi (attached) – Born of Leah. His descendants minister to the people in the temple and are called the “priestly tribe.” Judah (Praise God) – Born of Leah. Jesus would later be descended from this tribe. Dan (He judged) – Born of Bilhah. Dan is blessed by Jacob that he should judge his own people. Naphtali (wrestling) – Born of Bilhah. Called brave warriors by the prophetess Deborah. Gad (fortune) – Born of Zilpa. Jacob blessed Gad saying that his enemies would raid him, but Gad would ov
