To Asher, Jacob said that his family would prosper. She writes fiction and nonfiction. 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. and his mares foal to its thick tendrils, 13 Zebulun will settle down near the sea shore. In the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:17), the tribe of Asher is one of the two tribes of Israel, the other being the Danites, associated with seafaring and, by implication, sea commerce. At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. Ashers (Asher sounds like the Hebrew raidersand raid)blessing was: Ashersfoodshallberich, andheshall yield royal delicacies. (Ashers family prospered in Egypt). Despite God's promise, Sarah, Abraham's wife, remained childless well into her old age. 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). The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the rulers staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Stories of Prophets: Jacob & 12 Children - Shady Al-Suleiman What was the birth order of Jacobs children? Samson is known to come from the line of Dan. 21 Jacob continued his travels, and eventually pitched his tent facing Migdal Eder. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed (Genesis 26:3-4). endobj Judah is a lions cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. To Zebulun, Jacob said that he would dwell by the shore of the sea and that he would become a haven for ships, but Zebulun never actually did. Genesis 30:21. Furthermore, often the Word of God uses analogies to link events or teachings meant for both the past and the future. Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26 ) Dateline: 1890. 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. She and her husband have five childrenthree who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at homeplus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. 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). Judah We will look at the whole of what he said to them as recorded in the Bible (Genesis 49: 3-27). Gad (Gad sounds like the Hebrew for good fortune)received this blessing: Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels. The Gadites were known as mighty men of valor. Bible Teachings. Now you also want to take my sons mandrakes!, But Rachel replied, Okay, lets let Jacob sleep with you tonight in exchange for your sons mandrakes.. 3 0 obj Of these the sons of Leah were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. Leah's third son was named Levi "Because I have born him three sons.". The blessing that Jacob gave Joseph was that Joseph's two sons would become his sons. Bible Notes. This article is part of our Bible resource for understanding the significance and meaning of biblical phrases and ideas. The tribe would also valiantly support King David when he assumed the throne (1 Chronicles 12:34, 40). (Rachel)may God add Zebulunson of Leah; means dwelling place, exalted, honored; three sons; Jacob's blessingshall dwell as a haven of the sea and . 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). 6 Then Rachel said, God has vindicated me! 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. endobj Although very little is mentioned about these men inScripture, their tribes are far from obscure. For further reading about Jacobs sons and Israel, check out Emma Danzeys What Are Each of the 12 Tribes Known For? Isaac had one wife. But because He chose it, we can refer to itin all likelihoodas a covenantal number. Some of these boys were their literal children, and . Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. And, of course, the most famous story of Josephs brothers selling him to slave traders, and then telling their dad he died. If you would like to know why the Righteous and the Innocent suffer and solve the mystery, check out our article on this topic in our Bible Articles section and read about our exciting findings. Next Bilhah, Rachel's maid bore Jacob a son. Here is a recap of the twelve sons of Jacob in order of birth: Sons of Leah - Reuben (firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah (Jesus comes from the line of Judah!) Leah bore six sons and one daughter (Dinah), Rachel bore two sons, Zilpah (Leah's maid) bore two sons, and Bilhah (Rachel's maid) bore two sons, as well. That is why Levi has no portion or inheritance among his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God promised him (Deuteronomy 10:8,9). We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Judah means "Praise". 5 0 obj I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. 16 When Jacob came in from the field that evening, Leah went to meet him and told him, Youre having sex with me tonight. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? As related in the Book of Bereshit (Genesis), [2] the twelve sons of Jacob were born from four different wives and are divided into three general categories: a) The six sons of Leah -- Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.. b) The two sons of Rachel, Jacob's primary wife and "the mainstay of the house" of Israel [3]-- Joseph and Benyamin.. c) The four sons of the two . He was the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Reuben. Its not the number itself, its a reference to Gods covenantal peoplethe nation of Israel. Jacobs children were blessed according to the covenant God had made with Abraham. The twelve precious gemstones inscribed with each tribe's name were set in gold and placed in four rows of three stones each on the High Priest's Breastplate. After bearing Judah, Leah stopped bearing children. 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.". Commander Fred states the group had the intention to "do better" but "never better for everyone" The Boston Globe credits the organization as "old . As we read about the tribes of Israel in Scripture, Gods redemptive plan for His people is shown through the complicated lives of each of these men of promise. Levi 4. These children are the offspring of four different women, . Jacob. 13 She said, How happy I am, because women will call me happy! So she named him Asher. This is why they are considered as part of the twelve sons of Jacob or his God-given name Israel. (Leah)dwelling 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. 3) Levi was the third of Jacob and Leah's children. Because of his steadfastness in the face of all his sufferings, Joseph received a double blessing. For example, Jacob's son Benjamin is the patriarch of the Tribe of Benjamin. That order would later be significant in God's design for the breastplate of judgment for the high priests of Israel. Never having felt the love of her husband, Leah strove to win his approval by bearing sons. <>>> When Rachel saw that she was barren, she gave Jacob . He continued in his faith and trust in the Lord even when he was thrown in prison for a crime he did not commit. What does the Bible say about twin flames? Each of them was unique, with his own strengths and weaknesses. Isaac married Rebekah and they had twins named Jacob and Esau. Jacob married the two daughters of Laban and also had children by two of their maids yielding 12 sons and a daughter. Issachar and Zebulon:After Leah struck a bargain with Rachel, and won an extra night with Jacob (Genesis 30:15-16) she bore Issachar, then later Zebulon. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers mentor and is part of a critique group. Jacob is described as man of great faithfulness to God, who took his duty as spiritual leader of Abraham's line seriously. 4) Judah was the next. 2) Simeon was next, and he was also a son of Leah. God told Abraham to sacrifice him (Genesis 22), and Isaac submitted to God faithfully, but later a ram was chosen in his place for the sacrifice and he was spared. Like most families the stories contain the raw stuffand sinof human life. He was the son of Leah, Jacob's first wife. Two of Jacobs sonsLevi and Josephare not listed among the tribes of Israel with their brothers. His tribe includes some of Israels great leaders like King Saul, Queen Esther, and the apostle Paul. 32 Leah conceived, bore a son, and named him Reuben, because she was saying, The LORD had looked on my torture, so now my husband will love me.. YJo3* ++qTNR*,;YD+xz-)0_{0{`sI. 3) Levi was the third of Jacob and Leahs children. Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? 1 0 obj To Judah, Jacob said that he was to receive the blessing as king and rule over his descendants spiritually and that this blessing would not depart from him until the coming of the promised Messiah, in other words, Jacob prophesied that Jesus was going to descend from his line. She became pregnant, and gave birth to twins (Gen 38:27-30). 10 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a . (Bilhah)my wrestling All rights reserved. Then Rachel gives Bilhah, her servant girl to Jacob, so that she may give birth on my behalf (Genesis 30:3). 23 Leahs sons were Reuben (Jacobs first-born), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. released through Familius Publishing in 2020. 12 Feb 2011. Sons of Bilhah (Rachel's servant) - Dan, Naphtali; Sons of Zilpah (Leah's servant . Genesis 29:31-30:24 and 35:16-26. Since ancient times, philosophers and religions have tried to solve this apparently complicated and unsolvable mystery, but failed. Go have sex with her. 2) Simeon was next, and he was also a son of Leah. A thorough study of the sons of Jacob reveals life lessons for all who take heed. Father of the Levitical Priests, Apparent Leader of the Slaughter of the Circumcized Men (Gen 34:30) Jacob called him a violent man, along with Simeon. 12 princes (Genesis 17:20), 12 sons of Jacob (Genesis 35:22), 12 tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:28), 12 springs of water at Elim (Exodus 15:27), 12 pillars erected by Moses, according to the 12 tribes of Israel (Exodus 24:4), 12 jewels in the high priests breastplate (Exodus 28:21), 12 bulls (Numbers 7:84, 12 silver plates (Numbers 7:87), 12 apostles (Matthew 10:2), 12 gates (Revelation 21:21). Jacob had only eleven sons born to him before he left Laban in Paddan Aram e.g. Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your fathers bed; then you defiled ithe went up to my couch!(The account of Reuben laying with his fathers concubine, Bilhah, is in Genesis 35:2.2. Theysold him into slavery out of spite and jealousy (Genesis 37:25). Why Did God Choose the 12 Sons of Jacob to Set the Foundation of Israel? . Lastly, to Benjamin (Benjamin means son of the right hand), Jacob had these words: Benjaminisaravenouswolf,in the morning devouringtheprey and at evening dividing the spoil. (Benjamins small tribe was war-like,and they made a shameless defense of their evil in Gibeah (Judg. 26 Leahs servant Zilpahs sons were Gad and Asher. Simeons tribe was scattered to the territory far west of the Dead Sea. are: Leah, mother of: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, <> Israels first king (Saul, 1 Samuel 9:1-2) was of the tribe of Benjamin, as was the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). endobj 4 So Rachel gave Jacob her woman servant Bilhah to be his wife, and Jacob had sex with her. God chose a jewel to represent each Jacob's sons. As mentioned in Genesis 29:35, upon giving birth to Judah, Leah sang praises to the Lord for having been blessed with a son. 12 Later, Leahs servant Zilpah bore a second son for Jacob. 10. God spoke to Rebekah and told her that the older twin (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob). Naphtali In Genesis 29:31-30:24 the birth of twelve of Jacob's children is recorded. The name Jacob is believed to mean one that follows on another's heels. Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. 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. 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). Jacob had twelve sons. 29:31 Later, the LORD noticed that Leah was being neglected, so he made her fertile, while Rachel remained childless. 26 Your fathers blessings will prove to be stronger, than blessings from the eternal mountains, who was separated from his own brothers., 28 Thats how Israel blessed these twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father told them when he pronounced his blessing for them, blessing each one with a blessing suitable for them. Jacob offered to serve Laban seven years in exchange for Rachels hand in marriage. Jacob had 12 sons. 10 The scepter will never depart from Judah. When Jacob (Israel) was about to die, he called his 12 sons to his side to tell them what would happen in days to come (Genesis 49:1). 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. All of our episodes are available atLifeAudio.com. (Leah)man of hire Jacob, as he was about to die, blessed Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. (Zilpahhappy Listen to our podcastThe Bible Never Said That. 3. Joseph and Benjamin: Finally, after many years of infertility God opened Rachels womb and she bore Joseph, then Benjamin. Issachar Jacob spoke prophecy in blessing Judah). 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 Binding his foal to the vine and his donkeys colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wineand hisvestureinthebloodofgrapes. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 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). Suddenly, a 6-year-old child stood in front of the carriage, boldly holding onto the horse's reins and bawling his head off. The Bible tells us that as the patriarch Jacob lay dying, he bestowed blessings on . 2. Then Rachel told Leah, Please give me your sons mandrakes., 15 In response, Leah asked her, Wasnt it enough that youve taken away my husband?