Sunday School Crafts | The 12 Sons of Jacob (Israel) Color and discuss the 12 sons of Jacob. Many lessons can be gleaned from the sons of Jacob, including: Actions equal consequencesReuben defiled his fathers bed and forfeited his rights as the eldest son. The lessons are numerous. The Promised Land [Canaan], plus an area on the east side of the Annette has also written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children and has developed parent training seminars to benefit the community. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Moses' prophesy about the Danites refers to future idolatry and departure from God when he mentions Bashan. She became pregnant, and gave birth to twins (Gen 38:27-30). 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. What is not apparent in Dreamcoat is that many of the sons were half brothers; Jacob was indeed the father of all, but there were four different moms. Levi was important because it was from him that the priestly line of the Levites descended. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. released through Familius Publishing in 2020. 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. In it, He tells Jacob He is the Lord and the God of Abraham his father and the God of Isaac. As a result of Simeon and Levis actions, Jacob and his clan became a target of ridicule. 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.. His first-born Reuben was the son of Leah, who later gave birth to Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. When Jacob balked at the prospect of releasing Benjamin (Gen 42:38), it was again Reuben and, later, Judah, who guaranteed for their father Benjamin's safe journey to Egypt, with Reuben even offering Jacob his (only) two sons as "collateral" (Gen 42:37, Gen 43:8-9). 1. In Christian thought, it has been noted that the meanings of the . For New Testament believers, this is picture of the riches that we have in Christ. Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled and I have prevailed.Jacob said before he died: Naphtali would be like a deer let loose and shall use beautiful words. For easier analysis, they are distinguished by . Judah then told his son Onan to marry Tamar so that there would be an heir. 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. Leah said, God has presented me with a precious gift. 4 Reasons Why We Have a Hard Time Talking about Loneliness. How should Christians Prepare for Food Shortage following Noah's and Joseph's example? Incorrect password. Her passion is to help wanderers find home. 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). All of our episodes are available atLifeAudio.com. 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). But, overall, they were not known for their moral uprightness. Naphtali means wrestling, my struggle. TRUTH MATTERSJesus is truth (John. Leah said, What good fortune. Leah named Gad as if he were her own son.Jacob said before he died: Gad will be attacked by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.. (Zilpah)good fortune We bless You, we worship You and we adore You. Over a century later God reiterated this incredible promise to Abrahams son, Isaac. God is beautiful in how he communicates to us. To Benjamin, Jacob said that he would be victorious over his enemies, devour them like a wolf and divide the spoil. We will look at the whole of what he said to them as recorded in the Bible (Genesis 49: 3-27). Part IV - Marching Order of the Tribes. We want to remember the names of the 12 sons of Jacob because the whole nation of Israel came from them. So began a game of wills between the two sisters to win Jacobs love. He stooped down; he couched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? Leah said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction. Jacob said before he died: Reuben would not excel because he went up the his fathers bed and defiled it by sleeping with Bilhah Jacobs concubine which was Rachels handmaid. God made a Covenant with Abraham, promising that he would be "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:4) and He changed Abram's name to Abraham, which means "father of a multitude". 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. Also, Jacob's third son Levi joining with his second son Shimon in killing the people involved in the rape of their sister Dinah and Levi's descendant Pinchas killing the man who openly had sexual relations as a revolt against Moses. Jacob offered to serve Laban seven years in exchange for Rachels hand in marriage. Only $35.99/year. The series uses an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates traditional rabbinic interpretations with secular scholarly literary techniques to explore biblical characters and themes in the Tanakh. 2:20, 22:6).The King James Version is used on this website unless otherwise noted. Jacob married two sisters, Leah and Rachel. Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, who were adopted by Jacob, became the Patriarchs of two tribes (Genesis 48:5-6). We thank you for visiting our site and showing the world, Look what the LORD has done! With prompting from his mother Rebekah, Jacob deceived his father Isaac into giving him the blessing of the firstborn (Genesis 27) and then promptly ran away to his uncle Laban, Rebekah's brother. There is history of cruelty by his brothers and captors andprophecy in this blessing). Peters Passion: Peter writes about biblical Christianity toconfront status quo religionand make a faith that matters. But when Reuben grew older, he sinned against his father by sleeping with Jacobs concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). 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. 9. Although Abraham's forefathers were from southern Mesopotamia (in present-day Iraq [1]) according . Judah had shown repentance of his sins multiple times. 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. Although Judah did participate in the collective plot to get rid of Joseph, he convinced his brothers that they should not kill him (Genesis 37). This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have born him six sons.Jacob said before he died: Zebulun would dwell near the sea and shall be a haven of ships. 119:142, 119:151; Rom. Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates. Simeon One who hears Judah Praise the Lord For New Testament believers, again this is picture of them being a royal priesthood when they speak the language of God. Learn more at https://peterdehaan.com. One must apply solid hermeneutical methods (hermeneutics is principles of proper biblical interpretation) when looking at Scripture. With such a preponderance, does the number 12 have any significance beyond its numerical value? For New Testament believers, this is picture of the patient and hard-working believer who labors daily to conform to Jesus and walk in His righteousness. So, he devours or kills by lies and deception. I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. Each of Jacob's 12 sons has a story that builds the framework of their tribe. 2. Despite God's promise, Sarah, Abraham's wife, remained childless well into her old age. These two brothers are best known for avenging the rape of their sister, Dinah (Genesis 34:25). But the little baby boy was all right. 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. (Leah)man of hire Peter's Writing: Check out Peter's booksandblog postswhere he confronts status quo Christianity to make a faith that matters. Rachel finally received the blessing of conception (God has taken away my reproachGenesis 30:23) and gave birth to (11) Joseph and (12) Benjamin, whom she bore as she died. nor a rulers staff from between his feet. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. Certain religious and political functions were reserved for the . The king's son repented of his sin and the men of Shechem agreed to follow the God of Jacob and to be circumcised. Joseph and Benjamin: Finally, after many years of infertility God opened Rachels womb and she bore Joseph, then Benjamin. 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. Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Bilhah, Rachels handmaid, gave birth to Dan. What is not apparent in Dreamcoat is that many of the sons were half brothers; Jacob was indeed the father of all, but there were four different moms. Here are our most popular Bible articles to grow in your knowledge of God's Word: Promises of God in the BibleIs "This Too Shall Pass" in the Bible?What Was the Ark of the Covenant?Top 10 Bible Stories for Kids, Iron Sharpens Iron in Proverbs 27:17 "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" in Psalm 139Be Still and Know That I am God in Psalm 46:10"No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper" - Isaiah 54:17. Also, Judah risked his life on behalf of his youngest brother Benjamin. PRAISE THE LORD, HE JUDGED OUR STRUGGLE AND BROUGHT US GOOD FORTUNE, HAPPINESS, REWARD, HONOR; HE ADDED US TO HIS FAMILY AND CALLED US THE SONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Judah is a lions cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. 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.. 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. Who Are the Sons of Jacob and Why Is it Important That There Are 12 of Them. 3. Benjamin Son of righteousness. Zilpah bore Jacob his seventh and eighth sons, Gad and Asher. The Hebrew word for "doe" comes from a root word, meaning "leader, mighty man, noble man", a word that express strength and prominence. 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). Laban gave Jacob Rachel as a wife also, but Jacob had to work another seven years for her. Everything recorded for the benefit of humanity has significance for the time it was written, and down through the ages to our day. A:You can find when each of the 12 sons was born in (Gen 29:31-30:24)(Gen 35:16-18). Both sons were set apart because of their faithful and righteous acts before the Lord. The prophetess Deborah sang the tribe of Zebulons praises and described them as valiant and brave risk-takers (Judges 5:18). 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. Jacob had twelve sons and their names put together has a message for us. In Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, a reoccurring theme is Jacobs twelve sons. Joseph means to add to my family. Levi Israel and gave his name to the nation. But because He chose it, we can refer to itin all likelihoodas a covenantal number. Its amazing how God hid all these wonderful truths in simple names and stories. 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. Asher means blessed, happiness. Levi: the name means attached - Whose mother was Leah. But Simeon and Levi did not forgive them; they took advantage of their vulnerability and led the charge to kill them. Her older sister was Leah, Jacob's first wife; their mother was Adinah. Like most families the stories contain the raw stuffand sinof human life. To Simeon (Simeon sounds like the Hebrew word, heard) and Levi (Levi sounds like the Hebrew word, attached), Jacob said, SimeonandLeviarebrothers; weapons of violence are their swords. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! Here are the names and their meanings: Reuben - Behold, A Son is born to us 2. The devil is the enemy of truth. Jacob fell in love with Rachel (his uncle's daughter, that is, his first cousin). Also, the fourth son Judah taking the lead in standing up against the Egyptian leader (unknown to him that he was Joseph) to rescue his half-brother Benjamin and the later tribe of Judah that had many leadership roles. Las Cruces | 37 views, 3 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Temple Beth-El Las Cruces: Recorded at Temple Beth-El Las Cruces The closest we get is Revelation 13:8, which says the number of man is 666. Gad means a troop cometh, good fortune. Genesis 49:1-28, Jacob dreams about a ladder and angels at Bethel, Jacob marries Rachel the daughter of Laban, The Cup that held the wine for the King of Egypt, Josephs brothers first trip to Egypt for food, A silver cup belonging to Joseph was put in a Sack, 12 sons of Jacob whom he blesses before he dies, Death of Jacob at one hundred and forty-seven years old, Death of Joseph at one hundred and ten years old, Timeline for the book of Genesis parts one and two . 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. 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. And, of course, the most famous story of Josephs brothers selling him to slave traders, and then telling their dad he died. The account of the birth of Jacob's children is found in Genesis 2930, 35. "Tribal Blueprints" explores the lives of each of Jacob's twelve sons, as well as their four mothers, and shows how each wife is loved and how each son is loved by their father. Professor Price is a senior lecturer in Bible and Judaic Studies at Stern College and Director of Yeshiva Universitys Graduate Program in Advanced Talmud Studies. Part I - Introductory Facts Its not the number itself, its a reference to Gods covenantal peoplethe nation of Israel. Much else is in Professor Prices book. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. These sons became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel and were blessed according to the covenant God had made with their great-grandfather Abraham. Subjects. . Levi - Attached 4. [Mt 10.6, Acts 26.7, Jam 1.1, Rev 7.1-8; Ezek 37], From Egypt to the Promised Land Leah begins having children (six sons in all), but Rachel is childlessso she has her husband sleep with their maid, Bilhah, to produce children in her stead; Bilhah has two sons. 14 November, 2015 Character Essay The Character of God in the Old Testament . The Gadites would later be described as, brave warriors, ready for battle and able to handle the shield and spear. Salem Media Group. A look at each sons history shows the consequences. Josephs younger brother Benjamin was Jacobs last son. Leah begins having children (six sons in all), but Rachel is childless so she has her husband sleep with their maid, Bilhah, to produce children in her stead; Bilhah has two sons. This is what the collection of their names says: BEHOLD, A SON IS BORN UNTO US, ONE WHO HEARS US AND BECAME ATTACHED UNTO US. 1:1, scripture: 2 Sam. When Rueben was born, she thought surely this baby would be the son of blessing (Genesis 29:32). Issacharson of Leah; means hire, wage, reward; four sons; Jacob's deathbed blessinga strong ass, saw a resting place that's good and land that is pleasant and became a servant under the taskwork. Because of this great transgression, Reuben forfeited his birthright. Their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles in the mountains (1 Chronicles 12:9). As a lawyer, he developed the legal strategy that saved the military chaplaincy when its constitutionality was attacked in court, and he received the Legion of Merit for his service. Esau despised his birthright as firstborn, which would make him the spiritual leader and caretaker of the family and through which he would be entitled to a double portion of inheritance, and sold it to Jacob for a bowl of lentils. Through one promise God set into motion a plan that would birth a great nation. And according to some apocryphal works, the early church fathers think the Antichrist will arise from Dans lineage. Jacob's 12 sons in order of birth are: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin. The chiefs of Issachar are who came to Davids aid were described as faithful warriors who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.. These were the 12 sons of Jacob, a.k.a. Jacob bestowed a lengthy and significant blessing upon Judah in Genesis 49:8-12. What is the Biblical End of the Age? Who Are the Sons of Jacob and Why Is it Important That There Are 12 of Them? Rachel's servant woman Bilhah had two more sons: Dan and Naphtali. Issachar Reward 3 Surprising Reasons to Be Like Doubting Thomas. In the same manner, the last words of Jacob were meant to be a testament for his literal sons, who were by his side, but also for all his future spiritual descendants. Levi was important because it was from him that the priestly line of the Levites descended. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices. Why Is it Important for Us to Be Restored? "Why do the Righteous suffer?" Expert solutions. Bilhah bore (5) Dan and (6) Naphtali. (Leah)let him [God] be praised (Leah)dwelling Was Joseph the youngest son of Jacob? 6. Click the link in that email to complete registration so you can comment. After Jacob arrived at his Uncle Labans, he fell in love with Rachel when he met her at the shepherds well (Genesis 29:9-14). They were responsible for the priestly duties and God chose not to number them along with the other tribes.. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives. To Reuben, Jacob said that he would not receive his inheritance as firstborn, because he defiled his father's bed by laying with his father's concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel. Jacobs proclamation against the violence his two sons had perpetuated came in the form of his prophecy against them at the end of his life. Leah said, Now will I praise the Lord.Jacob said before he died: Judah, brothers will praise him, his hand will be on the neck of his enemies, his brothers will bow down to him, and he was a lions cub. of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body." Genesis 35:11. Dr. Israel Drazin served for 31 years in the US military and attained the rank of brigadier general. Later, Rachel also gives birth to Benjamin, the youngest of the twelve; sadly Rachel dies in childbirth. 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. (Mother)Name Means 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. and your fathers children will bow down to you. 6:7; Gal. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. In fact, they were not able to occupy the land allotment assigned to them due to their lack of faithfulness to God and migrated North early on. As the first-born of Jacobs favorite wife, Joseph is doted upon by his father; hence he is given the infamous coat of many colors, thereby earning the wrath of his brothers. Asher The important thing is its easy to remember, when we read the number 12 in the notable passages, that its of Godand not of man. Her debut childrens book, What Is A Family? 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. 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. 10. Its amazing how God hid all these wonderful truths in simple names and stories. 1. Theblessingsofyourfather aremightybeyondtheblessingsof my parents, uptothebountiesoftheeverlastinghills. The morning after the wedding, he discovered that his veiled bride was actually Leah, Rachels older sister. 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. 14:6, 18:27; Matt. Judah:Jacobs fourth son, also born to Leah, is known for his involvement in his younger brothers protection. Isaac was sixty years old when she gave birth to them. Levi and Joseph aren't tribes. Since the style of Tanakh is to tell actions without revealing the thoughts or feelings behind them, Professor Price offers suggested thoughts and motives why people did what they did, frequently three possibilities. Jacob blesses his twelve sons just before he dies. 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. Self-righteous Christians who "kill" God's potential flock spiritually by making them feel like they are not and will never be material for God because of their past. They became the Patriarchs of the 12 Tribes of Israel, with the exception of Joseph and Levi. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Later, in the same spot where Jacob received this revelation, God changed Jacobs name to Israel. 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). He is an attorney and a rabbi, with masters degrees in both psychology and Hebrew literature and a PhD in Judaic studies. ***Note: Jacob and Leah also had a daughter named Dinah (Gen 30:21). The image presented is of one who springs forth with great speed and provides good news. Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice. Rachel named Bilhahs son, as though he were her own child.Jacob said before he died: Dan was promised the role of judge and that he would possess the traits of a snake by the roadside that bites the horses heels so that its rider tumbles backwards.Dan never took possession of his land inheritance. Saul of Tarsus] Tribe of Judah - King David, King Solomon, many other kings; Lord Jesus, the Messiah. Birth Verses] 49:1 After this, Jacob called his sons together and told them, Assemble yourselves around me so I can tell you all what is going to happen to you in the last days. Hiseyesaredarkerthanwine, andhisteethwhiterthan milk. (Jesus is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. The lineage leading to Jesus goes through Judah. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Then Rachel gives Bilhah, her servant girl to Jacob, so that she may give birth on my behalf (Genesis 30:3). In an escalating competition, Leah follows suit, giving her maid, Zilpah, to sleep with Jacob; Zilpah also has two sons. Jesus was descended from the tribe of Judah (Heb 7:14)(Rev 5:5). 19; 20). Numbers Chapter 2. Jacob had twelve sons and their names put together is the hidden gospel revealed through it. Part 3 When Are the Righteous Ransomed? Dan means judge, judging. (Zilpahhappy They were named Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah (or . Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Reserved. The genitive relations of these five sons to Leah's sister Dinah and their mothers' maids Bilhah and Zilpah are heavily debated by scholars today." . Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. Bilhah bore Jacob his next two sons, Dan and Nephtali. 119:160; 1 Ki. For New Testament believers, this is picture of the Church defeating its enemies and the humble inheriting the earth. 10 The scepter will never depart from Judah. lds original art; joint mortgage death of spouse. Jacob had thirteen children, twelve sons and one daughter, by four different women. Clarence L. Haynes Jr. explains, The tribe of Levi, or the Levites, became the tribe that carried the priestly line. MaytheybeontheheadofJoseph, andonthebrowofhimwhowas set apart fromhisbrothers (No other son received such direct references to our sovereign God, Whom Joseph revered in all his ways. Although very little is mentioned about these men inScripture, their tribes are far from obscure. 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. To Naphtali, Jacob said that he was a "doe set free that utters beautiful words". 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 . For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen. Tamar then disguised herself as a prostitute and talked Judah into sleeping with her (Gen 38:14-18). In fact, the territory assigned to the tribe of Asher was bordering that of Zebulun and Asher is one of the two tribes of Israel, the other being Dan, associated with seafaring and, by implication, see commerce in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:17). Jose. Reuben: the name means see a son - Whose mother was Leah. Then, all of the brothers returned and plundered the city, taking everything of value with them. These children are important in biblical history, as the twelve sons of Jacob became the heads of the twelve tribes. Leah would give Rachel some of the mandrakes as a payment for allowing Leah to sleep with their husband, Jacob.
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