The term "Gadite" refers to a member of the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Gad traces its lineage to Gad, the seventh son of Jacob, born to him by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:9-11). The name "Gad" is associated with fortune or good luck, as Leah exclaimed, "How fortunate!" upon his birth (Genesis 30:11).

Territory and Settlement:

The Gadites were allocated land on the east side of the Jordan River, a region well-suited for their large herds and flocks. This territory included part of Gilead and extended to the territory of the Ammonites (Numbers 32:1-5). The Gadites, along with the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested this land from Moses, as it was ideal for their livestock. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22).

Military Prowess:

The Gadites were known for their military strength and valor. In 1 Chronicles 12:8, the Gadites are described as "mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" . This reputation for bravery and skill in warfare was evident when they joined David at his stronghold in the wilderness, supporting him during his struggle against Saul.

Role in Israel's History:

Throughout Israel's history, the Gadites played a significant role in various military campaigns and events. They were part of the coalition that fought against the Canaanites under Joshua's leadership (Joshua 4:12-13). The tribe also participated in the battles during the period of the Judges and the united monarchy.

During the reign of King Saul, the Gadites were among those who supported David, recognizing him as the rightful king of Israel. Their loyalty and military support were crucial during David's rise to power (1 Chronicles 12:14-15).

Spiritual and Cultural Contributions:

The Gadites, like other tribes, were expected to adhere to the covenantal laws given by God through Moses. They participated in the religious festivals and observances that were central to Israelite worship. The tribe's location, however, on the eastern side of the Jordan, sometimes led to tensions with the other tribes, as seen in the incident of the altar built by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, which was initially misunderstood by the western tribes (Joshua 22:10-34).

Prophetic References:

In Jacob's blessing of his sons, he prophesied concerning Gad, "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels" (Genesis 49:19). This prophecy alludes to the tribe's martial nature and the challenges they would face from neighboring peoples.

Moses also blessed the tribe of Gad before his death, saying, "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells like a lion, tearing at arm or head" (Deuteronomy 33:20). This blessing highlights the tribe's strength and territorial expansion.

Conclusion:

The Gadites, as descendants of one of Israel's patriarchs, played a vital role in the history and development of the nation of Israel. Their legacy is marked by their military prowess, loyalty to David, and their strategic settlement east of the Jordan River.4352. Maki -- a Gadite
... 4351, 4352. Maki. 4353 . a Gadite. Transliteration: Maki Phonetic Spelling:
(maw-kee') Short Definition: Machi. Word Origin of uncertain ...
/hebrew/4352.htm - 5k

8223. Shapham -- a Gadite
... 8222, 8223. Shapham. 8224 . a Gadite. Transliteration: Shapham Phonetic
Spelling: (shaw-fawm') Short Definition: Shapham. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/8223.htm - 6k

1845. Deuel -- "known of God," a Gadite
... 1844, 1845. Deuel. 1846 . "known of God," a Gadite. Transliteration: Deuel
Phonetic Spelling: (deh-oo-ale') Short Definition: Deuel. ...
/hebrew/1845.htm - 6k

1345. Geuel -- "majesty of El," a Gadite spy
... 1344, 1345. Geuel. 1346 . "majesty of El," a Gadite spy. Transliteration:
Geuel Phonetic Spelling: (gheh-oo-ale') Short Definition: Geuel. ...
/hebrew/1345.htm - 6k

2359. Churi -- a Gadite
... a Gadite. Transliteration: Churi Phonetic Spelling: (khoo-ree') Short Definition:
Huri. Word Origin from chavar Definition a Gadite NASB Word Usage Huri (1). ...
/hebrew/2359.htm - 6k

5661. Abdiel -- "servant of God," a Gadite
... 5660, 5661. Abdiel. 5662 . "servant of God," a Gadite. Transliteration: Abdiel
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-dee-ale') Short Definition: Abdiel. ...
/hebrew/5661.htm - 6k

3275. Yakan -- a Gadite
... 3274, 3275. Yakan. 3276 . a Gadite. Transliteration: Yakan Phonetic Spelling:
(yah-kawn') Short Definition: Jacan. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/3275.htm - 6k

7467. Reuel -- "friend of God," Moses' father-in-law, also an ...
... 7466b, 7467. Reuel. 7468 . "friend of God," Moses' father-in-law, also
an Edomite, a Gadite, and a Benjamite. Transliteration: Reuel ...
/hebrew/7467.htm - 6k

3140. Yoray -- "He teaches," a Gadite
... 3139, 3140. Yoray. 3141 . "He teaches," a Gadite. Transliteration: Yoray
Phonetic Spelling: (yo-rah'-ee) Short Definition: Jorai. ...
/hebrew/3140.htm - 6k

7764. Shuni -- a Gadite
... 7763, 7764. Shuni. 7765 . a Gadite. Transliteration: Shuni Phonetic Spelling:
(shoo-nee') Short Definition: Shuni. Word Origin of ...
/hebrew/7764.htm - 5k

Gadite (14 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gadite (14 Occurrences). ... 2 Samuel 23:36 Igal the son of
Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/g/gadite.htm - 11k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... Raised up or appointed by Jehovah. (1.) A Gadite who joined David in the wilderness
(1 Chronicles 12:10). (2.) A Gadite warrior (1 Chronicles 12:13). ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

Zia (1 Occurrence)
... Fear, a Gadite (1 Chronicles 5:13). Int. ... ZIA. zi'-a (zia`, meaning uncertain): A
Gadite, possibly the name of a Gadite clan (1 Chronicles 5:13). ...
/z/zia.htm - 7k

Bani (15 Occurrences)
... (2.) One of David's thirty-seven warriors, a Gadite (2 Samuel 23:36). ... ba'-ni (bani,
"posterity"): (1) A Gadite, one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:36). ...
/b/bani.htm - 13k

Johanan (31 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom Jehovah graciously bestows. (1.) One of the Gadite
heroes who joined David in the desert of Judah (1 Chronicles 12:12). ...
/j/johanan.htm - 21k

Ezer (10 Occurrences)
... (2.) 1 Chronicles 7:21; (3.) 4:4. (4.) One of the Gadite champions who repaired
to David at Ziklag (12:9). (5.) A Levite (Nehemiah 3:19). ...
/e/ezer.htm - 11k

Manassahite (2 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 4:43 Bezer, in the wilderness, in the land of the plain, of the Reubenite;
and Ramoth, in Gilead, of the Gadite; and Golan, in Bashan, of the ...
/m/manassahite.htm - 7k

Mibhar (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Choice, a Hagarene, one of David's warriors (1 Chronicles
11:38); called also Bani the Gadite (2 Samuel 23:36). Int. ...
/m/mibhar.htm - 7k

Mishmannah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fatness, one of the Gadite heroes who gathered to David
at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:10). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MISHMANNAH. ...
/m/mishmannah.htm - 7k

Abdiel (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Servant of God, (1 Chronicles 5:15), a Gadite
chief. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABDIEL. ab'-di-el ...
/a/abdiel.htm - 7k

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