Topical Bible: Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Boundaries of Territory

◄ Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Boundaries of Territory ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:9-11). The territory allotted to the tribe of Gad was located east of the Jordan River, in the region known as Gilead. This allocation was part of the land distribution under the leadership of Joshua, following the Israelites' conquest of Canaan.

Geographical Boundaries:

The boundaries of Gad's territory are detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Joshua. The land was characterized by its fertile plains and strategic location, which was suitable for the tribe's pastoral lifestyle.

1. Northern Boundary: The northern boundary of Gad's territory extended to the region of Bashan, which was known for its rich pastures. This area was shared with the half-tribe of Manasseh. The city of Mahanaim, a significant location within Gad's territory, served as a boundary marker (Joshua 13:26).

2. Eastern Boundary: To the east, Gad's territory stretched to the border of the Ammonites. The land included the area of Jazer and all the towns of Gilead (Numbers 32:1-5). The eastern boundary was defined by the wilderness and the edge of the desert, providing a natural barrier against neighboring tribes.

3. Southern Boundary: The southern boundary of Gad's territory was adjacent to the land of Reuben, another tribe that settled east of the Jordan. The Arnon River served as a natural demarcation line between Gad and Reuben (Joshua 13:25).

4. Western Boundary: The western boundary was marked by the Jordan River, which separated Gad from the tribes that settled in the land of Canaan proper. This river was a significant geographical feature, providing water resources and serving as a natural defense line.

Significant Cities and Locations:

· Jazer: A city of importance within Gad's territory, known for its surrounding pasturelands (Numbers 32:1).
· Mahanaim: A city that held historical and strategic significance, often mentioned in the context of Israelite history (Joshua 13:26).
· Ramoth-gilead: A city of refuge and a Levitical city, it played a crucial role in the tribal and religious life of Gad (Joshua 20:8).

Biblical Context:

The tribe of Gad, along with Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested to settle in the land east of the Jordan because of its suitability for their large herds and flocks. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:16-22). This agreement underscored the unity and mutual support among the tribes of Israel.

The territory of Gad was a testament to God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Abraham. The land's boundaries, as described in the Scriptures, reflect the divine allocation and the historical realities faced by the tribe in their settlement and defense of their inheritance.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 13:24-28
And Moses gave inheritance to the tribe of Gad, even to the children of Gad according to their families.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 5:11
And the children of Gad dwelled over against them, in the land of Bashan to Salcah:
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Library

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... are subordinate to Judah; that Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, that Ephraim ... is my
lawgiver""equivalent to, Judah is my, ie, Israel's ruling tribe"point to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... up to the present time of these "children of Israel." Some of ... at an early date into
some fellow-tribe, as in the case of Reuben with Gad;*** others, such as ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... not represent the main body of the tribe, established in ... of Hamath and masters of
half Israel, were powerful ... from the rivers which formed the boundaries of his ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the prevailing tradition in the kingdom of Israel, the latter ... Each nation, each tribe,
each city, worshipped its own ... Hermon, who was an ally of Gad, goddess of ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the numerous states which shared the territory of Syria ... they came in time to form
a tribe by themselves ... rank among the other tribes of Israel, and claimed ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... at length their limit at the
territorial boundaries of two ... strike a blow within their own territory to avoid ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm