Topical Bible: Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Place of, in Camp and March

◄ Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Place of, in Camp and March ►

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The tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Gad, the seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:9-11). As a tribe, Gad played a significant role in the formation and journey of the Israelites, particularly during their wilderness wanderings and subsequent settlement in the Promised Land.

Place in Camp:

In the arrangement of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey, the tribe of Gad was positioned on the south side, alongside the tribes of Reuben and Simeon. This arrangement is detailed in the Book of Numbers: "On the south side shall be the divisions of the camp of Reuben under their standard, with the leader of the Reubenites being Elizur son of Shedeur" (Numbers 2:10). Gad, under the leadership of Eliasaph son of Deuel, camped next to Reuben, forming a part of the southern encampment (Numbers 2:14).

The strategic placement of Gad in the camp highlights its role as a buffer and protector for the community, given its reputation for valor and strength. The tribe's position also facilitated its readiness to respond to threats from the southern approaches.

Place in March:

During the Israelites' march through the wilderness, the tribe of Gad maintained its position in the order of procession. The tribes were organized into groups, each with a specific order of march, ensuring a structured and efficient movement. Gad marched with the southern camp division, following Reuben and preceding Simeon, as described in Numbers 10:18-20: "Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command. Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon, and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad" .

This orderly arrangement not only facilitated the protection and cohesion of the Israelite community but also underscored the unity and cooperation among the tribes as they journeyed toward the land promised to their forefathers.

Role and Characteristics:

The tribe of Gad was renowned for its warrior spirit and prowess in battle. Jacob's blessing over Gad prophesied its martial nature: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels" (Genesis 49:19). This prophecy was fulfilled as the tribe became known for its fierce and valiant fighters, who played a crucial role in the conquest and defense of the land east of the Jordan River.

Moses also blessed the tribe of Gad, acknowledging its strength and leadership: "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells as a lioness, tearing at arm and head" (Deuteronomy 33:20). This blessing highlights the tribe's territorial expansion and its role as a formidable force among the Israelites.

In summary, the tribe of Gad held a significant position both in the camp and during the march of the Israelites. Its strategic placement and martial prowess contributed to the security and success of the Israelite community during their wilderness journey and beyond.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 2:10,14,16
On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Numbers
... the reality fell pitifully short of this fair ideal, for Israel at once ... land east
of the Jordan was allotted to Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

Stones Crying Out
... And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh ...
in a divine revelation, given to the world through Israel, may well ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/stones crying out.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... And Overcame Them, And Destroyed Them, And Divided Their Land By Lot To The Tribes
Of Israel. ... 26. Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that of Gad, and as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Historical Books.
... of David, first at Hebron over the tribe of Judah ... the prophet, and in the book of
Gad the seer ... complete overthrow, first of the kingdom of Israel, and afterwards ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... subordinate to Judah; that Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, that Ephraim ... me to make me king
over all Israel." David here ... was raised to be the ruling tribe; and such an ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... do not represent the main body of the tribe, established in ... of Hamath and masters
of half Israel, were powerful ... and the principal events which took place in it ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... beyond the Jordan at the time that Gad and Reuben ... of the captivity of the land."*
The tribe of Dan ... showed itself the most bellicose of the tribes of Israel. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... office; they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ... as that of the avenger destined
to punish Israel for its ... out by its own activity, had given place to a ...
/.../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 ... The tenacity with which the
place-names, once ... more energetic, and inaugurated that march westwards which ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm