Topical Bible: Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Struck by the King of Syria

◄ Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Struck by the King of Syria ►

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The tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:9-11). The tribe is noted for its valor and military prowess, as prophesied by Jacob: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels" (Genesis 49:19). This prophecy underscores the tribe's resilience and ability to defend itself against adversaries.

The territory allotted to the tribe of Gad was located east of the Jordan River, a region known for its fertile land and strategic importance. This area, however, also made Gad vulnerable to attacks from neighboring nations. The tribe's land was part of the Transjordan, which included the territories of Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Gad's location exposed it to frequent conflicts, particularly with the Arameans (Syrians) and other surrounding peoples.

One significant event in the history of the tribe of Gad was its subjugation by the King of Syria. This occurred during the period of the divided monarchy, when the northern kingdom of Israel was often at odds with the Arameans. The biblical account in 2 Kings 10:32-33 states: "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward—all the land of Gilead (the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites)—from Aroer by the Arnon Gorge through Gilead to Bashan."

Hazael, the King of Syria, was a formidable adversary who inflicted significant losses on the Israelites, including the tribe of Gad. The Aramean incursions into Gadite territory were part of a broader campaign against Israel, which saw the weakening of the northern kingdom's influence and control over its Transjordanian lands. The Gadites, along with their fellow tribes in the region, faced the harsh realities of war and occupation.

Despite these challenges, the tribe of Gad maintained its identity and continued to play a role in the history of Israel. The Gadites were known for their loyalty to King David, providing him with skilled warriors during his reign. In 1 Chronicles 12:8 , it is recorded: "Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, 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."

The legacy of the tribe of Gad is one of courage and tenacity, as they navigated the complexities of their geopolitical situation. Their experiences serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the tribes of Israel, even in the face of external threats and challenges.

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2 Kings 10:32,33
In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;
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Library

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 ... presents of the Phoenicians, the king again took ...
/.../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 ...
... office; they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ... as that of the avenger destined
to punish Israel for its ... He at once struck his camp and marched out to ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.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