Topical Bible: Gad: Jacob's Seventh Son: Prophecy Concerning

◄ Gad: Jacob's Seventh Son: Prophecy Concerning ►

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Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, holds a unique place among the tribes of Israel. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:9-11, where Leah, seeking to increase her own offspring, gives Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. Upon Gad's birth, Leah declares, "How fortunate!" and thus names him Gad, which means "fortune" or "troop."

The prophecy concerning Gad is found in Genesis 49:19, where Jacob, nearing the end of his life, gathers his sons to bless them and foretell their futures. Jacob's words to Gad are succinct yet profound: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels" . This prophecy suggests a future of conflict and resilience for the tribe of Gad, indicating that although they would face adversaries, they would ultimately prevail.

The fulfillment of this prophecy is seen in the history of the tribe of Gad. Settling on the east side of the Jordan River, the Gadites occupied a region that was frequently exposed to invasions and skirmishes. Their territory, rich in pasturelands, was desirable to neighboring tribes and nations, making them a target for raiders. Despite these challenges, the Gadites were known for their valor and military prowess. 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" .

Moses also speaks a blessing over Gad in Deuteronomy 33:20-21, saying, "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells like a lion, tearing at arm or head. He chose the best land for himself; the leader’s portion was kept for him. When the heads of the people assembled, he carried out the LORD’s righteous will, and His judgments concerning Israel" . This blessing highlights Gad's strength and leadership, as well as their commitment to justice and righteousness.

Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Gad remained true to the characteristics foretold by Jacob and Moses. They were a people of strength and resilience, often called upon to defend their land and support their fellow Israelites in times of need. The prophecy concerning Gad, therefore, not only speaks to the challenges they would face but also to their enduring spirit and ability to overcome adversity.

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Genesis 49:19
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
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Library

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... branch; the sixth put a crown on his head; the seventh gave him ... Jacob and his sons
embark, a tempest arises and carries away the father ... Gad"Concerning Hatred. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... By reason of her importunity, Did on the seventh day to ... Now unto Jonah, old Amittai's
son, Thus did the word ... When Jacob from his brother Esau fled, He by the ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... for at this day, 'the remnant of Jacob shall be ... The sixth, upon her Euphrates: And
the seventh, into her ... Tis evident that this man of sin, this son of perdition ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm