Topical Bible: The Jews: Divided Into Twelve Tribes

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The division of the Jewish people into twelve tribes is a foundational aspect of biblical history and theology, rooted in the patriarchal narratives of the Old Testament. This division traces back to the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel, whose descendants formed the twelve tribes of Israel. These tribes played a crucial role in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises and the history of the Israelites.

Origins and Patriarchal Blessings

The twelve tribes originate from Jacob's twelve sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Each son became the progenitor of a tribe, with the exception of Joseph, whose two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were adopted by Jacob and each became the head of a tribe, effectively replacing Joseph and Levi in the territorial allotments (Genesis 48:5-6).

Jacob's blessings and prophecies over his sons in Genesis 49 provide insight into the future of each tribe. For instance, Judah is described as a lion's cub, with the scepter not departing from him, foreshadowing the royal lineage culminating in King David and ultimately, in Christian belief, Jesus Christ (Genesis 49:9-10).

The Tribal Allotments

Following the Exodus from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan under Joshua, the land was divided among the tribes. The Book of Joshua details these allotments, with each tribe receiving a portion of the Promised Land, except for Levi, who was set apart for priestly duties and received cities scattered throughout the other tribes (Joshua 13-21).

The tribe of Judah received a significant portion of land in the south, which included Jerusalem, the future capital of the united kingdom. Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph, received large territories in central Canaan, reflecting Joseph's favored status (Joshua 16-17).

Historical Developments

Throughout Israel's history, the tribes often acted independently, leading to periods of tribal conflict and disunity, as seen in the era of the Judges. The establishment of the monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon temporarily unified the tribes, but following Solomon's reign, the kingdom divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12).

The northern kingdom, comprising ten tribes, was eventually conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, leading to the dispersion and assimilation of these tribes, often referred to as the "Lost Tribes of Israel." The southern kingdom, primarily consisting of Judah and Benjamin, was later exiled to Babylon but returned to the land under Persian rule, maintaining their distinct identity.

Spiritual and Eschatological Significance

The division into twelve tribes holds spiritual significance, symbolizing the completeness and unity of God's people. In the New Testament, the twelve tribes are referenced in various contexts, including the vision of the 144,000 sealed from every tribe in the Book of Revelation, symbolizing the redeemed people of God (Revelation 7:4-8).

The twelve tribes also serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite human failure and disobedience. The prophetic hope of a restored Israel, with all tribes united under the Messiah, remains a central theme in biblical eschatology.

Conclusion

The division of the Jewish people into twelve tribes is a testament to God's sovereign plan and His enduring covenant with Israel. Each tribe's unique role and destiny contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical history, reflecting both the diversity and unity of God's chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:22
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelled in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:28
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel: and this is it that their father spoke to them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... of Titus; hundreds of thousands of Jews were slain ... nations, neither shall they be
divided into two kingdoms ... the restored and re-united twelve tribes God will ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the millennium in relation.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... But after these two sermons the right of preaching to the Jews and Gentiles became ...
We note, however, that the twelve are divided into three quaternions, or ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

From the Fourth Chapter.
... in paradise, although it is one, was divided into four heads. ... the spiritual providence
which both looks into the secrets ... And to the Jews who do not receive the ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the fourth chapter.htm

In the Last Chapter we Confined Ourself to the Old Testament, in ...
... city which is in view, and which is divided into three parts ... But into this we cannot
now enter at length. ... urgency of this call for the faithful Jews in Babylon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the last chapter we.htm

The People of the New Earth
... These again may be divided up and expanded ... that the Church is composed of both Jews
and Gentiles ... against Genesis 1:3, because it was called into existence before ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people of the new.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... Hence the Jews alone worked at the building of the ... This outer tabernacle was divided
from the court by a ... 10): "Carry back the rod of Aaron into the tabernacle ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

The Books of Samuel and Kings.
... Prophets, which is called among the Jews [5396] Thare ... David, whose writings they
divide into five parts ... Ezra, which itself is likewise divided amongst Greeks ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the books of samuel and.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... it is the language of Edom rather than of the Jews, differing from ... Like the Israelites,
they were divided into twelve tribes, the eldest and most important of ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... seventy individuals by whom "the nations were divided in the ... required them to go
only to the Jews, but He ... Seventy "two and two before His face into every city ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

The New Testament
... Christianity spread rapidly among the Jews from the ... known that Phrygia was not divided
into Phrygia Prima ... was addressed "to the twelve tribes scattered abroad ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter i the new testament.htm