Topical Bible: the Tribe of Gad: Bounds of Its Inheritance

Bible > Topical > the Tribe of Gad

◄ the Tribe of Gad: Bounds of Its Inheritance ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was named after Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The inheritance of the tribe was located east of the Jordan River, in a region that played a significant role in the history of Israel.

Geographical Boundaries:

The territory allotted to the Tribe of Gad is described in the Book of Joshua and the Book of Numbers. According to Joshua 13:24-28, the land of Gad was situated between the territories of Reuben to the south and Manasseh to the north. The boundaries of Gad's inheritance extended from Jazer, a city on the edge of the Ammonite territory, to the region of Gilead, and included the land of the Amorites.

The Berean Standard Bible provides a detailed account of these boundaries: "Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, to the descendants of Gad, according to their clans: Their territory included Jazer, all the towns of Gilead, and half the land of the Ammonites, as far as Aroer, near Rabbah; it also included Heshbon, Ramath-mizpeh, Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir" (Joshua 13:24-26).

Significant Locations:

1. Jazer: A significant city within Gad's territory, Jazer was known for its fertile land and was a center for agriculture and livestock. It was strategically located near the border of the Ammonites, serving as a buffer zone.

2. Gilead: The region of Gilead, known for its balm, was a mountainous area that provided natural fortifications. It was a vital part of Gad's inheritance, offering both protection and resources.

3. Heshbon: Although primarily associated with the tribe of Reuben, Heshbon was a city of importance in the region and was included in the broader description of Gad's territory.

4. Mahanaim: This city held historical significance as a place where Jacob encountered angels (Genesis 32:1-2). It later became a city of refuge and a royal city during the reign of King David.

Historical Context:

The land of Gad was part of the Transjordan region, which was conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses before they crossed the Jordan River into Canaan. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh requested this land due to its suitability for their large herds and flocks (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22).

The territory of Gad was characterized by its pastoral lands, making it ideal for the tribe's livestock-based economy. The region's strategic location also meant that Gad often found itself at the crossroads of conflict, particularly with neighboring nations such as the Ammonites and Moabites.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

The Tribe of Gad played a crucial role in the military campaigns of Israel. Known for their valor and strength, the Gadites were described as "mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear" (1 Chronicles 12:8). Their commitment to the collective well-being of Israel was evident in their willingness to fight alongside their brethren in the conquest of Canaan.

In summary, the inheritance of the Tribe of Gad was marked by its strategic location, fertile lands, and historical significance. The tribe's territory served as a testament to their role in the unfolding narrative of the people of Israel, as they balanced their pastoral lifestyle with their responsibilities as warriors and defenders of the nation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them.
... it was that the two tribes of Gad and Reuben ... manslayer, if they caught him without
the bounds of the ... themselves in marriage to men of another tribe, they shall ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how the hebrews.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tradition attributed the misfortunes of the tribe to the crime of its chief in his
seduction of Bilhah, his ... Gad received as its inheritance nearly the whole ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... by the most blessed results on other fragments of the same tribe. ... New England conference
had succeeded in establishing an academy within its bounds, for the ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Each nation, each tribe, each city, worshipped its own lord ... where the Jordan has
one of its sources, and the ... The variant Baal-Gad occurs several times in the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... and houses kept the river within
bounds, and even ... had the effect of resisting its encroachment; towards the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm