Topical Encyclopedia
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 settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land and strategic location. This territory, which included part of the Gilead, was well-suited for the tribe's pastoral lifestyle, as they were known for their skills in raising livestock.
The Gadites were renowned for their valor and military prowess, a characteristic that is highlighted in their conflict with the Hagarites. The Hagarites, or Hagrites, were a nomadic people descended from Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, Abraham's wife. The Hagarites are mentioned in the Bible as adversaries of Israel, often engaging in conflicts with the tribes east of the Jordan.
In
1 Chronicles 5:18-22, the Bible records a significant victory of the Gadites, along with the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, over the Hagarites. The passage describes the Gadites as "valiant warriors, men able to bear shield and sword, to shoot with the bow, and skillful in battle" (
1 Chronicles 5:18). This coalition of tribes, numbering 44,760 warriors, waged war against the Hagarites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab.
The victory over the Hagarites is attributed to divine intervention. The text states, "They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to Him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him" (
1 Chronicles 5:20). This victory resulted in the acquisition of significant spoils, including livestock and captives, which further enriched the tribes involved.
The spoiling of the Hagarites by the Gadites and their allies is a testament to the faith and reliance on God that characterized the tribe's military endeavors. The narrative underscores the belief that success in battle was not solely due to human strength or strategy but was ultimately granted by God in response to the faith and prayers of His people.
The account of the Gadites' victory over the Hagarites serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and divine assistance in overcoming adversaries. It highlights the role of the Tribe of Gad as both a formidable military force and a community that sought God's guidance and intervention in times of conflict.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Chronicles 5:18-22The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and three score, that went out to the war.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Gad? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gad the seer? | GotQuestions.orgGad: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
