Topical Bible: the Tribe of Gad: Strength of, on Entering Canaan

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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). As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, the tribe of Gad demonstrated notable strength and valor, characteristics that were prophesied by Jacob in his blessing over Gad: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will raid at their heels" (Genesis 49:19).

Territorial Inheritance and Military Prowess

The tribe of Gad, along with Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead. This decision was made due to the region's suitability for their large herds and flocks (Numbers 32:1-5). Despite their settlement outside the traditional boundaries of Canaan, the Gadites committed to aiding their fellow Israelites in the conquest of the land west of the Jordan. Moses granted their request on the condition that they would lead the charge in battle: "If you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle and if all your armed men cross the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out before Him, then when the land is subdued before the LORD, you may return and be free of your obligation to the LORD and to Israel" (Numbers 32:20-22).

The Gadites were known for their military strength and bravery. In the conquest of Canaan, they fulfilled their promise by joining the other tribes in battle. Their reputation as fierce warriors is further highlighted in the account of David's mighty men, where the Gadites are described as "valiant warriors, trained for battle, expert with shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains" (1 Chronicles 12:8).

Role in the Conquest of Canaan

The Gadites played a crucial role in the conquest of Canaan, demonstrating their commitment to the collective mission of the Israelites. Their participation in the battles west of the Jordan was a testament to their strength and loyalty. The tribe's warriors were instrumental in securing victories that allowed the Israelites to establish themselves in the land promised to their forefathers.

Legacy and Characteristics

The legacy of the tribe of Gad is marked by their strength, courage, and faithfulness. Their willingness to fight alongside their brethren, despite having already received their inheritance, exemplifies their dedication to the unity and success of the nation of Israel. The Gadites' martial prowess and strategic acumen were vital in the establishment of Israel in Canaan, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

In summary, the tribe of Gad, through their strength and valor, played a significant role in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. Their actions and characteristics continue to be remembered as a testament to their faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 26:18
These are the families of the children of Gad according to those that were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Nature of Covenanting.
... The Lord sware "by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength."[41] He ... The children
of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Kishon."O my soul, march on with strength."Then did ... the Jordan at the time that Gad
and Reuben ... the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... it increased, in the first place, the strength of the ... Each nation, each tribe, each
city, worshipped its own lord ... of 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 ...
... came in time to form a tribe by themselves ... It was essential, therefore, before entering
on the struggle ... useless angles which might detract from its strength. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm