12 Tribes Of Israel And Their Responsibilities Pdf
The 12 Tribes of Israel are an integral part of the Jewish history and culture. They are the descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, who was later named Israel by God. Each tribe had a unique identity, history, and responsibility. In this article, we will explore the responsibilities of each tribe and their role in the overall Jewish culture.
The 12 Sons of Jacob
Jacob had 12 sons, who became the ancestors of the 12 tribes of Israel. The 12 sons were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin.
Each of the 12 sons had a unique personality and life story. For example, Reuben was the firstborn and was known for his strong leadership qualities. Simeon and Levi were known for their zealotry and passion for justice. Judah, on the other hand, was the ancestor of King David and Jesus. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually became the second-in-command of Egypt.
The Responsibilities of Each Tribe
Each of the 12 tribes had specific responsibilities within the Jewish culture. Below is a brief overview of the responsibilities of each tribe.
Reuben
Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob and was therefore given the responsibility of leading his brothers. However, he lost his birthright due to his sinful behavior. The tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River and was known for their agricultural skills.
Simeon
Simeon was known for their zealotry and passion for justice. However, they were also known for their violent behavior. The tribe of Simeon settled in the southern part of Canaan.
Levi
The tribe of Levi was responsible for serving in the temple and carrying out the religious rituals. They did not receive any land inheritance as their inheritance was the Lord. The most famous Levite was Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt.
Judah
Judah was the ancestor of King David and Jesus. The tribe of Judah settled in the southern part of Canaan and was responsible for leading the Israelites in battle. They were also known for their artistic and musical abilities.
Dan
The tribe of Dan settled in the northern part of Canaan and was known for their maritime skills. They also played a role in the apostasy of the Israelites by setting up a false altar in the city of Dan.
Naphtali
The tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern part of Canaan and was known for their skills in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Gad
The tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River and was known for their military skills. They helped conquer the land of Canaan and fought alongside the other tribes.
Asher
The tribe of Asher settled in the northern part of Canaan and was known for their skills in commerce and trade. They were also known for their expertise in the production of oil and wine.
Issachar
The tribe of Issachar settled in the northern part of Canaan and was known for their skills in agriculture. They were also known for their wisdom and were often consulted by the other tribes.
Zebulun
The tribe of Zebulun settled in the northern part of Canaan and was known for their skills in maritime trade. They were also known for their bravery in battle.
Joseph
The tribes of Joseph were the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually became the second-in-command in Egypt. The tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh settled in the land of Canaan and were known for their military skills.
Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin settled in the southern part of Canaan and was known for their bravery in battle. They were also known for their skills in archery. King Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin.
Conclusion
The 12 tribes of Israel were an important part of Jewish culture and history. Each tribe had a unique responsibility and role within the community. By understanding the responsibilities of each tribe, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse history of the Jewish people.
