Topical Bible: Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Blessed by Moses

◄ Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Blessed by Moses ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:9-11). The name "Gad" is associated with fortune or good luck, as Leah exclaimed, "How fortunate!" upon his birth. The tribe of Gad played a significant role in the history of Israel, particularly during the wilderness wanderings and the conquest of Canaan.

Territory and Settlement

The tribe of Gad settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land and suitability for livestock. This territory was part of the land conquered from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, which was allocated to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (Numbers 32:33). The land of Gad was characterized by its rich pastures, making it ideal for the tribe's large flocks and herds.

Military Prowess

The Gadites were renowned for their military strength and valor. In 1 Chronicles 12:8, they are described as "mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains." This reputation for bravery and skill in warfare was evident during the conquest of Canaan and in their support of King David during his reign.

Blessing by Moses

Before his death, Moses pronounced blessings upon the tribes of Israel. In Deuteronomy 33:20-21, he blessed the tribe of Gad, saying:

"Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain!
Gad dwells like a lion,
tearing at arm or head.
He chose the best land for himself,
because a ruler’s portion was reserved there.
He came with the heads of the people;
he carried out the LORD’s justice
and His ordinances for Israel."

Moses' blessing highlights Gad's strength and leadership, likening the tribe to a lion, a symbol of power and dominance. The reference to "enlarging Gad’s domain" suggests prosperity and expansion, while the mention of "carrying out the LORD’s justice" underscores the tribe's role in upholding divine law and order.

Role in Israel's History

Throughout Israel's history, the tribe of Gad maintained its identity and contributed to the nation's military and spiritual life. Their strategic location on the eastern frontier of Israel made them a buffer against potential invaders, and their warriors were often called upon to defend the nation.

The tribe's commitment to the covenant and their participation in the collective life of Israel reflect their integral role in the unfolding narrative of God's people. Despite the challenges of maintaining unity across the Jordan, the Gadites remained faithful to their heritage and responsibilities as one of the tribes of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 33:20
And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlarges Gad: he dwells as a lion, and tears the arm with the crown of the head.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The End of the War
... 9. And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh
returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm

On Genesis.
... Jordan, yet they (the men of that tribe) were enjoined ... Or perhaps he meant this,
that Gad's tribesmen were to ... Thence is he who strengthened Israel from the God ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

Doubtful Fragments on the Pentateuch.
... Then he taught it to the children of Israel, who also embraced it ... And Ephran delivered
it to Elul of the tribe Zebulon ... And Nathan delivered it to Gad the prophet ...
/.../doubtful fragments on the pentateuch.htm

Here Next Followeth the History of Moses
... Judah, Issachar, Zebulon, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher ... thirty-three thousand
of the children of Israel. ... thereof, and that of every tribe he should ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here next followeth the history.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... 17. "And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of
Manasseh returned, ... ... 18. "And they were to prove Israel by them, to know ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

Stones Crying Out
... And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh ...
set up because Israel remembered, but also lest Israel should forget. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/stones crying out.htm

The History of David
... to fight and to draw sword, and of the tribe of Judah ... Then came Gad to David and
bade him make an altar ... and said: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel that hath ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

Six Cities
... It was in Hebron David was anointed king over Israel. ... Fifth City"Ramoth. RAMOTH was
situated in Gilead, within the tribe of Gad, and somewhere near the ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... of Jerusalem on old territory of the tribe of Benjamin ... been worthy to bear the
honourable title sons of Israel. ... of Zilpah, the handmaid of Leah"Gad and Asher ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... prince which standeth for the children of thy people (Israel): and there ... Of the tribe
of Reuben, twelve thousand; [187] Of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm