Topical Bible: Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Wealth of, in Cattle, and Spoils

◄ Gad: A Tribe of Israel: Wealth of, in Cattle, and Spoils ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

The tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is notable for its wealth, particularly in cattle and spoils. This tribe descended from Gad, the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's maidservant (Genesis 30:9-11). The tribe's inheritance was located on the east side of the Jordan River, a region well-suited for livestock due to its fertile pastures and abundant resources.

Wealth in Cattle

The tribe of Gad, along with Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested to settle in the land of Gilead because it was ideal for their large herds and flocks. Numbers 32:1 states, "Now the Reubenites and Gadites had very large herds and flocks, and they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock." This request was granted by Moses on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22).

The land of Gilead, rich in pastures, allowed the tribe of Gad to thrive in livestock farming. Their wealth in cattle is a testament to the prosperity and abundance that God provided for them in this region. The tribe's ability to sustain large herds indicates not only their economic strength but also their strategic importance in the defense and sustenance of the nation of Israel.

Wealth in Spoils

The tribe of Gad was also known for its valor and prowess in battle, which contributed to their wealth in spoils. The Gadites were described as mighty warriors, skilled in combat and equipped for war. In 1 Chronicles 12:8 , it is written, "Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the wilderness. They were mighty men of valor, 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."

Their military capabilities enabled them to secure victories and acquire spoils from their conquests. The spoils of war, including livestock, goods, and other valuables, added to the tribe's wealth and resources. The Gadites' reputation as fierce warriors ensured their continued success in defending their territory and expanding their wealth through military endeavors.

The tribe of Gad's wealth in cattle and spoils reflects their industrious nature and God's provision for them. Their strategic location, combined with their martial skills, allowed them to prosper and play a significant role in the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 22:8
And he spoke to them, saying, Return with much riches to your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 32:1
Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... not represent the main body of the tribe, established in ... fertile fields of its valley,
whose wealth was so ... of Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... beyond the Jordan at the time that Gad and Reuben ... of the captivity of the land."*
The tribe of Dan ... showed itself the most bellicose of the tribes of Israel. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... the chase and by the
rearing of cattle; but the ... dug the Nar-Khammurabi, the source of wealth to the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the prevailing tradition in the kingdom of Israel, the latter ... Each nation, each tribe,
each city, worshipped its own ... Hermon, who was an ally of Gad, goddess of ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm