Topical Bible: Gad: A Tribe of Israel in the Plains of Moab

◄ Gad: A Tribe of Israel in the Plains of Moab ►

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, born to 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 period of the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan.

Territory and Settlement

The tribe of Gad was allocated land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region known as the Plains of Moab. This territory was well-suited for their needs, as it was fertile and ideal for their large herds of cattle. The land extended from the northern part of the Dead Sea to the southern part of the Sea of Galilee, encompassing the region of Gilead. Numbers 32:1-5 describes the request of the Gadites, along with the Reubenites, to settle in this area: "The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock."

Military Role and Characteristics

The tribe of Gad was known for its military prowess and valor. In 1 Chronicles 12:8, the Gadites are described as "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." This martial reputation was crucial during the conquest of Canaan and in defending their territory from surrounding enemies.

Spiritual and Historical Significance

The tribe of Gad, like the other tribes, was part of the covenant community of Israel, bound by the laws and commandments given by God through Moses. They participated in the religious life of the nation, including the observance of the feasts and sacrifices. The tribe's commitment to the covenant is evident in their willingness to assist their fellow Israelites in the conquest of Canaan, as recorded in Numbers 32:16-27. They pledged to cross the Jordan and fight alongside the other tribes until the land was secured.

Prophetic Blessings

Jacob's blessing over Gad in Genesis 49:19 foretold both conflict and victory: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will raid at their heels." This prophecy highlights the tribe's resilience and ability to overcome adversaries. Similarly, Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:20-21 emphasizes Gad's strength and leadership: "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells like a lion, tearing at arm or head."

Role in the United Kingdom and Beyond

During the period of the united monarchy under Saul, David, and Solomon, the tribe of Gad continued to play a vital role in the military and political affairs of the nation. They supported David during his reign, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:14-15, where the Gadites are listed among David's mighty warriors.

In the later history of Israel, the tribe of Gad, along with the other tribes east of the Jordan, faced challenges from external enemies and internal strife. Despite these challenges, the legacy of Gad as a tribe of strength and loyalty to the covenant remains a significant part of Israel's history.

Conclusion

The tribe of Gad, with its strategic location and martial prowess, contributed significantly to the history and development of the nation of Israel. Their account is a testament to the faithfulness and resilience of God's people in fulfilling their covenantal responsibilities and securing their inheritance in the Promised Land.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:15-18
The children of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites: of Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the family of the Shunites:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Numbers
... the reality fell pitifully short of this fair ideal, for Israel at once ... land east
of the Jordan was allotted to Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

The Pentateuch.
... The third epoch begins with the second arrival of Israel at Kadesh, and ... region beyond
Jordan to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Six Cities
... It was in Hebron David was anointed king over Israel. ... in Gilead, within the tribe
of Gad, and somewhere ... GOLAN was situated in Bashan, in the tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... extreme outpost of the children of Israel: these families ... the Jordan at the time
that Gad and Reuben ... the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... do not represent the main body of the tribe, established in ... Lukhuti must not be sought
in the plains of the ... of Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.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

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... they came in time to form a tribe by themselves ... as that of the avenger destined to
punish Israel for its ... lost much of their superiority on the plains, and could ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... The plains produced barley and
wheat in enormous quantities ... THE DEAD SEA AND THE MOUNTAINS OF MOAB, SEEN FKOM ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm