Seven Tribes of Israel
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Seven Tribes of Israel" is not a standard biblical term, as the Bible traditionally speaks of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. However, the number seven holds significant symbolic meaning throughout Scripture, often representing completeness or divine perfection. In the context of the tribes, the number seven may arise in discussions of specific groupings or allocations of land during the conquest of Canaan.

Biblical Context

The tribes of Israel are named after the sons and grandsons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. These tribes formed the nation of Israel and were each allocated specific territories in the Promised Land. The primary biblical account of the division of the land among the tribes is found in the Book of Joshua.

Joshua and the Division of the Land

In the Book of Joshua, the land of Canaan is divided among the tribes of Israel. Joshua 18:1-10 describes the process by which the remaining seven tribes received their inheritance after the initial allotments to Judah, Ephraim, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The seven tribes mentioned in this context are Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan.

Joshua 18:2-3 states: "But there were still seven tribes of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. So Joshua said to the Israelites, 'How long will you put off entering and taking possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?'"

Significance of the Number Seven

The number seven is often associated with divine order and completion in the Bible. It is seen in the seven days of creation, the seven feasts of Israel, and the seven churches in Revelation. In the context of the tribes, the number seven may symbolize the completion of the distribution of the land, ensuring that all the tribes received their God-ordained inheritance.

Tribal Allotments

1. Benjamin: Situated between Judah and Joseph, the tribe of Benjamin received a territory that included the city of Jerusalem, which later became the political and spiritual center of Israel.

2. Simeon: Initially, Simeon's inheritance was within the territory of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:1-9. This arrangement reflects the prophecy of Jacob in Genesis 49:7, where Simeon and Levi are scattered in Israel.

3. Zebulun: Located in the northern part of Israel, Zebulun's territory was strategically positioned between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee, facilitating trade and interaction with other nations.

4. Issachar: Known for its fertile land, Issachar's territory was in the Jezreel Valley, an area conducive to agriculture and prosperity.

5. Asher: Positioned along the Mediterranean coast, Asher's land was rich in resources, including olive oil, as noted in Deuteronomy 33:24.

6. Naphtali: Situated in the northern region, Naphtali's territory included the area around the Sea of Galilee, known for its beauty and abundance.

7. Dan: Originally allocated land in the central coastal region, the tribe of Dan later migrated to the northern part of Israel, as recounted in Judges 18.

Historical and Theological Implications

The allocation of land to the seven tribes underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. Each tribe's inheritance was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and sovereignty. The distribution also highlights the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel, as each tribe contributed unique strengths and characteristics to the whole.

The seven tribes' eventual settlement in their respective territories marked a significant phase in Israel's history, transitioning from a nomadic existence to a settled nation. This period set the stage for the subsequent challenges and triumphs faced by the Israelites as they sought to live in accordance with God's covenant.
Subtopics

Seven

Seven Churches

Seven Spirits

Seven Stars

Seven: Days: Dedication of the Temple Lasted Double

Seven: Days: Defilements Lasted For

Seven: Days: Ezekiel Sits by the Chebar River in Astonishment For

Seven: Days: Fasts of

Seven: Days: Mourning for Jacob Lasted For

Seven: Days: Noah in the Ark Before the Great Flood For

Seven: Days: Noah Remains in the Ark After Sending Forth the Dove For

Seven: Days: Paul Stays at Puteoli For

Seven: Days: Paul Waits at Tyre For

Seven: Days: Saul Directed by Samuel to Stay at Gilgal Awaiting the Prophet's Command For

Seven: Days: The Consecration of Priests and Altars Lasted For

Seven: Days: The Elders of Jabesh-Gilead Ask for a Truce of

Seven: Days: The Feast of Ahasuerus Continued For

Seven: Days: The Feast of Tabernacles Lasted For

Seven: Days: The Firstborn of Flocks and Sheep Must Remain With Their Mothers, Before Being offered

Seven: Days: The Israelites Encircled Jericho For

Seven: Days: The Passover Lasted For

Seven: Days: The Plague of Bloody Waters in Egypt Lasted For

Seven: Days: The Sympathy for Job by Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar For

Seven: Days: Week Consists of

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens of Liberality

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens of Many Sons

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens of the Ceremonially Clean Creatures Taken Into Noah's Ark

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Abraham Gives Abimelech Seven Lambs

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Elisha's Servant Looked Seven Times for the Appearance of Rain

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Naaman Was Required to Wash in the Jordan River Seven Times

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Rams and Bullocks to the Number of, Required in Sarifices

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Angels With Seven Plagues

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Angels With Seven Trumpets

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Chamberlains at the Court of Ahasuerus

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Congregations in Asia

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Counsellors at the Court of Artaxerxes

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Cows and Seven Ears of Grain in Pharaoh's Vision

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Eyes of the Lord

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Golden Lampstands

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Golden Vials

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Heads and Seven Crowns

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Horns and Seven Eyes

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Kings

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Lamps and Pipes

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Magi (Wise Men)

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Maidens Given to Esther

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Plagues

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Princes

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Seals

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Servants (Greek: Diakonoi) in the Jerusalem Congregations

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Shepherds to be Sent Forth Against Assyria

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Spirits

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Stars

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Thunders

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Seven Women Will Seek a Polyandrous Marriage

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Silver Was Purified Seven Times

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Heat of Nebuchadnezzars Furnace Was Intensified Sevenfold

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Light of the Sun Was Intensified Sevenfold

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Scarlet-Colored Beast Having Seven Heads

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Seven Steps in the Temple Seen in Ezekiel's Vision

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Sprinkling of Blood Seven Times

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Sprinkling of Oil Seven Times

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: The Threatened Punishment of Israel Was Sevenfold

Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Worshiping Seven Times a Day

Seven: Months: Holy Convocations in the Seventh Month

Seven: The Israelites Surrounded Jericho Seven Times, and on the Seventh Day Sounding Seven Trumpets

Seven: Weeks in Daniel's Vision Concerning the Coming of the Messiah For

Seven: Weeks: Ten Times For

Seven: Weeks: The Period Between the Passover Feast and the Feast of Pentecost

Seven: Years of Abundance For

Seven: Years: A Famine Lasted in Canaan For

Seven: Years: A Famine Lasted in Egypt For

Seven: Years: Jacob Serves for Each of his Wives For

Seven: Years: Seven Times, the Period Between the Jubilees

Seven: Years: The Insanity of Nebuchadnezzar For

Related Terms

Jabesh (21 Occurrences)

Week (18 Occurrences)

Enclosed (16 Occurrences)

Citadel (20 Occurrences)

Susa (20 Occurrences)

Seveneh (2 Occurrences)

Surrender (18 Occurrences)

Lord's (548 Occurrences)

Capital (29 Occurrences)

Time (7245 Occurrences)

Shushan (19 Occurrences)

Lasting (40 Occurrences)

Least (76 Occurrences)

Seven (404 Occurrences)

Borders (104 Occurrences)

Garden (68 Occurrences)

Completed (109 Occurrences)

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)

Court (172 Occurrences)

Territory (140 Occurrences)

Day (17670 Occurrences)

Seven Torches of Fire
Top of Page
Top of Page