In the biblical narrative, Zilpah is introduced as one of the two maidservants given to Jacob by his wives, Leah and Rachel. Zilpah was Leah's maidservant, and she played a significant role in the expansion of Jacob's family, which would eventually become the twelve tribes of Israel. The sons of Zilpah are Gad and Asher, who are considered two of the patriarchs of the tribes of Israel.

Gad

Gad is the first son of Zilpah and the seventh son of Jacob. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:9-11: "When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her maidservant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. And Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, 'How fortunate!' So she named him Gad." The name "Gad" is associated with fortune or good luck, reflecting Leah's sentiment at his birth.

Gad's descendants formed the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Gad settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land suitable for livestock. This location was chosen because of the tribe's large flocks and herds, as described in Numbers 32:1-5. The tribe of Gad played a crucial role in the military campaigns during the conquest of Canaan, as they were known for their valor and strength in battle (1 Chronicles 12:8).

Asher

Asher is the second son of Zilpah and the eighth son of Jacob. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:12-13: "When Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, Leah said, 'How happy I am! For the women will call me happy.' So she named him Asher." The name "Asher" is associated with happiness and blessing, reflecting Leah's joy and the anticipated favor from others.

The tribe of Asher, descended from Asher, settled in the western part of the land of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. This region was known for its rich soil and abundant resources, contributing to the prosperity of the tribe. Asher's territory included some of the most fertile land in Israel, which is highlighted in the blessing of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24: "About Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.'"

The sons of Zilpah, Gad and Asher, are integral to the account of Israel's formation and development. Their tribes contributed to the diversity and strength of the nation, each bringing unique characteristics and blessings to the collective identity of the Israelites.