Zilpah was a maidservant given to Leah by her father Laban when Leah married Jacob (Genesis 29:24). She became one of Jacob's concubines and bore him two sons, Gad and Asher, who became the progenitors of two of the tribes of Israel. The children of Zilpah are significant in the narrative of the twelve tribes of Israel, each of which played a unique role in the history and development of the nation of Israel.

Gad

Gad was 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.

The tribe of Gad settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in a region known for its fertile land suitable for livestock. This tribe was known for its valor and military prowess. In the blessing of Jacob, Gad is described as a warrior: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels" (Genesis 49:19). Moses also blessed the tribe of Gad, highlighting their role in securing the land: "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad’s domain! Gad dwells like a lion, tearing at arm or head" (Deuteronomy 33:20).

Asher

Asher was 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" means "happy" or "blessed," reflecting Leah's joy and the anticipated favor upon him.

The tribe of Asher settled in the western part of the land of Canaan, along the Mediterranean coast. This region was known for its rich soil and abundance of olive oil, which became a significant part of Asher's prosperity. Jacob's blessing for Asher emphasized abundance: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king" (Genesis 49:20). Moses also blessed Asher, highlighting the tribe's prosperity and strength: "Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days" (Deuteronomy 33:24-25).

Role in Israel's History

The children of Zilpah, through the tribes of Gad and Asher, contributed to the formation and identity of the nation of Israel. Each tribe had its distinct characteristics and roles, as seen in the blessings of Jacob and Moses. Gad's military strength and Asher's prosperity were integral to the survival and success of the Israelites in the Promised Land. The legacy of Zilpah's children is woven into the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the unfolding account of the people of Israel.