The 12 Tribes of Israel

According to Biblical tradition, the 12 Tribes of Israel are descended from the 12 sons of the Patriarch Jacob. Jacob had 12 sons through his 2 wives, Leah and Rachel, and his 2 concubines, Bilhah and Zilpah. Jacob also had at least one daughter, who we know as Dina.

Jacob's sons with Leah were: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar and Zebulun. Leah was also Dina's mother.

His sons with Rachel were: Joseph and Benjamin.

His sons with Bilhah were: Dan and Naphtali.

His sons with Zilpah were: Gad and Asher.

After the Exodus from Egypt, the families of these 12 sons had congregated into clans, or tribes. The 12 Tribes of Israel refer to the descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Later, when the Israelites entered into the Promised Land, Joshua divided the land into portions with each tribe getting a portion. Joseph was Jacob's favorite son. His descendants received a double portion, and his tribe was divided into 2 tribes named after his two sons ~ Ephraim and Manassah. The tribe of Levi became a priestly class and did not receive a portion of land.

The tribes are named for each of the sons. The Land of Israel was divided as follows:

Eastern Portion:
Judah
Issachar
Zebulun

Southern Portion:
Reuben
Simeon
Gad

Western Portion:
Ephraim
Manesseh
Benjamin

Northern Portion:
Dan
Asher
Naphtali