The tribes of Israel originated from the twelve sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel by God (Genesis 32:28). These sons became the heads of the twelve tribes, which formed the nation of Israel. The sons of Jacob are listed in Genesis 35:23–26, with the tribes typically descending from each.
However, when the tribes are listed for territorial inheritance, the tribe of Levi is often excluded from land allotments because their inheritance was the priesthood and the service of the tabernacle (Numbers 18:20–24). To maintain the number twelve, Joseph’s two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each received a portion, as Jacob had adopted them as his own (Genesis 48:5).
The twelve tribes are:
Reuben
Simeon
Levi (often excluded from land inheritance)
Judah
Dan
Naphtali
Gad
Asher
Issachar
Zebulun
Joseph (divided into Ephraim and Manasseh)
Benjamin
These tribes settled in various regions of the Promised Land, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. Each tribe had its own territory, leadership, and responsibilities, though all were part of one covenant nation under God.
Throughout Israel’s history, the unity of the tribes fluctuated. After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom split into the northern kingdom (Israel, often led by Ephraim) and the southern kingdom (Judah, led by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin).
In the New Testament, the tribes are still acknowledged. Jesus spoke of the apostles judging the twelve tribes (Matthew 19:28). Paul identified himself as from the tribe of Benjamin (Romans 11:1), and James addressed his epistle “to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (James 1:1).
In Revelation 7, twelve thousand from each of twelve tribes are sealed, showing that God’s covenant purposes with Israel remain intact.
The tribes of Israel show God’s sovereign design in forming a people for Himself, fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
