THE 12 SONS & 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL

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The Israelites are descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29) after wrestling all night with an angel. God told Israel, "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed an assembly of nations, will stem from you, and kings will issue from your loins. The land I gave to Abraham (Jacob's grandfather) and Isaac (Jacob's father) I will give to you; and to your descendants after you I will give the land."

In order of their birth, listed below are the Twelve Sons of Jacob:

In Canonical order, listed below are Holy Scripture references for the "Twelve Tribes of Israel:"

Genesis 49:28, Exodus 24:4,  Exodus 28:21, Exodus 39:14, 1 Kings 18:31, Ezekiel 47:13, Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:30, Acts 26:7, James 1:1, Revelation 21:12.

In Canonical order, listed below are Holy Scripture references for the Twelve Tribes of Israel, to include their individual names:

Genesis 46:8-27, Genesis 46:26, Genesis 49:1-27, Exodus 1:1-5, Numbers 1:5-15, Numbers 1:20-46, Numbers 2:1-32, Numbers 7:1-89, Numbers 10:11-28, Numbers 13:1-15, Numbers 26:5-50, Numbers 34:18-29, Deuteronomy 27:12-13, Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Joshua 13:15-33, Joshua 21:1-8, Judges 5:14-22, 1 Chronicles 2:1-2, 1 Chronicles 12:24-38, 1 Chronicles 27:16-22, Ezekiel 48:1-35, Revelation 7:1-8.

There is a difference between the 12 Sons of Israel and the 12 Tribes of Israel. When the tribes inherited the Promised Land (Genesis 12:1-7),  the descendants of Levi were not enrolled. Instead, God placed the Levites in charge of the priestly duties of the Tabernacle of the Covenant (Numbers 1:47-54). Additionally, Joseph's inheritance was given to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Accordingly, the arrangement of the 12 Tribes of Israel found in Numbers 2:1-34 is listed below.

DISOBEDIENCE TURNS

11 DAY JOURNEY INTO 40 YEARS OF WANDERING

(Circa 1277 BC) After the Exodus, instead of entering into the Promised Land of Canaan, the 12 Tribes of Israel were made to wander the wilderness for 40 years (Numbers 32:13) on a journey that should have only taken 11 days. This was punishment from God for their sins against Him. Although God was not pleased with His children, He still provided for them, as they wanted for little during this trial (Deuteronomy 2:7). God provided them with fresh manna each day, did not allow their clothing to fall in tatters and kept their sandals intact on their feet (Deuteronomy 8:3-4, Deuteronomy 29:4, Nehemiah 9:21).

ENTRANCE INTO THE PROMISED LAND

(Circa 1237 BC) After the generation of Israelites who were delivered from slavery had died- except for Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 32:10-12, Deuteronomy 1:34-38)- God lifted the spirit of confusion from the Tribes. Moses was 120 years old at this time, yet still full of zeal and vigor. He was not allowed into Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:27, 32:48-52, 34:1-4) due to his previous disobedience to the Lord (Numbers 20:7-12). So it was Joshua who led them into the Promised Land. Seven years later, the land of Canaan was divided by lot among the children of Israel (Joshua 14).

DISOBEDIENCE OF KING SOLOMON

LEADS TO ISRAEL BEING TORN APART

King Solomon, the third ruler of the United Kingdom of Israel (following Saul and David), is generally accepted as a wise man who faithfully served the LORD. However, it was his actions against God that led to the tearing apart of the Twelve Tribes, which were subsequently conquered by adversaries raised up by the LORD. For supportive Holy Scripture reference, please explore 1 Kings 11:1-43.

(Circa 938 BC- 916 BC) Subsequent to the death of King Solomon, Israel was split into two regions. The Northern Kingdom of Israel included the Tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Ephraim, Manasseh, Dan, Asher and Naphtali.  The Southern Kingdom of Judah included only the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin. This fulfilled what God had said would happen. For supportive Holy Scripture references, please explore 1 Kings 11:31-32 and 1 Kings 12:20-21.

NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL CONQUERED

DUE TO DISOBEDIENCE

(Circa 722 BC) After years of continued sinning against the LORD- worshiping idols, doing evil things that provoked the LORD, adopting unlawful practices, etc- the Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians. Her inhabitants were killed or deported; some migrated to the Kingdom of Judah. For supportive Holy Scripture reference, please explore 2 Kings 17:1-41.

SOUTHERN KINGDOM OF JUDAH CONQUERED

DUE TO DISOBEDIENCE

(Circa 587 BC) In large part, continued disobedience to God led to the Kingdom of Judah being overrun and conquered, along with Solomon's Temple, by the Babylonians. For supportive Holy Scripture reference, please explore 2 Kings 18:1- 25:30 and Jeremiah 52:1-34.