In the Beginning
The story of the twelve tribes of Israel begins with a man named Jacob. Jacob was the grandson of Abraham, to whom Yahweh made a special promise. God told Abraham that his family would grow into a great nation and receive a land of their own. Jacob also had an important place in this promise. He had a twin brother named Esau, and although they often struggled with one another, God had a plan for Jacob’s life. One night Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching up to heaven with angels moving up and down. In the dream, God promised Jacob that the land he was lying on would one day belong to his family. When Jacob woke up, he named that place Bethel, meaning “House of God.”
Jacob’s Family Grows
Jacob later traveled to live with his uncle Laban, where he worked for many years. He married Leah and Rachel, along with Bilhah and Zilpah. Through them, Jacob became the father of twelve sons. These sons later became the leaders of the 12 tribes of Israel. God even gave Jacob a new name, Israel, which means “he wrestles with God.” From that time on, Jacob’s large family became known as the children of Israel.
Teach your children about Jacob and his family with our Twelve Tribes of Israel Activity Book.
The Twelve Sons and Their Tribes
Each of Jacob’s sons became the head of a tribe. Reuben was the oldest, though he lost some of his privileges because of a poor choice. Simeon was known for his strong but sometimes uncontrolled anger. Levi’s descendants became priests who served God, so they did not receive land like the other tribes. Judah became one of the most important tribes, and later kings such as David came from his descendants. Dan lived in the northern regions, while Naphtali was described as swift and energetic. Gad’s tribe was known for courage in battle, and Asher received land rich in good food. Issachar’s tribe became hardworking farmers, and Zebulun lived near the sea. Joseph became a leader in Egypt, and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each became a tribe in his place. Benjamin, the youngest, was known for his loyalty and bravery.
Slavery in the Land of Egypt
The Israelites' journey was not always easy. Jacob’s older sons grew jealous of Joseph and sold him into slavery in the land of Egypt. Years later, a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing the family to travel to Egypt to buy grain. By then, Joseph had become the second most powerful leader after Pharaoh (the king of Egypt), and was able to help them. The Israelites stayed in Egypt and grew into a large population, but eventually a new pharaoh forced them into slavery. They worked long hours building cities under harsh conditions.
Yahweh heard their suffering and sent a man named Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Through the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God freed the Israelites from slavery. This great escape is known as the Exodus. While traveling through the wilderness, the Israelites needed guidance. At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, which taught important rules such as honoring parents, telling the truth, and respecting others. These laws (known as the Torah) were part of a covenant, a sacred agreement between God and His people, Israel.
Wandering in the Wilderness
Because the Israelites often struggled to trust Yahweh, they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. During this time, God cared for them by providing manna and quail for food and water from rocks. When Moses died, Joshua became the new leader. He guided the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the land God had promised to Abraham’s family. Joshua helped conquer cities such as Jericho, where the walls fell after the Israelites marched and shouted as God commanded.
Dividing the Promised Land
After the Israelites conquered the land, it was divided among the tribes. Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh settled east of the Jordan River. Judah received land in the south, while Ephraim and the other half of Manasseh lived in the central region. Benjamin’s territory lay close to Judah. Simeon’s land was located within Judah’s borders. Zebulun and Issachar lived in fertile northern valleys. Asher settled along the northern coast, and Naphtali lived near lakes and hills. Dan first settled in the west but later moved north. The tribe of Levi did not receive a region of land because they served as priests and were given towns throughout the nation.
Learn more about the Twelve Tribes of Israel in our Twelve Tribes of Israel Activity Book.
