Reference: Tribes Of Israel
Hastings
The number of the tribes of Israel varied at different periods. The number 12 is an artificial one, as is seen from its application to the descendants of Ishmael (Ge 17:20; 25:13-15), of Nahor (Ge 22:20-24), and of Esau (Ge 36:15-19,40-43). Simeon and Levi were 'divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel' (Ge 49:7) when the tribe of Benjamin arose, so that at that time there would be not 12 but only 11 tribes. Reuben, likewise, in the period of the kings, was an insignificant remnant, and, though mentioned in 1Ch 5:26 as still existing in 734, had apparently become disintegrated long before. As Stade (VI Geschichte des Volkes Israel i. 146) correctly remarks, several of the largest tribes
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And as for Ishmael, I've heard you. I'll bless him, and he'll have many descendants. I will multiply him greatly, he'll father twelve tribal leaders, and I'll cause his descendants to become a great nation.
Now after these things somebody told Abraham, "Look, Milcah has given birth to sons for your brother Nahor. Uz is his firstborn, Buz is his brother, and Kemuel is the father of Aram, read more. Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel." Bethuel fathered Rebekah. Milcah bore these eight sons to Nahor, Abraham's brother. Also, his concubine Reumah gave birth to Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.
Here's a list of the names of Ishmael's sons, recorded by their names and descendants: Nebaioth was the firstborn, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, read more. Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.
Later, they set out from Beth-el. While still a long way from Ephrathah, Rachel started to have trouble giving birth. While she was suffering due to her difficult labor, the midwife told her, "Don't fear! You're going to have another son." read more. Just before she died, Rachel called her son's name Ben-oni, but his father Jacob named him Benjamin. So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrathah, also known as Bethlehem. Jacob erected a pillar over her grave, and that pillar stands over Rachel's grave to this day.
These were the tribal leaders of Esau's descendants; that is, the children of Eliphaz, who was Esau's firstborn: tribal leaders Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, Korah, Gatam, and Amalek. These were the tribal leaders who descended from Eliphaz in the territory of Edom. These were Adah's sons. read more. These were the descendants of Esau's son Reuel: tribal leaders Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the tribal leaders who descended from Reuel in the territory of Edom. These were the sons of Esau's wife Basemath. These were the descendants of Esau's wife Oholibamah: tribal leaders Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These tribal leaders descended from Esau's wife Oholibamah, Anah's daughter. These were the descendants of Esau (also known as Edom) and their tribal leaders.
These were the names of the chiefs who descended from Esau according to their clans, territories, and names: tribal leaders Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, read more. Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, Magdiel, and Iram. These were the chiefs who descended from Edom, according to their territories in their own land. This was the dynasty of Esau, who was the ancestor of the Edomites.
Their anger is cursed, because it is so fierce, as is their vehemence, because it is so cruel. I will separate them throughout Jacob's territory and disperse them throughout Israel."
Sometime after Joshua had died, the Israelis asked the LORD, "Who is to lead us against the Canaanites in our opening attack against them?"
Then the army of the tribe of Joseph attacked Bethel, and the LORD was with them.
Solomon also appointed twelve governors over all of Israel, each of whom were responsible for providing one month's food provisions to the king and to his administration during each year.
Here is a record of the descendants of Reuben, Israel's firstborn. (He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's marriage bed, his birthright was transferred to the descendants of Israel's son Joseph. As a result, Reuben is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright. Even though Judah became prominent among his relatives that is, the Commander-in-chief will be his descendant nevertheless the right of the firstborn went to Joseph.)
So the God of Israel incited King Pul of Assyria (also known as King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria), who took them prisoner and brought the descendants of Reuben, the descendants of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the Gozan River, where they remain to this day.