What do Tribal Names Tell us?
The forefathers of the Israelite Nation were Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The name of Jacob was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:28, 35:10).
Jacob had 4 wives each of which bore him sons.
The sons of Leah; Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun
The sons of Rachel; Joseph and Benjamin (Jacob's last-born)
The sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan and Naphtali
The sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad and Asher.
12 Tribes or 13?
Levi was to be spread out among the other Tribes and so is not always counted when the Tribes are listed. Joseph had two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who could be counted as separate Tribes in their own right. When Levi was not counted, Ephraim and Manasseh would be listed each as separate Tribes.
If Levi was counted then Ephraim and Manasseh would be counted not as two Tribes but together as the one Tribe of Joseph.
In this way a quorum of 12 Tribes is kept even though technically there were 13 Tribes.
The different Tribes of Israel represent different lineages of Hebrews. Each Tribe had its own individual Tribal Characteristics.
Each one of us has aspects of all of the Tribes within us though some are more dominant than others.
If you have the personality of one of the Tribes then the chances are that you may be descended from that Tribe.
For the present we are going to go through the Hebrew meanings of the names of each Tribe and see what we can learn from it. This will be done in the light of additional information that we have from other sources.
More complete explanations will be given in future talks.
Reuben:
Literally "See-a-Son," Reuben was the firstborn. The name assumes entitlement as something that should be obvious, "Look-at-me," automatic prerogative without earning it. Reuben believes in deference to rank, and in logical deductions. He instinctively thinks there is a right way of doing things, of principles that everyone should abide by.
Simeon
"Hear my Grievance." Simeon made good teachers of children, also beggars, and policemen. Once something is said others need to listen. Teachers of little children need to obey first, psychology is to be applied (if at all) later. The law needs to be obeyed. Those who have more money than others should give some to those who lack. Simeon may be officious.
Levi
"Accompany." Levi has a need for community. He is inclined search for the other side, for something beyond ourselves i.e. the Spiritual. Levi seeks company and direction. Descendants of Levi make good musicians, rabbis, legislators, lawyers, teachers, policemen, politicians.
The Tribe of Levi consists of Cohens (Priests), and ordinary Levites, as well as "Children of Moses."
Judah
"Give thanks, acknowledge." Judah is obsessed with God, or with a substitute for HIM. Religious Jews are capable of praying sincerely for long hours. Not everyone can do this.
Judah tends to acknowledges the truth. In case of disagreement he can usually be talked to, and reasoned with.
Issachar
"Reward." Descendants of Issachar wants remuneration in some form or other for what they do. Commensurately they are also prepared to pay for what they receive. Issachar seeks to add value to services and objects.
Zebulon
"Fertile Abode." Zebulon likes creature comforts. He appreciates bodily needs, and easy living BUT is prepared to make an effort and take risks. Zebulon does not like giving to others when it can be avoided but he is able to give a lot when he sees the need for it.
Joseph
"Addition, increase." Joseph seeks the good of all. He believes in progress, of correcting what needs dealing with.
Sons of Joseph:
Ephraim
"Fruitful, doubling over." An individual from Ephraim was an "Ephrati" which name also connotes an aristocrat. Ephraim believes in hierarchy. He may be snobbish. If necessary Ephraim fights for his rights and for those of others..
Manasseh
"Forget, add to, appoint representative agent who is responsible." Manasseh is concerned with the present reality. He is quick to let bygones be bygones and make a new start. Manasseh prefers clear-cut processes agreed upon in advance that will adhered to. He likes "the Deal"!
"Machir" Son of Manasseh
Machir has a name connoting "Selling," the principle of capitalism. Anything can be bought. Money has value and can be used to value everything else. Manasseh may be very generous but is frequnetly aware of the worth of everything he deals with.
Benjamin
"Son of my right hand," Benjamin may be left-handed or ambidexterous. Benjamin tents to be Artistic and Emotional. Benjamin is impulsive but loyal. He does what needs to be done.
Dan
"Judgement." San may be legalistic, quibbling, argumentative, individualistic. Dan believes in the law and in equity. He examines the details.
Naphtali
"Wrestle, twine around." Naphtali struggles through life. He does not give up easily, may be devious, Naphtali has few companions but those he has are close ones. Individuals from Naphtali make good spouses.
Gad
"Group." Gad likes being with people. He seeks crowds, company, and prefers group decisions. Gad tries not to stand out. He seeks not to commit but to remain obscure among the group.
Asher
"Happy." Asher is smiling, friendly, healthy, often wealthy. He may be permissive. At times Asher seems superficial but he is capable of understanding matters to their depth. "Asher" in Hebrew can also indicates "depth."