Messiah and the Tribes of Israel
The meaning of the Hebrew names of the sons of Jacob (Genesis 29 and 30)
Sons of Leah
- Reuben רְאוּבֵן “Look A Son” (is born to me)
- Simeon שִׁמְעוֹן “One Who Hears”
- Levi לֵוִי “Being Attached” “Joined”
- Judah יְהוּדָה “Praise” (be to God)
- Issachar יִשָּׂשכָר (He is my) “Reward/recompense”
- Zebulun זְבֻלוּן (He is my) “Honor”
Sons of Bilhah
- Dan דָּן “To Vindicate/Judge” (he has judged me)
- Naphtali נַפְתָּלִי (He is) “My Struggle”
Sons of Zilpah
- Gad גָּד “Good Fortune” or “troop, company”
- Asher אָשֵׁר (He makes me) “Happy”
Sons of Rachel
- Joseph יוֹסֵף “May He Add” (another son) – (God has) “taken away” (my disgrace)
- Benjamin בִּנְיָמִין “Son Of My Right Hand”
Each of the names illustrate a different aspect of the Messiah Jesus Christ:
See the son (Reuben), hear him (Simeon), be attached or joined to him (Levi), and praise him (Judah).
He brings the reward (Issachar) and is our honor (Zebulon).
He adss / gives increase and takes the shame/disgrace away (Joseph).
He is the son of Gods right hand (Benjamin), the judge (Dan) and warrior (Naphtali)
who provides happiness (Gad) and joy (Asher).
