The Genesis Men, Jacob & Sons, Twelve Tribes

By tjjohnson

This book series is aimed to help people with their Bible study, either personal or in a study group. It is the fourth and final book of the Genesis Men Bible Study series and concentrates on the twelve sons of Jacob. These twelve sons become known as the Tribes of Israel. Rather than an extensive history of the tribes, these pages offer an introduction and summary of their lives as they travel to their promised land. Every chapter has a short introduction and follows with questions to help you review and retain information youve read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 8, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546206934

tjjohnson

TJ Johnson is a Californian retiree who loves writing and teaching about the Bible. Even after thirty-plus years of reading and studying the Bible (eighteen years as a teacher; twenty-three as a writer), she is yet amazed at how much more there is still to learn. And as she discovers new revelations, she is anxious to teach them to whomever is ready to learn more. Shes hoping you will investigate her teaching style displayed in her books. Of her six books, three are Bible studies and three are Bible review in puzzle format. TJ has written for her church newsletter, and Christian Education Bible Study classes, the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., neighborhood newspapers, personal interviews, family history tree, family websites, and editing for various people. Advanced education and/or Seminary study has taken a back seat as Ms. Johnson concentrates on finishing the books she started writing in 2004.

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© 2018 tjjohnson. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  03/07/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0694-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0693-4 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Unless otherwise indicated, Biblical information taken from The King James Version of the Holy Bible, copyright ©1988 by Liberty University.

My Sincere Appreciation

To Friends and Family and Associates

Who Offered Encouragement,

Valuable Feedback,

And Suggestions

That

Intensified My Thoughts

And

Enhanced This Book’s Content

And Presentation.

Edited by:

Pamela Gohlke

Michael Johnson

Jo Linda Johnson

In Searching to Know Thyself,

Thou Must Know Thy History;

So, Thou Can Absorb

That Where Thou Art Treading,

Thine Ancestors Have Already Trod.

                                    tjjohnson

~ Contents ~

Foreword ~

Introduction ~

Jacob / Israel ~

Lesson 1;   The ForeFathers

Genesis 12, 13, 15, 17, 21-35; LORD, Lord, and God; The Covenant, Chosen Participants; Promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Lesson 2; Prelude To The Kingdom

Various Genesis; Jacob’s Sons, Wives, and Concubines

Lesson 3; Reuben, Part I

Various Genesis and Deuteronomy; Firstborn Expectations and Firstborn Opportunities; Firstborn Mistakes and Firstborn Penalties

Lesson 4; Reuben, Part II

Various Genesis and Exodus; Journey to Buy Food; Egyptian Governor’s Demanding Negotiation; Tabernacle and Family Protection; Invasion of Priesthood Privileges; Choice Land Selections

Lesson 5; Simeon

Various Genesis, Numbers, and Joshua; A Ruthless Reputation; The Shechem Massacre; A Hostage in Egypt; Tabernacle Protection

Lesson 6; Levi, Part I

Various Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Numbers; Expectation of birth; Participation in Shechem Carnage; Moses as Leader; Selective Services; Original Sons

Lesson 7; Levi, Part II

Various Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Job, and Hebrew; God’s Charge to Moses; Priests Before Levites; Levites As Priests; Priesthood Responsibilities; High Priests

Lesson 8; Judah, Part I

Genesis 29:35-49:12; Son of Praise and Promise; Role as Negotiator for Joseph and Benjamin; Judah and Tamar; Firstborn Blessings; Destined to Lead Brothers; Associated with Scepter—Kingship, Messiahship

Lesson 9; Judah, Part II

Genesis 29:35-49:12; Incredible Expectations; Tabernacle Camp Position; Tabernacle Significance; Moses’ Blessings; Jacob’s Blessings

Lesson 10; Dan, Part I

Various Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus; Son of Bilhah; Fulfills Rachel’s Craving for a Son; Judge or Guardian; Blessings

Lesson 11; Dan, Part II

Various Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, and Leviticus; Historical Data; Last to Inherit in Land of Promise—Shared with Judah; Tribal Exclusions; Forbidden Graven Images; Rear Guard Assignment; Sealed Servant?

Lesson 12; Naphtali, Gad, & Asher

Various Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua; Sons of Bilhah and Zilpah; Naphtali and Struggles; Gad Associated with Fortune; Asher Brought Blessings and Happiness; Tabernacle Protection Assignments; Distribution of Land

Lesson 13; Joseph, Part I

Genesis 30:22-50:26; A Son Added; Rachel Fully Justified as Mother; Much Loved Son—Much Despised Brother; Dreamer and Informant; In Egypt; In Prison; In Pharaoh’s Favor

Lesson 14; Joseph, Part II

Genesis 30:22-50:26; Interpreter of Dreams; Governor in Egypt; Second Commander to Pharaoh; Marriage to Egyptian; Father of Two Sons; Preparation for Famine; Brothers Come for Food; Tears and Forgiveness

Lesson 15; Joseph, Part III

Various Genesis and Exodus; Joseph’s Family Move to Egypt; Covenant is Re-confirmed to Jacob; Israel, the Man; Israel the People; Jacob Adopts sons of Joseph; Joseph Receives Double Portion, and Blessings of Firstborn; Joseph’s Bones Carried out of Egypt with Exodus

Lesson 16; Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin

Various Genesis and Deuteronomy; Issachar and Issue of Mandrakes; A Reward or Recompense; Two Burdens and Lover of Tents; Zebulun, A Sixth Son and A Good Dowry; A Port for Ships; Benoni to Benjamin; Son of Jacob’s Old Age, and Right Hand; A Bargaining Plus for Joseph; Blessings of Moses and Jacob; Tribal Numbers and Protective Positions; Israel, Out of Egypt

Lesson 17; Dig Deep, Aim High

Various Scripture; Challenge questions to guide you to a greater knowledge of the Tribes, and an understanding of how their lives impacted history.

~ Reference Tables & Maps ~

Abraham, Isaac, Esau

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

Abram, Ishmael, Isaac

Adam to Noah

Begin Reference Tables

Dukes of Esau, Kings of Edom, Dukes of Seir

Ishmael & Sons, Abraham & Keturah

Lot, Bethuel, Laban, Leah, Rachel

Map: Canaan Before Israel:

Map: Joshua Divides Land to Israel’s Tribes

Noah, Ham (II), Japheth (III), & Descendants

Puzzle Answers; Blessings for Twelve Sons

Puzzle Answers; Father of the Tribes, Early Years

Shem (I) & Descendants

For ease in following tables:

Shem labeled (I)

Ham labeled (II)

Japheth labeled (III

~ FOREWORD ~

T his is the fourth and final book of The Genesis Men Bible Study Series which concentrates on the sons of Jacob, one of a trio of forefathers mentioned throughout the Bible. First, Abraham; then Isaac; and then Jacob, the father of twelve sons destined to become the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and later—the nation of Israel.

R ather than an extensive history of the tribes, you will find these pages a limited summary. Everything concerning the Israeli tribes cannot possibly be covered in this book. A great deal of the Old Testament centers around the tribes and their history. Several chapters outline their migration, and the subsequent commands from the LORD who arranged their release from Egypt. These guidelines were meant to direct their everyday lives, encouraging them to be faithful to their God, to live accordingly, and set an example for others to embrace.

W hen Israel departed Egypt, God fought the Egyptian warriors, and parted the Red Sea—Reed Sea. ¹ The Tribes had many battles ahead of them in order to live in the land which God told their forefathers was theirs to take. They had to fight to take possession when they reached Canaan, and they had to fight to keep possession and remain in their land. They won battles when they followed God’s commands; they lost battles when they ignored God’s commands. Their fight continues to this day, even after centuries have past.

T he primary aim of this writing is to capture highlights of each tribe, especially their tribal heroes and the influence on their era. Hopefully, the lesson questions will inspire curiosity beyond obvious information and prompt examination of cross references. Coordination of segmented information helps frame a better understanding of the story being told.

T hese studies are designed for individual or group. Group study may require splitting chapters to fit into a particular time period. A few lessons may be completed in an hour; others may require longer. My belief is that time, discussion, and understanding are paramount considerations in any Bible study. I’m sure you will structure adaptation to your unique needs.

~ INTRODUCTION ~

T he history and activity of the tribes of Israel continue throughout the Bible, although covered in depth in the Old Testament. Moses tells their story during his time of leadership from Egypt to their inheritance—the land of Canaan, according to God’s promises. Before Moses, there was Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (Gen 13:12, 14-17:18; 48:2-4; 1Chr 16:18; Ps 105:6-11).

G od chose Moses as a leader of His special people, guiding Moses in everything he did, including the history that he recorded. That was the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, and the Jewish written law. God was insistent and detailed in training Moses, and Moses was careful to lead Israel accordingly. (Ex 17:14; 33:19; 34:1; 34:27; Deu 17:18; 27:3, 8; 31:19).

A fter the books of Moses, comes Joshua, the prophets, and kings, (Is 30:8; Jer 30:2; 36:2; Ez 43:11; Hab 2:2). In the New Testament are the scribes and apostles. The following references offer some insight and verification: (Jhn 1:45; Acts 25:26; 1Cor 4:14; 2Cor 1:13 & 9:1; Gal 1:20; Phil 3:1; Heb 8:10; 2Pet 3:1; 1Jo 2:1; 1Jo 2:7; Jud 1:3; Revelation (Rev) 1:11, 19; Rev 2:1, 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 12, 14; 14:13; 19:9, 21:5).

W hy did God choose Israel, and not another nation? There are many things that are not intended for us to know, at the present. So much so that according to John there is not enough space in the Bible, nor in the entire world, to write about them all. God gave us the answers He wanted us to know; all other things are considered His to know. As for Israel, Jehovah God chose whomever He would chose. His decision. His plan. (John 21:25; Deu 29:29; Ex 6:7; Lev 26:12; Jer 7:23; Dan 2:22).

D uring their lifetime, both Jacob and Moses spoke blessings into the lives of each tribal leader. These coveted words were traditionally given when a father—or leader in the case of Moses—was about to join his ancestors. Jacob blessed his sons,