Why were there 12 tribes of Israel?

The story of the twelve tribes begins when Jacob and his family went down to Egypt as "70 souls" In Egypt "the Israelites were fertile and prolific; they multiplied and increased very greatly," and there they became the "Israelite people. read more

Twelves appear throughout the Bible in various ways. There were not only twelve tribes of Israel, but 12 of Ishmael. The first words spoken by Jesus in scripture were recorded when He was twelve years old. Bible numerology is a fascinating study. Many patterns appear which are not apparent to the casual reader. read more

Judah, to the south, included Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin. The other tribes combined to make the kingdom of Israel in the north. Israel was destroyed by the Assyrians, and most of the Israelites were either killed or deported; the Israelites who remained most likely integrated with the kingdom of Judah. read more

Gadites were the Marines of the 12 tribes of Israel. They were fierce, athletic, and skillful on the battle field. They played lead roles in the conquest of Sihon and Og, then led the Israelites across the Jordan to Jericho and into Canaan . The Tribe of Asher: The tribe of Asher proved to be a tribe of contradictions. read more