Twelve Tribes of Israel

The Twelve Tribes of Israel are the ancestral divisions of the ancient Israelites, stemming from the twelve sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Each tribe represents a distinct lineage and territory in ancient Israel, playing a significant role in the history and culture of the Jewish people. The tribes include Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (which is often split into Ephraim and Manasseh), and Benjamin. These tribes contributed to the social, political, and religious identity of the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land.