Bible Question: Angel, So you believe there are 13 tribes? Wouldn't that mess up other indications in the Bible that there are only 12 tribes? |
Bible Answer: Hi, Chusarcik! It is not what I believe it is what Scripture tells us: The Twelve Tribes of Israel are named after the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel)... however, the tribe of Levi would not inherit (possess) any of the promised land and they were separated by God to care for all matters of worship and temple/tent duties... this would mean that there would be a distribution of land and labor among 11 not twelve tribes... the name of Joseph was temporary removed and the names of Jeseph's two children (Ephraim and Manesseh) replaced Joseph's name (again there are twelve names for the twelve tribes of Israel)... In the book of Revelation (chapter 7) we find that Ephraim has been replaced by Joseph (remember that Ephraim though the youngest of the two brothers was blessed by Jacob with the first-born blessinngs--the line of succession continues!)... however, this change alone would not keep the number of trives at twelve... there is the omission of Dan and the reinstatement of Levi which makes the number twelve the magic number for the Twelve Tribes of Israel... If you require additional information (Biblical passages) please feel free to ask for them. God Bless! Angel |