Reuben

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him the progenitor of the tribe of Reuben. His birth is recorded in Genesis 29:32, where Leah names him Reuben, meaning "See, a son," expressing her hope that Jacob would now love her. Despite his status as the firstborn, Reuben's actions led to a loss of his preeminent position. In Genesis 35:22, Reuben committed a grave sin by sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine, which resulted in Jacob's disapproval and the loss of his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4).

The tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River, choosing the fertile lands suitable for their livestock. Numbers 32:1-5 describes their request to Moses to settle in the land of Gilead, which was granted on the condition that they assist in the conquest of Canaan. The tribe of Reuben played a role in Israel's history, though they are often noted for their instability and lack of significant leadership, as reflected in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49.

Gad

Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the firstborn of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. His name, meaning "good fortune" or "troop," is given in Genesis 30:9-11. The tribe of Gad, like Reuben, chose to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. Numbers 32:1-5 records their request to Moses, alongside the Reubenites, to inhabit the land of Gilead due to its suitability for their large herds.

The tribe of Gad was known for its valor and military prowess. In 1 Chronicles 12:8, the Gadites are described as "mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains." This reputation for strength and bravery was a defining characteristic of the tribe.

Manasseh

Manasseh was the firstborn son of Joseph and Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On. His name, meaning "causing to forget," reflects Joseph's sentiment of forgetting his hardships in Egypt (Genesis 41:51). The tribe of Manasseh was unique in that it was divided into two half-tribes, with one half settling on the east side of the Jordan River and the other in Canaan.

The eastern half-tribe of Manasseh joined Reuben and Gad in requesting land on the east side of the Jordan, as recorded in Numbers 32. This territory included the region of Bashan, known for its rich pastures. The western half-tribe settled in central Canaan, receiving a significant portion of land.

Manasseh's legacy is marked by both faithfulness and idolatry. The tribe produced notable leaders, such as Gideon, who delivered Israel from Midianite oppression (Judges 6-8). However, they also struggled with idolatry, as seen in the account of King Manasseh of Judah, who led the nation into sin (2 Kings 21:1-18). Despite these challenges, the tribe of Manasseh played a crucial role in the history of Israel, contributing to both its spiritual and military endeavors.