THE 12 SONS & 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL

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The Israelites are descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29) after wrestling all night with an angel. God told Israel, "I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply. A nation, indeed an assembly of nations, will stem from you, and kings will issue from your loins. The land I gave to Abraham (Jacob's grandfather) and Isaac (Jacob's father) I will give to you; and to your descendants after you I will give the land."

In order of their birth, listed below are the Twelve Sons of Jacob:

In Canonical order, listed below are Holy Scripture references for the "Twelve Tribes of Israel:"

Genesis 49:28, Exodus 24:4,  Exodus 28:21, Exodus 39:14, 1 Kings 18:31, Ezekiel 47:13, Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:30, Acts 26:7, James 1:1, Revelation 21:12.

In Canonical order, listed below are Holy Scripture references for the Twelve Tribes of Israel, to include their individual names:

Genesis 46:8-27, Genesis 46:26, Genesis 49:1-27, Exodus 1:1-5, Numbers 1:5-15, Numbers 1:20-46, Numbers 2:1-32, Numbers 7:1-89, Numbers 10:11-28, Numbers 13:1-15, Numbers 26:5-50, Numbers 34:18-29, Deuteronomy 27:12-13, Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Joshua 13:15-33, Joshua 21:1-8, Judges 5:14-22, 1 Chronicles 2:1-2, 1 Chronicles 12:24-38, 1 Chronicles 27:16-22, Ezekiel 48:1-35, Revelation 7:1-8.

There is a difference between the 12 Sons of Israel and the 12 Tribes of Israel. When the tribes inherited the Promised Land (Genesis 12:1-7),  the descendants of Levi were not enrolled. Instead, God placed the Levites in charge of the priestly duties of the Tabernacle of the Covenant (Numbers 1:47-54). Additionally, Joseph's inheritance was given to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Accordingly, the arrangement of the 12 Tribes of Israel found in Numbers 2:1-34 is listed below.