The Names of the 12 tribes
| Tribe | Meaning | Tribe Significance/Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Reuben | “Behold, a son” | Represents acknowledging divine judgment and the importance of Yah’s will in our lives. |
| Simeon | “One who hears” | Signifies listening and hearing Yah’s voice, and the calling to follow His commands. |
| Levi | “Joined” or “Attached” | Symbolizes being joined to Yah’s family and covenant, emphasizing union with the Creator. |
| Judah | “Praise” | Reflects the importance of worship and praise in acknowledging Yah’s sovereignty and faithfulness. |
| Dan | “Judge” | Represents judgment and discerning truth, often pointing to the responsibility of leadership. |
| Naphtali | “My struggle” or “Wrestling” | Highlights the spiritual struggle and wrestling with our own nature, seeking Yah’s victory. |
| Gad | “Fortune” or “Troop” | Reflects the blessings and abundance Yah provides as a result of His grace and providence. |
| Asher | “Happy” or “Blessed” | Signifies the joy that comes from following Yah and being blessed in our obedience. |
| Issachar | “There is recompense” or “Reward” | Represents wisdom, understanding, and the reward that comes from fulfilling divine purpose. |
| Zebulun | “Dwelling” or “Honorable” | Reflects the calling to occupy and work for Yah’s kingdom, engaging in purposeful action. |
| Joseph | “He will add” | Symbolizes increase, fruitfulness, and the blessings Yah bestows in response to faithfulness. |
| Benjamin | “Son of the right hand” | Represents being in a position of favor, strength, and support from Yah’s right hand. |
How Joseph is Like Yeshua
| Characteristic | Joseph | Yeshua |
|---|---|---|
| Miraculous Birth | Born to Rachel, a miraculous birth in the family | Born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit |
| Obedient to Fathers/Business | Obedient to Jacob, was about his father’s business | Obedient to God the Father, was about His Father’s business |
| Purity | No sin written about him | No sin written about Him |
| Sent to Check on Brothers | Sent by Jacob to check on his brothers | Sent by God to the 12 tribes of Israel |
| Rejected by Brothers | Rejected by his brothers (Joseph’s brothers sold him) | Rejected by His people (the Jews) |
| Conspiracy to Kill | Judah conspires to sell him for 20 pieces of silver | Judas betrays Him for 30 pieces of silver |
| Went Peacefully, Did Not Fight | Went peacefully, did not resist | Went peacefully, did not resist |
| Blood Shed, Clothes Torn | Blood shed (sold into slavery), clothes torn (coat) | Blood shed on the cross, clothes torn during the crucifixion |
| Prepared a Place for Family | Went to Egypt to prepare for a famine | Went to Heaven to prepare a place for His followers |
| Garments Left Behind | Coat of many colors (symbol of royalty) left behind | Shroud left behind (after crucifixion) |
| Falsely Accused | Falsely accused of wrongdoing (by Potiphar’s wife) | Falsely accused and convicted (by religious leaders) |
| Dreams Fulfilled | Joseph’s dreams were fulfilled (his brothers bowing) | Yeshua’s life fulfilled prophetic dreams and scriptures |
| Coat of Colors as Royalty | Coat represented royal favor from his father | Yeshua represented the “King of Kings” despite earthly rejection |
| Brings Unity to the Family | Brings reconciliation to his family (after famine) | Brings reconciliation to the family of Israel and the world |
| Families Help After Sin Conviction | Brothers did not help until they were convicted of their sin | Disciples and people help after recognizing their sin |
| Beaten, Stripped, Persecuted | Beaten and persecuted for his faithfulness | Beaten and persecuted for the sake of humanity |
| By His Wounds We Are Healed | Joseph’s suffering led to saving his family | By Yeshua’s wounds, we are spiritually healed |
| Tempted to Sin but Rejected It | Tempted by Potiphar’s wife, rejected sin | Tempted by Satan in the desert, rejected sin |
| Innocent but Suffered | Joseph was innocent but suffered unjustly | Yeshua was innocent but suffered unjustly |
| Saved Family Through Suffering | His suffering ultimately saved his family | His suffering saved humanity |
| Not Recognized Until the Right Time | His brothers did not recognize him until later | People did not recognize Him until after His resurrection |
| Went Before the King | Went before Pharaoh and interpreted dreams | Went before Pilate and did not defend Himself |
| Right Hand of the King/Father | Right hand of Pharaoh, second in command | Right hand of God the Father, supreme authority |
| Loved by Father More than Others | Loved more by Jacob (his father) than his brothers | Loved by God the Father more than all others (Matthew 3) |
| Forgives Those Who Wronged Him | Forgives his brothers and provides for them | Forgives those who crucified Him |
| Restores Family | Reunites with his brothers and saves them | Restores the relationship between God and humanity |
| Slow to Anger | Slow to anger, shows mercy towards his brothers | Slow to anger, shows mercy to those who wronged Him |
| Servant Leadership | A servant leader in Egypt | A servant leader in His ministry |
| Elevated Above Others | Elevated to a high position in Egypt | Elevated to the right hand of God |
| Baker, Butler (Thief on Cross) | Interpreted the dreams of the baker and butler | One thief was saved, the other condemned to eternal death |
| Bread of Life | Prepared food (bread) during famine | Yeshua is the Bread of Life (spiritual sustenance) |
| Reunited Israel After Division | United Israel by saving them from famine | Unites the people of Israel and the world in salvation |
| Shocking Revelation | His brothers were shocked to see him as the second-in-command | Christians will be shocked when Yeshua reveals Himself at His return |
| Went to Egypt | Fled to Egypt to escape danger | Went to Egypt with His family to escape Herod’s decree |
| Spoke for the Father | Represented and spoke for Pharaoh | Represented and spoke for God the Father |
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