SYMBOLS OF TWELVE TRIBES: GAD

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Symbols Of Twelve Tribes

a) The Symbols of the Tribes are often depicted in Synagogues. The Book of Numbers tells us that each Tribe had its characteristic symbol used in its encampment.

Numbers 2:2  

2 “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. 

2. Gad

a) Gad is depicted by a row of tents representing a camp of soldiers (Genesis 49:19). The name “Gad” is cognate with “Gedud” i.e. a band of warriors. Gad can also be shown by a "Gedi" i.e. a kid goat or sheep, or by a dog. 

Genesis 49:19  
19 “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
But he shall triumph at last.