The Dispensation of Promise spans from God’s covenant with Abraham to the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This period, foundational to biblical history, is marked by God’s faithfulness to His promises, particularly through Jacob’s descendants. Known as the twelve tribes of Israel, these descendants laid the groundwork for the nation God had promised. Their journey reflects God’s redemptive plan and His covenantal love for His chosen people.
Words: 1146 / Time to read: 6 minutes
Jacob’s Lineage and Journey to Egypt
Jacob, also called Israel, fathered twelve sons and one daughter. These sons became the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel, each tribe forming a critical part of Israel’s identity and history. Jacob’s family history was complex, filled with sibling rivalries, struggles among wives, and reconciliation. Yet, despite human failings, God’s providence and purpose prevailed.
A key moment in this dispensation was the relocation of Jacob’s family to Egypt during a severe famine. This move was made possible by Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh son, who had risen to prominence in Egypt after being sold into slavery by his brothers. Through God’s guidance, Joseph became Pharaoh’s second-in-command and successfully managed Egypt’s resources during the famine. This act not only saved countless lives but preserved the family of Jacob, ensuring the continuation of God’s covenant promises (Genesis 41:38–57).
Jacob’s family entered Egypt as seventy individuals (Genesis 46:27; Exodus 1:5). This number included sons, grandsons, and other key figures such as Dinah and Serah. Over the next 400 years, this small family grew into a mighty nation, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would become as numerous as the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:5; Exodus 1:7).
“But the Israelites were exceedingly fruitful; they multiplied greatly, increased in numbers, and became so numerous that the land was filled with them.” (Exodus 1:7)
Jacob’s Sons and Their Legacy
Reuben: The Firstborn
Reuben, Leah’s firstborn, had a troubled legacy. Though he was Jacob’s eldest, he forfeited his birthright due to an immoral act with Bilhah, his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22). His descendants—Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi—formed the tribe of Reuben, which later settled east of the Jordan River (Genesis 46:9). Despite its initial position, the tribe struggled to maintain prominence among the tribes of Israel.
“Reuben, you are my firstborn… unstable as water, you shall not excel.” (Genesis 49:3-4)
Simeon: A Violent Legacy
Simeon, Leah’s second son, is remembered for his role in the violent retaliation against Shechem after the violation of his sister Dinah (Genesis 34). His descendants included Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul (Genesis 46:10). By the time of the wilderness census, Simeon’s tribe had diminished in size, possibly reflecting divine judgment for their actions (Numbers 26:14).
Levi: The Priestly Tribe
Levi, Leah’s third son, also participated in the attack on Shechem. However, his descendants later gained great spiritual significance as the priestly tribe of Israel. Levi’s sons—Gershon, Kohath, and Merari—formed the basis of the Levitical clans. From Kohath came Amram, the father of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Exodus 6:16–20). Aaron’s line was set apart for the priesthood, serving in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.
“The Lord said to Aaron, ‘You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.’” (Numbers 18:20)
Judah: The Royal Line
Judah emerged as a leader among Jacob’s sons and became the forefather of Israel’s royal lineage. Through his union with Tamar, Judah fathered Perez and Zerah (Genesis 38:29–30). Perez’s line included Hezron and later King David, from whom Jesus Christ descended, fulfilling the prophecy that the scepter would not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:10; Matthew 1:2-3).
“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come.” (Genesis 49:10)
Other Children of Leah
Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah also played significant roles in Jacob’s family. Issachar fathered Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, and his tribe became known for agricultural strength (Genesis 46:13; Genesis 49:14-15). Zebulun, whose sons were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel, settled near the sea, fulfilling Jacob’s prophecy (Genesis 46:14; Genesis 49:13). Dinah’s story, though marked by tragedy, underscores the tensions between Jacob’s family and the surrounding Canaanites (Genesis 34).
Joseph and Benjamin: Rachel’s Sons
Joseph’s life exemplifies God’s providence. Sold into slavery by his brothers, he rose to power in Egypt and saved his family during the famine. His sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were adopted by Jacob as tribal founders (Genesis 48:5). Ephraim became one of the most prominent tribes, while Manasseh’s territory stretched on both sides of the Jordan River.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
Benjamin, Jacob’s youngest son, fathered ten sons, including Bela, Becher, and Ashbel (Genesis 46:21). Despite being the smallest tribe, Benjamin produced significant figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul.
Sons of Bilhah and Zilpah
Dan and Naphtali, sons of Bilhah (Rachel’s servant), and Gad and Asher, sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant), also became tribal patriarchs. Dan’s tribe became associated with migration and idolatry (Judges 18), while Naphtali’s descendants were praised as a “doe set free that bears beautiful fawns” (Genesis 49:21). Gad’s tribe was known for its warrior spirit, and Asher’s tribe was blessed with abundance and prosperity, described as providing “royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20).
Key Themes of the Dispensation of Promise
The Dispensation of Promise highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Through Jacob’s descendants, the foundation of the nation of Israel was established.
The Covenant Expanded
God’s promise to Abraham to make his descendants into a great nation began to take shape through Jacob’s sons. These twelve tribes became the backbone of Israel’s identity and history.
Migration and Multiplication
The famine that brought Jacob’s family to Egypt preserved their lives and allowed them to grow into a nation. Despite eventual oppression, God’s plan for Israel continued to unfold (Exodus 1:8-11).
Transition to the Law
This dispensation concludes with the birth of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt, marking the beginning of the Dispensation of the Law (Exodus 2:1-2).
“And God spoke to Moses, saying, ‘I am the Lord. I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.’” (Exodus 6:6)
A Visual Aid Displaying the Descendants of Jacob
Jacob (→ Leah) → Reuben → Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, Carmi
(Genesis 29:32; Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14)
Jacob (→ Leah) → Simeon → Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, Shaul
(Genesis 29:33; Genesis 46:10; Exodus 6:15)
Jacob (→ Leah) → Levi → Gershon, Kohath, Merari → Amram → Moses, Aaron, Miriam
(Genesis 29:34; Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16-20)
Jacob (→ Leah) → Judah → Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, Zerah → Hezron, Hamul
(Genesis 29:35; Genesis 46:12)
Jacob (→ Leah) → Issachar → Tola, Puah, Jashub, Shimron
(Genesis 30:18; Genesis 46:13)
Jacob (→ Leah) → Zebulun → Sered, Elon, Jahleel
(Genesis 30:20; Genesis 46:14)
Jacob (→ Leah) → Dinah
(Genesis 30:21; Genesis 34)
Jacob (→ Rachel) → Joseph → Ephraim, Manasseh
- Ephraim → Shuthelah, Beker, Tahan
- Manasseh → Machir, Asriel, Shechem, Others
(Genesis 30:24; Genesis 41:50-52; Numbers 26:29-36)
Jacob (→ Rachel) → Benjamin → Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, Ard
(Genesis 35:18; Genesis 46:21)
Jacob (→ Bilhah) → Dan → Hushim
(Genesis 30:6; Genesis 46:23)
Jacob (→ Bilhah) → Naphtali → Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, Shillem
(Genesis 30:8; Genesis 46:24)
Jacob (→ Zilpah) → Gad → Zephon, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, Areli
(Genesis 30:11; Genesis 46:16)Jacob (→ Zilpah) → Asher → Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, Serah
(Genesis 30:13; Genesis 46:17)
Jacob’s family was far from perfect, but God’s promises were unwavering. Through their struggles and triumphs, God was preparing a people for Himself, setting the stage for His redemptive plan in history.
“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:7)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
