What is the meaning of the Names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel
The Twelve Tribes of Israel are named after Jacob's sons (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin) and Joseph's sons (Manasseh and Ephraim), with each name carrying a meaning often tied to their mother's prayers or Jacob's experiences. For example, Reuben means "He has looked on me" or "Behold, a son", while Judah means "I will praise the Lord". These names reflect themes of divine observation, joy, loyalty, and struggle, symbolizing key aspects of the ancient Israelites' faith and identity.
Here are the meanings of the names of the Twelve Tribes:
Reuben: "He has looked on me" or "Behold, a son!" (Genesis 29:32)
Simeon: "God hears me" or "The Lord has heard me" (Genesis 29:33)
Levi: "Joined to me" or "Attached" (Genesis 29:34)
Judah: "I will praise the Lord" (Genesis 29:35)
Dan: "Judge" or "God has judged my case" (Genesis 30:6)
Naphtali: "My wrestling" or "Twisting" (Genesis 30:8)
Gad: "Good fortune" or "Good luck" (Genesis 30:11)
Asher: "Happy am I" or "Happy" (Genesis 30:13)
Issachar: "Purchased me" or "He has given me my wages" (Genesis 30:18)
Zebulun: "Dwelling" or "Exalted and honored" (Genesis 30:20)
Joseph: "God shall add to me" or "Will add to me" (Genesis 30:24)
Benjamin: "Son of His right hand" (Genesis 35:18)
The Land of Israel was divided among eleven of the twelve tribes, as the tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance but was given cities and pasturelands. The land was allotted by lot, with larger tribes receiving more land to match their size. Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh received territory east of the Jordan River, while the other nine-and-a-half tribes (Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, and Zebulun) settled in the land west of the Jordan.
Tribes with specific land assignments: Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasse: Received land east of the Jordan River. Ephraim and Manasseh (sons of Joseph): Received the portion of land that would have been allotted to Joseph. Judah: Was granted the hill country of Judea, between the towns of Beersheba, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. Simeon: Received territory in the semi-arid foothills of the Negev Desert. Issachar: Was allocated land in the Jezreel Valley. Asher, Zebulun and Napthali: Were given territory along the coast and extending inland to the Sea of Galilee. Benjamin: Received a more controversial allocation of territory. Dan: Received a challenging territory but was unable to fully drive out the Canaanites.
Special Cases: Levi: This tribe did not receive a land inheritance. Instead, they were given several cities and pasturelands throughout the territories of the other tribes.
The 1955 Twelve Tribes of Israel Collection
The Twelve Tribes of Israel Artwork Collection by Tino is created using the original mint postage stamps from 1955. Presented as individual Artworks and based on the original stamp designs. Tino has focussed on the Emblems of the Twelve Tribes for the Artworks to reflect that the names of the tribes, refer to the allotment of land of each tribe in biblical terms, of around 1200 – 1050 BC. Tino retains the copyright for his Stamp Artworks, while giving much credit to the country of Israel for their wonderful production and designs in their postal stamp issues.
There are ‘12’ Artworks to choose from in Limited Edition Prints of 250 for each sign. All prints come with a certificate of authenticity including a printing of the original stamp used in each artwork from the 1955 Twelve Tribes of Israel postal issue.
In Israel, postage stamps are generally owned by the State of Israel, and their copyright is determined by the Israeli copyright statute. Works owned by the State, where no special agreement with the author exists, become public domain on January 1 of the 51st year after their creation. Therefore, only stamps created more than 50 years ago are in the public domain. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Copyright_rules_by_territory/Israel
Other Artistic Representations:
Famous artists who created notable works representing the twelve tribes of Israel include
Marc Chagall, known for his stained-glass windows at the Hadassah Medical Center Synagogue, and Salvador Dalí, who produced a series of watercolors and serigraphs on the same theme. Other artists such as Lesley Friedmann, Anna Maszalkowska, and Alex Levin have also created their own interpretations of the Twelve Tribes of Israel through various artistic mediums.
Marc Chagall
Work: The Twelve Tribes of Israel stained glass windows.
Description: Chagall was commissioned to create a set of 12 stained glass windows for the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Centre in Jerusalem. Each window represents one of the tribes, and the designs later formed the basis for a series of lithographs.
Salvador Dalí
Work: A series of watercolors and serigraphs titled The Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Description: Dalí was inspired by the biblical theme and created his own distinctive interpretations for each tribe.
Other Artists
Lesley Friedmann: Created preliminary drawings and a full series of paintings based on the tribes.
Anna Maszalkowska: Developed her own series of graphic art and photography on the theme.
Alex Levin: A contemporary artist known for his paintings on Jewish themes, including the Twelve Tribes.
The 1955 Twelve Tribes of Israel Collection
