The 12 tribes of Israel

Hello. I can’t find any detailed studies on the 12 tribes except what’s in the bible. What happened to the 12 tribes? Why did God have each tribe assigned around the tabernacle?

Shalom!

Thank you for writing.

This website is primarily for questions in Jewish ritual law. Questions on Scripture/Tanach are also welcomed, however, it appears that you are looking for extensive commentary and discussion.

However, here are some points of interest that might be of use to you:  

1.        There were actually 13 Tribes because the tribe of Joseph separated into two distinct tribes “Ephraim” and “Menashe” who were Joseph’s sons. 

2.        It is also worth noting that the tribe of “Levi” is not always counted among the tribes because they were not allotted their own territory in the Land of Israel which is why it appears as if there are only 12 tribes. 

3.        After King Solomon died, 10 of the 12 tribes formed their own country in the North. The southern tribes consisted of Levi, Benjamin, and Yehuda, and they had Jerusalem and the Holy Temple. (1 Kings 12) 

4.        The northern kingdom of the ten Tribes was “lost” when they were conquered by Assyria. The Assyrians exiled and assimilated populations as a deterrent against rebellion. Hence, the10 tribes were lost. 

5.        The prophet Isaiah (27:13) tell us that, “It will come to pass on that day that a great shofar will be blown and those who were lost in the land of Assyria will come, and those who were dispersed in the land of Egypt, and they shall worship Hashem on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.”  (Though see the Talmud, Sanhedrin 110 for a discussion on this point) 

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)