a tribe of israel crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "a tribe of israel crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GAD: One of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Jacob's son Gad. Often appears in puzzles due to its short length.
DAN: A prominent tribe descended from Jacob's son Dan, known for its connection to Samson. Another common short answer.
5 Letters
ASHER: Another of the twelve tribes, named after Jacob's son Asher, often associated with prosperity and rich land.
JUDAH: The most prominent southern tribe, from which King David and ultimately Jesus descended, symbolizing kingship and leadership.
8 Letters
BENJAMIN: The youngest of Jacob's sons, whose tribe was known for its fierce warriors and archers, located south of the central tribes.
More About "a tribe of israel crossword clue"
The "tribes of Israel" refer to the twelve patriarchal lineages descended from the sons of Jacob (also known as Israel) in the Hebrew Bible. These tribes collectively formed the ancient Israelite nation and, after their exodus from Egypt, settled in specific territories in the Land of Canaan. Each tribe had its own distinct identity, history, and often, specific roles or characteristics within the broader Israelite society.
While the initial count is twelve, the precise list of tribes can vary slightly depending on the biblical context. For instance, the priestly tribe of Levi often did not receive a territorial inheritance, and Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were sometimes counted as two distinct tribes, maintaining the total of twelve land-inheriting entities. Understanding these nuances can be key to solving related crossword clues, as different names might be acceptable based on the puzzle's specific context or desired length.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This clue, "a tribe of israel," can have answers ranging from 3 letters (GAD, DAN) to 8 letters (BENJAMIN) or even longer.
- Recall Common Names: Some tribes appear more frequently in crosswords due to their shorter names or historical significance, such as JUDAH, DAN, or GAD.
- Contextual Clues: Sometimes the clue might provide additional context, like "A northern tribe of Israel" or "Samson's tribe," which can narrow down the possibilities.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from other solved clues to confirm your answer for "a tribe of israel." This is a fundamental crossword strategy.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tribes of Israel were there?
Traditionally, there were twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's twelve sons. Sometimes the tribe of Levi, which served as priests, is counted separately, and Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, form two distinct tribes, maintaining the count of twelve land-inheriting tribes.
What is the origin of the term 'tribes of Israel'?
The 'tribes of Israel' refers to the patriarchal lineage descending from the twelve sons of Jacob (also known as Israel), forming the ancient Israelite nation. Each son became the progenitor of a distinct tribal group that settled in specific territories.
Are all tribes still identifiable today?
While the tribes of Judah and Benjamin are generally considered identifiable (forming the basis of modern Jewry), the 'ten lost tribes' of the Northern Kingdom of Israel were dispersed after the Assyrian conquest. They are largely considered to be assimilated or unidentifiable as distinct tribal entities today, though various groups claim descent.