As the history of the Hebrews unfolds, many references are made to the descendants of Jacob, also called Israel, who gave their names to "the twelve tribes of Israel" (Gen. 49:28); and it is of interest to note their characteristics as outlined in Jacob's astute and final evaluation of the qualities and fortunes of his sons.
Jacob himself was born in Canaan but soon went northward to Haran in Padanaram, largely to escape the wrath of his brother, Esau; and in Haran eleven of his sons and his one daughter, Dinah, were born. Benjamin, however, the twelfth and youngest son, was born near Bethlehem, in what was later named Judah.
Leah, less favored by her husband than Rachel, was the mother of seven of his progeny: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as well as of Dinah (see Gen. 29:32-35; 30:18-21). Bilhah bore Dan and Naphtali, and Zilpah bore Gad and Asher (see Gen. 30:6-13); while Joseph and Benjamin were the children of Rachel.
