Gad

Seventh son of Jacob, first son through Zilpah, Leah’s servant. Ancestor of the tribe of Gad.

Name

Leah named him Gad, meaning “good fortune” or “a troop,” saying “Good fortune has come!” (Genesis 30:11).

Jacob’s Blessing

In Genesis 49:19, Jacob blessed Gad with a military prophecy: “Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels.”

Tribe

The tribe of Gad settled east of the Jordan River, along with Reuben and half of Manasseh. They were known as fierce warriors who helped their brothers conquer Canaan before returning to their own territory.