Gad

Seventh son of Jacob and first son through Zilpah, Leah’s servant, ancestor of the tribe of Gad. Leah named him “Gad” (meaning “good fortune” or “a troop”), saying “Good fortune has come!” (Genesis 30:11). Jacob’s blessing promised a military future: “Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels” (Genesis 49:19). The tribe of Gad settled east of the Jordan River alongside Reuben and half of Manasseh, becoming fierce warriors who helped their brothers conquer Canaan before returning to their own territory (Numbers 32).