(1425–1325 BC)
Jacob called himself Israel after his father Isaac was instructed by God 88
Joe IsaaC gauthIer
to do so. Below are the twelve tribes of Israel who supported Jacob and the expeditions to his kinship with God. These tribes also helped Moses in his journey into the wilderness away from the pharaoh. These tribes are the pre-Davidic and Hellenistic bloodlines found later in ancient Greece and Rome. Many followers and supporters of Alexander the Great were Hellenistic Jews. These roots trace into Egypt, Africa, and the very beginnings of man….which is why Numbers is so important in dating genealogy from this time period.
Jacob was going to be murdered by his brother Esau, who wanted to kill him and take the throne for himself. As Isaac was dying, Jacob deceived his father and stole a blessing from Esau. Jacob fled somewhere in the kingdom or on the outskirts of the area to avoid the wrath of Esau.
I’m sure he was not alone and had quite a force with him. Since the kingdom was divided, Jacob fled and eventually returned with an army to face his brother in a potential battle. They later made peace and united again the tribes of Israel.
Since there was division among the people of Israel after the death of Isaac, many enemies laid siege to the people of Israel. Their influence began to dwindle along with their military power. This may have been a key factor in Esau and Jacob making peace with each other, since both of their powers were failing and an alliance was essential for survival.
Jacob helped fortify the kingdom of Israel and extended Abraham’s empire for a time period. He came under attack from multiple kings and princes on several occasions and his people were severely weakened. Shortly after this, Egypt crushed the Israeli forces and invaded and enslaved the Jewish people under the rule of Ramses II. This occurred after the fall of the Pharaoh Akhenaton and the death of his son. Ramses I later held rule of Egypt and declared war with all surrounding cultures. This led to a new era of slavery and the eventual rise of Moses.