Bible Figure
Gad
biblical character, seventh son of Jacob
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, the first son born to him by Leah's servant Zilpah, and ancestor of the tribe of Gad.
Biography
Genesis 30 records Leah giving Zilpah to Jacob after Leah had temporarily ceased bearing children. Zilpah bore Gad, whose name is associated with good fortune. Gad later went with Jacob's household to Egypt. Jacob's final words describe Gad in terms of raiders and eventual victory, while Moses' blessing praises Gad's enlarged territory and martial strength. The tribe settled east of the Jordan after promising to help the other tribes conquer Canaan.
Biblical Significance
Gad is significant as one of Jacob's sons and patriarch of a tribe whose Transjordan location and military obligations became important in Israel's settlement history.