Gad

Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, the first son born to Zilpah, Leah's servant (Genesis 30:9–11). His name is associated with the Hebrew word for 'fortune' or 'luck,' reflecting Leah's exclamation 'Good fortune has come!' (Genesis 30:11). Jacob's blessing characterizes Gad as a warrior: 'Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels' (Genesis 49:19). The tribe of Gad settled east of the Jordan River in the fertile region of Gilead, having requested this territory because of its suitability for their large flocks (Numbers 32:1–5). The tribe was frequently in conflict with Ammonites and Arameans and was among the northern tribes deported by Tiglath-pileser III of Assyria.