Gad was the firstborn of Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, and seventh son of Jacob overall. Jacob's blessing (Genesis 49:19) is a warrior's couplet: "Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels." Moses' blessing adds (Deuteronomy 33:20–21): "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad!... He chose the best of the land for himself, for there a commander's portion was reserved."
Along with Reuben and half of Manasseh, the tribe of Gad chose to settle east of the Jordan on the fertile pasturelands taken from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og (Numbers 32). The Gadites were a cattle-heavy tribe and Gilead — rolling highlands east of the Jordan — suited their flocks. Moses approved their request on condition they cross armed with their brothers to complete the conquest.
Two of the most prominent figures from Gad were both warriors. Yiftach (Jephthah) was a Gileadite expelled by his half-brothers but called back to lead Gilead against Ammon (Judges 11). His vow and what followed with his daughter constitute one of the most debated passages in the book of Judges. Elijah (Eliyahu ha-Navi) was a Tishbite from Tishbe in Gilead — the heart of Gad's territory (1 Kings 17:1). His confrontation with the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, his flight to Horeb, and his translation in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11) make him one of the most dramatic figures in all of Nevi'im.
"Raiders shall raid Gad, but he shall raid at their heels." (Genesis 49:19)
Moses adds: "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad! Gad crouches like a lion; he tears off arm and scalp. He chose the best of the land for himself, for there a commander's portion was reserved." (Deuteronomy 33:20–21)
