The Birthright, The Scepter and “What-About-Me?” Brothers

Let’s Start From The Top

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been hopping between books like a squirrel with commitment issues. Then, I stumbled upon something that sent me spiraling down a theological rabbit hole: the Scepter Promise and the Birthright Promise—two key elements of God’s covenant with Abraham, each serving a distinct purpose.

The Birthright Promise (think: wealth, land, and national greatness) was passed down to Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Meanwhile, the Scepter Promise (royalty, rulership, and, ultimately, the Messianic lineage) was reserved for the tribe of Judah.

Naturally, my next thought was: “Wait… what did the other brothers get?” Because let’s be real, if you grew up in Sunday school, you probably learned all 12 names at some point—maybe even through a catchy (but now forgotten) song. Yet, aside from Joseph’s technicolor drama and Judah’s claim to the throne, the rest of the brothers fade into the background like extras in a biblical epic.

So, I did some digging. And, folks, the results did not disappoint.

The Twelve Sons Of Jacob: A Breakdown

1. Reuben – The Firstborn Who Fumbled the Bag

Reuben started strong. Firstborn privilege, Dad’s pride and joy… until he made the wild decision to sleep with his father’s concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Bold? Yes. Smart? Absolutely not.

Jacob’s reaction? “You are as unstable as water, and you shall not excel.” (Genesis 49:4).

Translation: “You blew it, son.”

Reuben’s tribe never produced a judge, prophet, or king. It simply faded into obscurity after being conquered by the Assyrians. A tragic case of self-sabotage.

2 & 3. Simeon and Levi – The Violent Duo

These two were a package deal—the original “ride or die” brothers. After their sister, Dinah, was wronged, they took vengeance in the most extreme way possible: massacring an entire city (Genesis 34).

Jacob was NOT impressed:

“Simeon and Levi are brothers—their swords are weapons of violence… I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel.” (Genesis 49:5-7).

And scattered they were.

Simeon was eventually absorbed into Judah and lost its tribal identity. Levi, however, got a plot twist! While they didn’t receive land, they became the priestly tribe, receiving tithes instead. 

Moses, Aaron, and Ezra all came from Levi’s lineage.

Moral of the story? Actions have consequences—but sometimes, you can make a comeback if you pivot wisely.

4. Judah – The Royal Line

Judah hit the jackpot. His descendants included King David, Solomon, and ultimately, Jesus Christ .

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah.” (Genesis 49:10)

And it didn’t. Even after the Assyrian exile, many Israelites merged with Judah’s tribe, which is why the term “Jew” comes from Judah. The legacy? Eternal.

If this were a game of Monopoly, Judah had Park Place, Boardwalk, and a couple of hotels.

5. Zebulun – The Seafarer

Zebulun got a sweet coastal deal.

“Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore; he will become a haven for ships.” (Genesis 49:13)

The tribe engaged in trade, settled near the Mediterranean, and—fun fact—Jesus’ early ministry took place in their territory (Matthew 4:13-16).

6. Issachar – The Hardworking Underdog

Described as a “strong donkey”, Issachar’s blessing (or fate, depending on how you see it) was labor and wisdom.

“He bent his shoulder to bear a burden and became a slave to forced labor.” (Genesis 49:14-15)

They were prosperous but passive, playing a minor role in leadership. Essentially, the reliable worker bees of Israel.

7. Dan – The Clever but Questionable Judge

Dan was given the role of judge but also had serpentine cunning.

“Dan shall provide justice for his people… He will be a serpent by the roadside.” (Genesis 49:16-17)

He produced Samson, the biblical Hulk. But Dan’s tribe also fell into idolatry, setting up a rival priesthood (Judges 18). So, mixed reviews.

8. Gad – The Warrior Tribe

Gad was built for battle.

“Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.” (Genesis 49:19)

They settled east of the Jordan and constantly defended their territory. Jephthah, a fierce warrior, came from this tribe.

9. Asher – The Wealthy Gourmet

Asher’s tribe got the foodies’ dream: Abundance and Prosperity.

“Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king.” (Genesis 49:20)

Their land was fertile, and they thrived financially. So if you ever see an Asher’s Bistro, just know it’s biblically backed.

10. Naphtali – The Free Spirit

Described as a swift doe, Naphtali’s blessing emphasized freedom and eloquence.

“Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.” (Genesis 49:21)

They were known for speed in battle and influential leaders. Definitely a poetic tribe.

11 & 12. Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh) – The Inheritors

Joseph’s blessing passed to his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, making them the powerhouses of Israel.

“Joseph is a fruitful vine… the blessings of your father exceed those of my ancestors.” (Genesis 49:22-26)

Ephraim became dominant in the Northern Kingdom, while Manasseh was mighty in numbers.

13. Benjamin – The Fierce Fighter

The baby of the family, but far from weak.

“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder.” (Genesis 49:27)

Benjamin’s tribe produced King Saul and Apostle Paul. Definitely a small but mighty crew.

Too Long Didn’t Read – The Cheat Sheet

Tribe	Blessing/Fate	Famous Descendants
Judah	Kingship	David, Jesus Christ
Levi	Priesthood	Moses, Aaron, Ezra`
Joseph (Ephraim & Manasseh)	Birthright	Joshua
Benjamin	Warriors	King Saul, Apostle Paul
Dan	Judges	Samson
Reuben & Simeon Lost	Influence	None Significant

Final Thoughts

So, what have we learned?

1. Reuben fumbled. Hard.
2. Simeon and Levi went full GTA mode.
3. Judah secured generational wealth.
4. Gad, Benjamin, and Dan were basically Israel’s security team.
5. Issachar worked overtime.
6. Asher was living his best, bougie life.

And most importantly, family dynamics were just as messy in biblical times as they are now.

The moral? Make wise choices, don’t fight entire cities, and definitely don’t sleep with your dad’s concubine.

Now go forth and name your children wisely.