INTRODUCTION
The twelve tribes of Israel are positioned around the Tabernacle in groups of three and cover all four directions (North, East, West and South).
The math in this case is 3 x 4 = Cross
Put in other words this means that the tribes are the shadow to getting us to the cross.
They reveal Jeshurun meaning He who makes the tribes one. – Jesus Christ
Deuteronomy 33:5
“[The Lord] was king over Jeshurun when the leaders of the people assembled, along with the tribes of Israel”
The twelve tribes of Israel also represent the giftings given to us by the Holy Spirit.
THE TRIBES OF THE SOUTH
- Reuben
- Simeon
- Gad
REUBEN
Reuben was located on the South side of the tabernacle and the name means to live and not die.
This tribe had the blessing of long life.
Psalms 91: 15-16
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation?
Reuben also represented the blessings of the firstborn.
SIMEON
Simeon means the blessing to hear God.
Simeon was partnered with Reuben and together their ears were in tune with God.
The important thing to learn here is that God is always speaking. He speaks from your future into your present life.
They possess the ability to discern the voice of God and the voice of men.
They are familiar with the Urim and the Thummim of God– (light and illumination) ability to know God’s will and always indicated which direction the tribes should go.
Psalms 37:23
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.
They always received supernatural direction to know what way to go.
Exodus 28:30
30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.
The requirement in this is that when God gives you direction even when it does not favor you, you must walk in integrity and honor him.
GAD
The tribe of Gad represented victory in battle.
Deuteronomy 33:20
20 And of Gad he said, Blessed be he that enlargeth Gad: he dwelleth as a lion, and teareth the arm with the crown of the head. 21 And he provided the first part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, was he seated; and he came with the heads of the people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and his judgments with Israel.
In Gad’s territory authority is established.
It was this same anointing that was operating in King David’s life when he cut off Goliath’s head.
Gad’s role was to execute the will of God.