Unity or Division? The Altar of Witness and the Fragility of God’s People. Unity among God’s people is both precious and precarious. From the earliest days of Israel, division has threatened to undo what God has established. In Joshua 22, after the conquest and division of the land, a misunderstanding nearly sparked a civil war between the tribes. At the center of the conflict stood an altar—built not for rebellion, but as a witness.

Gad: The Warrior Overcome but Victorious. The story of Gad is short but significant, framed by Jacob’s prophetic words about battle and endurance. Born to Zilpah, Leah’s maid, Gad’s name reflects fortune and blessing. His tribe would later live on the eastern side of the Jordan, vulnerable to attack but remembered for bravery. Gad’s legacy demonstrates how God strengthens His people to endure conflict and ultimately triumph.

Zilpah: Leah’s Handmaid and Mother of Gad and Asher. Zilpah, though mentioned only briefly in Scripture, played a role in shaping the house of Israel. As Leah’s handmaid, she was given to Jacob to bear children on Leah’s behalf during the rivalry with Rachel. Through her, Jacob fathered Gad and Asher, two of the twelve tribes.