Episode 3085: The Twelve Tribes: Connection to the Mystical Body of Christ - by Sharon -Part 2

5. Issachar – “Reward” or “Hire”
• Symbolic Trait: Hard-working, a beast of burden (Genesis 49:14–15).
• Fate: Settled in fertile valleys; scholars and laborers.
• Catholic Typology: Represents the Church's laity, who labor in the world but bear the Church's burdens in love and fidelity.
• Lesson: There is merit and dignity in holy labor united to the will of God.
6. Zebulun – “Dwelling”
• Role: Dwelt by the sea; merchants and traders.
• Symbol: Ships and trade.
• Catholic Typology: Symbolizes the missionary aspect of the Church bringing the Gospel to foreign shores.
• Lesson: The Church must go out, “cast into the deep,” and evangelize all nations (Luke 5:4).
7. Dan: “Judged”
• Symbol: Serpent or judge (Genesis 49:16-17).
• Controversy: Often omitted from later biblical lists (e.g., Revelation 7).
• Fate: Associated with idolatry and apostasy (Judges 18).
• Catholic Typology: Symbolizes those in the Church who fall away, and are judged.
• Patristic Views: Some Fathers believed the Antichrist would come from Dan.
• Lesson: Even among God's chosen, there is a possibility of apostasy.
8. Naphtali – “Wrestling” or “Struggle”
• Symbol: A deer let loose, bringing good news (Genesis 49:21).
• Fate: Northern tribe; later lost.
• Catholic Typology: Represents the joyful messenger evangelists who spread the Gospel with beauty and swiftness.
• Lesson: The Church must speak good news with truth and grace, as a swift deer.
9. Gad – “Fortune” or “Troop”
• Symbolic Trait: A warrior tribe, overcome but victorious (Genesis 49:19).
• Fate: Settled east of the Jordan.
• Catholic Typology: Represents the Church Militant always under attack, yet ultimately victorious in Christ.
• Lesson: "The gates of hell shall not prevail" (Matthew 16:18). The Church fights daily battles but is preserved.
10. Asher – “Happy” or “Blessed”
• Fate: Received a fertile portion; associated with prosperity.
• Symbol: Rich food, delicacies (Genesis 49:20).
• Catholic Typology: Represents the joy and abundance of spiritual life in the Church—grace, sacraments, and the beatitudes.
• Lesson: True blessedness comes from fidelity to God’s covenant.