Kid's Sunday School Learning Activity: The Patriarchs and 12 Tribes of Israel

Patriarchs and the 12 Tribes of Israel Family Tree

Grades: (late) 2 through 8

Patriarchs and 12 Tribes of Israel
(also known as the 12 sons of Jacob)

A patriarch was a man who had authority over an entire extended family – including children and children’s families (grandchildren’s families) onto their children (great grandchildren’s families) too. It means the male ruler of a family, clan, tribe or similar related group. Technically, the 12 sons become the patriarchs of their individual 12 tribes, when Isaac and Jacob (Israel) are dead.

"Father Abraham" begins God's chosen family of people. Abraham is the root! God promises Abram that his family will become a great nation.

Genesis 17: 5 God renames Abram to Abraham
Genesis 17: 6, 7, 8 God promises Abraham that his family will be a       great nation - even though he and his wife have no children yet.
Genesis 18:1 Abraham is promised a son
Genesis 21 : 1, 2, 3 Isaac is born to Sarah and Abraham
Genesis 25: 23, 24, 25, 26 Isaac and Rebekah have twin sons       Jacob and Esau
Genesis 25: 27 on - Jacob gets the blessing/birthright that       originally belonged to Esau (Jacob becomes head of the family       instead of Esau who was technically older)
Genesis 35:10 God renames Jacob to be Israel
Then Jacob, who is now named Israel has 12 sons who become known as the 12 tribes of Israel:

This is available in the Patriarchs and 12 Tribes Bible reference table download.

	Copies activity Page for each student
	Pencils or pens or fineline markers

A GOOD IDEA: print 2 copies of the student version for each student

TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS:

Print at least one teacher tree and enough student trees for each student. (Works best if you print 2 copies of the student version for each student)

If you have lots of time, the students can lookup the Bible passage below the branch to fill in the correct name. There is space on the Patriarchs and 12 Tribes Bible Reference Table for your students to add other information .

Otherwise, aloud read the names from the teacher tree and have the students write in the names at the numbers on the tree as you advise. Discuss.

When completed, you can either practice the names and "lineage" using the 12 Tribes Cube from another of our lessons, or pass out a blank tree; turn over the completed one, and see how many names the class can collectively or individually write in the correct place.