### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Gâd**, represented by `{{H1410}}`, primarily refers to **a son of Jacob**, his descendants, and their territory. It also identifies a prophet who served King David. Appearing **70 times** across **67 unique verses**, the name's meaning is tied to the concept of a **troop** `{{H1409}}` or company, as established at his birth [[Genesis 30:11]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1410}}` is used in several key contexts. As one of the twelve patriarchs, Gad was the son of Jacob and Zilpah, Leah's handmaid [[Genesis 35:26]]. His own sons established the lineage of the tribe of Gad [[Genesis 46:16]]. The "children of Gad" were a prominent tribe, often mentioned alongside Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who chose their inheritance east of the Jordan River [[Numbers 32:1]]. The name also belongs to "David's seer," a prophet who delivered messages from the LORD to the king [[2 Samuel 24:11]]. The "book of Gad the seer" is even mentioned as a historical record of David's acts [[1 Chronicles 29:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of conflict and company associated with Gad:
* `{{H1464}}` **gûwd** (to crowd upon, i.e. attack): This primitive root provides the verbal action for the prophecy about Gad's future, where a troop will "overcome" him [[Genesis 49:19]].
* `{{H1416}}` **gᵉdûwd** (a crowd (especially of soldiers)): This word for "troop" is used to describe the forces that would assail the tribe of Gad, reinforcing the military nature associated with the name [[Genesis 49:19]].
* `{{H1409}}` **gâd** (fortune; troop): This word is spoken by Leah at Gad's birth, directly giving him his name and its meaning: "A troop cometh" [[Genesis 30:11]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (tribe): This word is frequently used with Gad to designate his descendants as one of the core family units of Israel, the "tribe of Gad" [[Joshua 13:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1410}}` is demonstrated in prophecy, inheritance, and divine guidance.
* **Prophetic Destiny:** Jacob's blessing over his son is a play on his name, foretelling the tribe's military reality: "**Gad**, a troop `{{H1416}}` shall overcome `{{H1464}}` him: but he shall overcome `{{H1464}}` at the last" [[Genesis 49:19]].
* **Territorial Inheritance:** The tribe of Gad's decision to settle east of the Jordan, in the lands of Gilead and Bashan, was a significant event, defining their boundaries and relationship with the other tribes ([[Numbers 32:33]], [[Joshua 22:9]]). This inheritance included cities of refuge like Ramoth in Gilead [[Joshua 21:38]].
* **Prophetic Authority:** The prophet Gad acted as a divine messenger to King David, delivering commands and choices for atonement directly from the LORD [[2 Samuel 24:13]]. His words carried divine authority, and David acted upon his saying "in the name of the LORD" [[1 Chronicles 21:19]].
* **Divine Blessing:** In his final blessing over the tribes, Moses describes Gad's fierce strength: "Blessed be he that enlargeth **Gad**: he dwelleth as a lion `{{H3833}}`, and teareth `{{H2963}}` the arm with the crown of the head" [[Deuteronomy 33:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1410}}` is a name with a dual identity in scripture. It represents both a key patriarchal lineage within Israel and the office of a prophet providing guidance to Israel's king. The name embodies themes of military conflict, tribal inheritance, and divine communication, illustrating how a single name can signify both a large people group and an individual agent of God.
TRV