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Dr.
Andrew Tobolowsky
William & Mary University

Dr. Andrew Tobolowsky is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies in the Arts and Sciences Department of William & Mary University. He holds a Ph.D. from Brown University and is the author of The Sons of Jacob and the Sons of Herakles (Mohr Siebeck, 2017).

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Last Updated

January 7, 2020

Books by the Author

The Sons of Jacob and the Sons of Herakles: The History of the Tribal System and the Organization of Biblical Identity

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Articles by the Author

Did Israel Always Have Twelve Tribes?

The Bible presents Israel as having twelve tribes from both northern Israel and southern Judah. In older northern lists, however, the southern tribes do not appear, and the full list seems to have developed in Judah, after the destruction of Israel. Moreover, the idea that the tribes are descended from Jacob developed even later.

Did Israel Always Have Twelve Tribes?

The Bible presents Israel as having twelve tribes from both northern Israel and southern Judah. In older northern lists, however, the southern tribes do not appear, and the full list seems to have developed in Judah, after the destruction of Israel. Moreover, the idea that the tribes are descended from Jacob developed even later.

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By privileging interpretation over literalism, our tradition encourages us to live through the Torah and not die through it or promote violence through its teachings.

Dr.

Erica Brown

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