The twelve tribesTwelve Tribes The twelve tribes of ancient Israel, traditionally descended from the twelve sons of Jacob: Asher, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Levi, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, Judah and Benjamin. of ancient Israel, traditionally descended from the twelve sons of Jacob: Asher, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Levi, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, Judah and Benjamin.