was "divided and scattered" according to the prediction in Genesis 49:5-7 . They gradually dwindled in number, and sank into a position of insignificance among the other tribes. They decreased in the wilderness by about two-thirds (Compare Numbers 1:23 ; 26:14 ). Moses pronounces no blessing on this tribe. It is passed by in silence ( Deuteronomy 33 ).
This tribe received as their portion a part of the territory already allotted to Judah ( Joshua 19:1-9 ). It lay in the south-west of the land, with Judah on the east and Dan on the north; but whether it was a compact territory or not cannot be determined. The subsequent notices of this tribe are but few ( 1 Chronicles 4:24-43 ). Like Reuben on the east of Jordan, this tribe had little influence on the history of Israel.