‘United we stand’: Israelite Solidarity in Two Jubilean Clan Rosters

This article focuses on two lists of Jacob’s sons, representing the Israelite tribes. The first list (Jubilees 38:4–8), which is partially based on Numbers 2 and Ezekiel 48:30–5, depicts the tactical formation of Jacob’s sons in four companies facing the four points of the compass in a battle against Esau and his allies. In ‘mixing and matching’ sons from different mothers, as well as the southern and northern tribes, in each group/unit, the Jubilean author highlights their military alliance. The reworking of the second clan roster (Jubilees 33:21–3), which reflects Genesis 35:22b–6, possibly also serves to highlight Israelite cohesion, the author incorporating the tribal list into an account of how Jacob and ‘all his sons’ practise familial harmony by living together and respecting their elders. The two passages thus possibly serve to demonstrate Israelite unity during war and peace.