Judg 21:3 | TNotes | STEP | 21:3 The concept of a twelve-tribe league was deeply rooted in Israel, having survived the separation of Levi from the secular tribes, the virtual disappearance of Simeon and Asher, and the division of Joseph into two (Manasseh and Ephraim). The loss of one tribe would have suggested that God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was coming unglued.

‏ Judges 21:3

21:3 ^a The concept of a twelve-tribe league was deeply rooted in Israel, having survived the separation of Levi from the secular tribes, the virtual disappearance of Simeon and Asher, and the division of Joseph into two (Manasseh and Ephraim). The loss of one tribe would have suggested that God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was coming unglued.