Story, Scripture, Memory Verse, and Note

1. Reuben: The Big Brother Who Cared

Reuben loved being the oldest of his 12 brothers. One day, when his little brother Joseph got lost in the tall grass, Reuben climbed a big hill to find him. “I’ll always look out for you!” he shouted. His family cheered because Reuben’s caring heart kept them safe. The Reuben tribe learned to be kind big brothers to everyone!

Scripture:

Genesis 49:3-4 – “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength…”

Memory Verse:

“I’ll care for my family like a big brother!”

Note:

Reuben was the firstborn, and even though he made mistakes, he showed he cared by trying to save Joseph.

2. Simeon: The Listener in the Tent

Simeon was a boy who loved to listen. When his brothers argued about whose turn it was to feed the goats, Simeon sat quietly and heard everyone’s side. “Let’s share the work!” he said. His idea made peace, and the Simeon tribe became known for listening well and helping friends get along.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:5-7 – “Simeon and Levi are brothers… their anger is fierce…”

Memory Verse:

“I listen and help my friends!”

Note:

Simeon learned to use his ears to bring peace instead of anger.

3. Levi: The Helper of the Family

Levi noticed his dad, Jacob, was tired from counting stars all night. “I’ll help!” Levi said, carrying water and singing songs to cheer everyone up. His family loved his help so much that the Levi tribe became special helpers who told stories about God and made people smile.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:5-7 and Exodus 32:26-28 (Levi’s descendants serve God).

Memory Verse:

“I’ll help and sing about God!”

Note:

Levi’s tribe later became God’s helpers, like priests who sang and served.

4. Judah: The Brave Lion Cub

Judah was small but brave, like a lion cub. When a big storm came, he roared, “Don’t worry, I’ll lead us to the cave!” His brothers followed, and they stayed safe. The Judah tribe grew strong and brave, and one day, a great king named David came from their family!

Scripture:

Genesis 49:8-10 – “Judah, your brothers will praise you… The scepter will not depart from Judah…”

Memory Verse:

“I am brave like a lion for God!”

Note:

Judah’s bravery led to kings and even Jesus coming from his tribe.

5. Dan: The Little Judge

Dan was tiny, but he loved solving problems. When his brothers couldn’t decide who got the last apple, Dan said, “Let’s cut it into 12 pieces!” Everyone got a bite, and the Dan tribe became known as fair judges who made things right.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:16-17 – “Dan will provide justice for his people…”

Memory Verse:

“I’ll be fair and help others!”

Note:

Dan’s name means “judge,” and his tribe worked to keep things fair.

6. Naphtali: The Fast Deer

Naphtali ran like a deer, hopping over rocks and streams. One day, he raced to tell his family about a pretty rainbow after the rain. “Come see!” he giggled. The Naphtali tribe loved running fast and sharing happy news with everyone.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:21 – “Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.”

Memory Verse:

“I run fast and share good news!”

Note:

Naphtali was quick and free, spreading joy like a deer.

7. Gad: The Lucky Explorer

Gad loved adventures. He found a shiny rock by the river and shouted, “Look what I got!” His luck helped his family find food and water. The Gad tribe became explorers who trusted they’d always find something good, even on tough days.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:19 – “Gad will be attacked by a band of raiders, but he will attack them at their heels.”

Memory Verse:

“I’m brave and find good things!”

Note:

Gad faced challenges but came out strong, like a lucky explorer.

8. Asher: The Happy Baker

Asher loved making bread with his mom, Leah. He baked yummy loaves and shared them with his brothers. “This makes us strong!” he said. The Asher tribe grew up happy and healthy, sharing their goodies with all their neighbors.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:20 – “Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king.”

Memory Verse:

“I share yummy blessings!”

Note:

Asher’s tribe had lots of good food to share, like a happy baker.

9. Issachar: The Star Watcher

Issachar stayed up late watching stars twinkle. “They tell us when to plant crops!” he told his family. His smart ideas helped them grow lots of food. The Issachar tribe became wise workers who loved learning from the sky.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:14-15 – “Issachar is a rawboned donkey lying down… he will bend his shoulder to the burden…”

Memory Verse:

“I work hard and learn a lot!”

Note:

Issachar worked hard and used wisdom, like a star watcher.

10. Zebulun: The Sea Adventurer

Zebulun built a little boat from sticks and sailed it on a stream. “I’ll find treasures!” he cheered. His brothers loved his stories of faraway places. The Zebulun tribe became sailors who explored rivers and brought home fish and fun.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:13 – “Zebulun will live by the seashore and become a haven for ships…”

Memory Verse:

“I explore and help my friends!”

Note:

Zebulun loved water and adventure, helping others along the way.

11. Joseph: The Dreamer with a Coat

Joseph had a colorful coat and big dreams. “I saw us as stars!” he told his brothers. They got mad, but later, Joseph’s dreams helped save them from hunger in a faraway land called Egypt. The Joseph tribe split into two—Manasseh and Ephraim—and became super helpers!

Scripture:

Genesis 49:22-26 – “Joseph is a fruitful vine… because of the Mighty One of Jacob…” shoulder to the burden…”

Memory Verse:

“God helps me grow strong!”

Note:

Joseph’s trust in God made his tribe big and helpful.

12. Benjamin: The Little Wolf

Benjamin was the youngest, but he growled like a wolf pup. When a sheep got stuck in a bush, he ran to free it. “I’m small but strong!” he said. The Benjamin tribe grew up tough and loyal, always sticking together.

Scripture:

Genesis 49:27 – “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey…”

Memory Verse:

“I’m small but mighty for God!”

Note:

Benjamin was little but fierce, like a wolf pup with strength.

Bonus: The Big Family Picnic

One day, Jacob’s big family went on a picnic. Each brother brought something special—Reuben brought kindness, Judah brought courage, Asher brought bread, and so on. Together, they made the best picnic ever, showing how the 12 tribes worked as a team!

Scripture:

Genesis 35:10-11 – “God said to him, ‘Your name is Jacob… a nation and a community of nations will come from you…’”

Memory Verse:

“God makes my family big and special!”

Note:

Jacob’s family grew into tribes because God kept His promise

Tips for Kids

– Practice the Memory Verses: Say them with actions (e.g., roar for Judah, hop for Naphtali) or make a song!

– Why These Stories Matter: Each tribe shows how God loves everyone’s special gifts, just like He loves yours!

Story, Scripture, Memory Verse, and Note

1. Reuben: The Big Brother Who Cared

Scripture:

Memory Verse:

Note:

2. Simeon: The Listener in the Tent

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Memory Verse:

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3. Levi: The Helper of the Family

Scripture:

Memory Verse:

Note:

4. Judah: The Brave Lion Cub

Scripture:

Memory Verse:

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5. Dan: The Little Judge

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Memory Verse:

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6. Naphtali: The Fast Deer

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Memory Verse:

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7. Gad: The Lucky Explorer

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Memory Verse:

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8. Asher: The Happy Baker

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Memory Verse:

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9. Issachar: The Star Watcher

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Memory Verse:

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10. Zebulun: The Sea Adventurer

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11. Joseph: The Dreamer with a Coat

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12. Benjamin: The Little Wolf

Scripture:

Memory Verse:

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Bonus: The Big Family Picnic

Scripture:

Memory Verse:

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Tips for Kids

Matthew Mark Luke

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