the tribes of Israel. Each tribe had. ruler, called (1 Chronicles 27:22) "the princes of the tribes": 1. The first four sons of Leah, in order of their birth. 2. Issachar and Zebulun, fifth and sixth (Genesis 30:18; Genesis 30:20).
Thus the first six are Leah's sons. Her maid Zilpah's (Gad and Asher) not mentioned. Then Naphtali (Bilhah, Rachel's maid). Then Ephraim and Manasseh (Rachel's, through Joseph). Then Benjamin (Rachel's other son). Dan comes last! See note on Genesis 49:17.