The father of the 12 tribes of Israel was Jacob. Jacob, also known as Israel, had 12 sons who became the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel. These sons were born to Jacob through his two wives, Leah and Rachel, and their maidservants, Bilhah and Zilpah.
The names of the 12 sons are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. Each of these sons became the patriarch of a tribe, and their descendants formed the 12 tribes of Israel.
Jacob’s name was changed to Israel after he wrestled with an angel, as described in the book of Genesis. This name change signified his role as the father of a great nation. The 12 tribes of Israel played a crucial role in the history and development of the nation of Israel, and their legacy continues to be significant in religious and historical contexts.