The gates that faced east were assigned to the children of Rachel. These tribes were Joseph and Benjamin. Dan was also included, since he was born through Rachel’s maidservant.
The gates on the south side were assigned to Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun. These were sons of Leah. Their lands would lie south of the holy square.
The gates on the west side were assigned to Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. These tribes descended from the maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah. The west side was considered less favored in this arrangement.