On the sides of the tefillin, you will notice a three headed shin on one side and a four headed shin on the other(שו"ע או"ח סי' ל"ב סמ"ב). This is the only time a four headed shin is used. One of the explanations given for this is that the 3 (ג) and 4 (ד) spell “גד.” The tribe of Gad was well known as the fierce warriors of the Jews, as they would go at the front of the battalion and “tear the skulls and arms” of the enemy (דברים לג, כ). The Ro”sh (הל' קטנות לרא"ש הל' תפילין סט"ו) states that the merit of tefillin will stand us by to be able to win all battles in the triumphant matter of shevet Gad. As such, it follows that the tribe of Gad be symbolized on the tefillin we prominently portray on our heads.
לקו"ש ח"ט ע' 11 הע' 57 ובשוה"ג שם
ועי' רבינו בחיי סוף פרשת מטות
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