What significance do the sons of Issachar have in Israel's history? The Family Snapshot: Genesis 46:13 “ The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron.” Names with a Legacy: Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron • Tola — later appears as clan head (Numbers 26:23) and lends his name to Judge Tola (Judges 10:1–2). • Puvah (Puah) — father of Judge Tola; his clan is counted at Sinai and on the plains of Moab (Numbers 26:23). • Job (Jashub) — variant spelling in later census (Numbers 26:24). • Shimron — forms the Shimronite clan (Numbers 26:24). From Four Sons to a Mighty Tribe • First wilderness census: 54,400 fighting men (Numbers 1:28–29). • Second census: 64,300, the third-largest tribe (Numbers 26:23–25). • Territory assigned in the heart of Canaan, fertile Jezreel Valley (Joshua 19:17–23). Prophetic Words That Shaped Issachar’s Identity • Jacob’s blessing: “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags…” (Genesis 49:14-15). – Sturdy, agricultural, willing to serve for the sake of good land. • Moses’ blessing: “Rejoice, Issachar, in your tents… they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand.” (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). – Partnership with Zebulun; shared prosperity, worship, and outreach to “peoples.” Military and Civic Strength in the Wilderness • Camped on the east side with Judah and Zebulun (Numbers 2:5). • Provided an offering for the Tabernacle dedication identical in value to the other tribes (Numbers 7:18-23). Courage in the Judges Era • “The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; yes, Issachar was with Barak…” (Judges 5:15). • Judge Tola of Issachar “rose to save Israel” for 23 years (Judges 10:1-2). Wise Men in David’s Kingdom • “From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs…” (1 Chronicles 12:32). – Strategic discernment helped unite the nation under David. Faithfulness in Times of Reformation • Responded to Hezekiah’s Passover invitation despite ritual impurity; God “heard their prayer and healed the people” (2 Chronicles 30:18-20). A Place in Future Hope • Included among the sealed servants of God: “12,000 from the tribe of Issachar” (Revelation 7:7). • Named on one of the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem (Ezekiel 48:32; Revelation 21:12). Key Threads to Notice • Agricultural strength paired with spiritual insight. • Readiness to shoulder burdens for the good of the covenant community. • An enduring reputation for discernment that serves God’s broader purposes—from Sinai to David, from Hezekiah to the end of the age. |
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