What is the meaning of Genesis 46:13? The sons of Issachar “The sons of Issachar:” (Genesis 46:13) sets the stage by reminding us that Issachar, one of Jacob’s twelve sons (Genesis 35:23), has his own line. Within the larger context of Genesis 46:8–27, every clan entering Egypt is named so future generations can trace God’s covenant faithfulness. This list shows: • Continuity with God’s promise to make Jacob’s descendants a great nation (Genesis 46:3). • The concrete reality that each tribe has roots in a real historical family (1 Chronicles 7:1). • The groundwork for later censuses where these same names reappear as tribal divisions (Numbers 26:23–24). Tola First named is “Tola.” From this son sprang the Tolaites, noted centuries later in 1 Chronicles 7:2. Highlights: • His line produced warriors “mighty men of valor,” illustrating God’s blessing of strength on Issachar’s tribe. • A later judge of Israel, also named Tola, arose from Issachar (Judges 10:1), showing the Lord’s ongoing use of this family for leadership. Puvah Next is “Puvah” (sometimes spelled “Puah,” cf. Numbers 26:23). Scripture echoes his name to: • Confirm that none of Jacob’s descendants were lost or forgotten during their 400-year sojourn (Exodus 1:1–5). • Emphasize that the promises of land and lineage were equally anchored in lesser-known sons, not only the prominent ones. Job Third comes “Job.” While sharing a name with the famous figure of the Book of Job, this Job is distinct. Key observations: • His appearance in both Genesis 46:13 and Numbers 26:24 shows a reliable transmission of family records. • Even seemingly minor individuals matter in God’s unfolding plan, reflecting Psalm 147:4—He “determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name.” Shimron Finally, “Shimron” rounds out Issachar’s four sons. His name resurfaces in 1 Chronicles 7:1, confirming: • The survival and multiplication of his clan, later counted among the 54,400 fighting men of Issachar in Numbers 26:25. • God’s complete knowledge of every household entering Egypt, reassuring readers that no promise was overlooked (Genesis 15:13–14). summary Genesis 46:13 may read like a simple genealogy, yet it powerfully testifies that every branch of Issachar—Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron—was preserved by God as Israel moved into Egypt. Each name anchors a tribe, fulfills covenant promises, and foreshadows future leadership and strength. In recording these four brothers, Scripture reminds us that God tracks every detail, weaving even the quiet lives into His grand redemptive story. |
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