Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible. His name, which means "there is recompense" or "reward," reflects Leah's sentiment upon his birth, as recorded in Genesis 30:18: "Then Leah said, 'God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.' So she named him Issachar."

Biblical Narrative

Issachar's birth is part of the larger narrative of Jacob's family, which is marked by complex relationships and divine interventions. Leah, feeling unloved compared to her sister Rachel, sees Issachar's birth as a divine reward. Issachar is one of the twelve patriarchs of the tribes of Israel, and his descendants form the Tribe of Issachar.

Tribe of Issachar

The Tribe of Issachar is noted for its wisdom and understanding of the times. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the men of Issachar are described as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." This insight and discernment made them valuable allies during King David's reign.

The territory allotted to the Tribe of Issachar, as detailed in Joshua 19:17-23, was located in the fertile region of the Jezreel Valley, which was conducive to agriculture and trade. This strategic location contributed to the tribe's prosperity and influence.

Prophetic Blessings

Issachar receives a prophetic blessing from his father Jacob in Genesis 49:14-15: "Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. He saw that his resting place was good and that the land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant." This blessing highlights Issachar's strength and industrious nature, as well as a willingness to work hard for the benefits of a good land.

Moses also blesses the tribe in Deuteronomy 33:18-19, saying, "Rejoice, O Zebulun, in your journeys, and you, Issachar, in your tents. They will summon the peoples to the mountain; there they will offer sacrifices of righteousness, for they will feast on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand." This blessing emphasizes the tribe's role in worship and its access to resources.

Role in Israel's History

Throughout Israel's history, the Tribe of Issachar played a crucial role in various military and political events. Their strategic location and understanding of the times allowed them to influence decisions and support key leaders, such as during the united monarchy under David and Solomon.

Symbolism and Legacy

Issachar's legacy is one of strength, wisdom, and service. The tribe's ability to discern the times and act accordingly is a testament to their understanding and commitment to God's purposes. The symbolism of the donkey in Jacob's blessing suggests a balance between strength and submission, reflecting the tribe's role in supporting the broader community of Israel.

Issachar's account and the legacy of his descendants continue to inspire those who seek to understand the times and act with wisdom and discernment in accordance with God's will.Genesis 30:18
And Leah said, God has given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 1:3
Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 2:1
These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,
Nave's Topical Index

2466. Isachar -- Issachar.
... Issachar. Of Hebrew origin (Yissaskar); Isachar (ie Jissaskar), a son of Jacob
(figuratively, his descendant) -- Issachar. see HEBREW Yissaskar. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2466.htm - 6k3485. Yissaskar -- perhaps "there is recompense," a son of Jacob ...
... Issachar. (strictly yis-saws-kawr'); from nasa' and sakar; he will bring a reward;
Jissaskar, a son of Jacob -- Issachar. see HEBREW nasa'. see HEBREW sakar. ...
/hebrew/3485.htm - 6k

The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity.
... said to them: Hearken, my children, to Issachar your father; give ear to my words,
ye who are beloved of the Lord. I was the fifth son born to Jacob, even the ...
/.../v the testament of issachar concerning.htm

Concerning Jacob's Flight into Mesopotamia, by Reason of the Fear ...
... She accepted of the favor, and Jacob slept with Lea, by ... She bare then these sons:
Issachar, denoting one born by ... After some time Rachel had a son, named Joseph ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 19 concerning jacobs flight.htm

Laban had Two Daughters, Leah and Rachel; but Leah had Tender Eyes ...
... by Leah, the following are the names: Reuben, Symeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulon,
and ... of the flock as a reward for his service, and Jacob the son-in-law ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix laban had two.htm

Chapter xxx
... and bare Jacob a fifth son. And Leah said: God hath given me my reward, because
I gave my handmaid to my husband. And she called his name Issachar (Reward). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ...
... Issachar had four sons"Thola, Phua, Jasob, Samaron. ... And this was the legitimate
posterity of Jacob. ... Dan had an only begotten son, Usi. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 the removal of.htm

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph ... Benjamin,
that is to say the son of the ... Jacob raised a title upon her tomb; this is ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
... Galilee comprised the lands of Zebulun, Naphtali, Issachar and Asher ... told in verse
35 that her son would have ... and he shall reign over the house of Jacob [That is ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vi annunciation of the birth.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... History does not say anything of Issachar alone having yielded to ... love of the father
towards his son and provider ... goes beyond the human sphere of Jacob, is the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Chapter xxxv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is contrasted ... of Leah"the first-born
of Jacob, Reuben, and Simeon, and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulon ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Chapter xlvi
... down to Egypt"Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's first-born. ... and Jachin and Zohar
and Shaul, the son of the ... And the sons of Issachar: Tola and Puvah and Job ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

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