Introduction:
The Tribe of Issachar is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's fifth son, Issachar. Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth born to Leah, Jacob's first wife. The name "Issachar" is believed to mean "reward" or "recompense," reflecting Leah's gratitude to God for the birth of another son (Genesis 30:18).

Biblical Ancestry and Blessings:
Issachar was born during a period of intense rivalry between Leah and Rachel, Jacob's wives, as they vied for his affection and sought to bear him sons. Leah named him Issachar, saying, "God has given me my reward because I gave my maidservant to my husband" (Genesis 30:18).

Jacob's blessing to Issachar, as recorded in Genesis 49:14-15, portrays him as a strong and industrious tribe: "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 suggests a future of hard work and servitude, yet also prosperity and contentment.

Territory and Settlement:
The tribe of Issachar was allocated a fertile region in the central part of the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 19:17-23. Their territory included the Jezreel Valley, a strategic and agriculturally rich area. This location provided the tribe with abundant resources and opportunities for farming and trade.

Role in Israelite History:
Issachar played a significant role in the history of Israel. During the time of the Judges, the tribe supported Deborah and Barak in their battle against the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. Judges 5:15 highlights their involvement: "The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; yes, Issachar was with Barak, sent under his command into the valley" .

In the era of King David, the men of Issachar were noted for their wisdom and understanding of the times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 states, "From the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command" . This insight and discernment made them valuable allies in David's consolidation of the kingdom.

Cultural and Religious Contributions:
The tribe of Issachar was known for its dedication to learning and scholarship. Jewish tradition holds that they were particularly devoted to the study of the Torah and the calendar, contributing to the religious and cultural life of Israel. Their commitment to understanding and interpreting the times is seen as a reflection of their spiritual insight and leadership.

Prophetic Significance:
In the prophetic literature, Issachar is often associated with themes of labor and reward. The tribe's industrious nature and ability to discern the times are seen as qualities that reflect God's provision and guidance. Their role in supporting leaders and understanding divine timing underscores their importance in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history.

Conclusion:
The Tribe of Issachar, with its rich heritage and strategic location, played a vital role in the history and development of the nation of Israel. Their legacy of wisdom, labor, and spiritual insight continues to be remembered and celebrated in biblical history.Genesis 30:17,18
And God listened to Leah, and she conceived, and bore Jacob the fifth son.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chapter xlix
... Jacob thinking in terms of the tribes descended from him ... these words in the sense
that what Issachar the individual ... is a trait that the entire tribe will develop ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... foundation on the sand prepar'd:
The rain descended and the ... And Jacob knew the coat full well, and said, Now ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... the tribe of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin ... died, his widow
married as her second husband Levi (descended from David ... 2 is named Issachar. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

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