Topical Bible: the Tribe of Issachar: Families of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe is noted for its role in the history of Israel and its unique characteristics as described in various biblical passages.

Genealogy and Families

The genealogical record of the Tribe of Issachar is detailed in several passages of the Bible, particularly in the Book of Numbers and the Book of Chronicles. According to Numbers 26:23-25 , the families of Issachar are listed as follows: "The descendants of Issachar by their clans were: Tola, the Tolaite clan; Puvah, the Punite clan; Jashub, the Jashubite clan; and Shimron, the Shimronite clan. These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300."

1. Tola: The Tolaite clan is named after Tola, the firstborn of Issachar. Tola's descendants are noted for their leadership and valor. In Judges 10:1-2 , Tola, the son of Puah, is mentioned as a judge of Israel who rose to save Israel and led for twenty-three years.

2. Puvah (Puah): The Punite clan descends from Puvah, also known as Puah. While specific biblical narratives about Puvah are limited, the clan is recognized as part of the larger Issacharite community.

3. Jashub: The Jashubite clan is named after Jashub, another son of Issachar. The clan's presence is acknowledged in the genealogical records, contributing to the overall strength and numbers of the tribe.

4. Shimron: The Shimronite clan descends from Shimron. Like the other clans, the Shimronites are part of the collective identity of Issachar, contributing to its role in the nation of Israel.

Role and Characteristics

The Tribe of Issachar is often associated with 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 attribute highlights their discernment and strategic insight, which were valuable to the leadership of Israel.

Issachar's territory, as allocated in the Promised Land, was fertile and strategically located. According to Joshua 19:17-23 , the land allotted to Issachar included sixteen cities and their villages, providing the tribe with resources and influence.

Historical Context

Throughout biblical history, the Tribe of Issachar played a significant role in various events. During the reign of King David, the tribe supported his kingship, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12. Their loyalty and understanding of the times contributed to the stability and success of David's rule.

In the prophetic blessings of Jacob, Issachar is described metaphorically 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 imagery suggests a tribe that values hard work and is willing to bear burdens for the sake of prosperity and peace.

Conclusion

The Tribe of Issachar, with its distinct families and characteristics, holds a notable place in the biblical narrative. Its members are recognized for their wisdom, strategic insight, and commitment to the well-being of Israel. The genealogical records and historical accounts provide a glimpse into the tribe's contributions to the nation and its enduring legacy in the biblical tradition.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 26:23,24
Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... In this more favorable environment their families and their flocks gradually increased ...
action was Deborah, the prophetess of the central tribe of Issachar. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... petty states and principalities, which, like so many large families, might lie ... [3]
These words of Josephus concerning the tribe of Issachar, who foreknew ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... chiefs, heroes to their own immediate tribe, well known ... said to represent one of
the Kenite families associated with ... of one of the clans of Issachar (Genesis 46 ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... in Genesis 12:3, "In thee all the families of the ... in the front, Judah, as the principal
tribe, is encamped ... and the two sons of his mother"Issachar and Zebulun ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... proposed the lot to the several families thereto belonging ... And after these was Issachar,
which had its limits ... The tribe of Zebulon's lot included the land which ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Chapter xxxv
... thought ("in thy seed shall all the families of the ... of Jerusalem on old territory
of the tribe of Benjamin ... Simeon, and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulon ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Choosing the Tens
... Israel had gathered in families before her tents"the ... downcast eyes, each with his
remnant of a tribe. ... of Zebulon; a handful of submissive Issachar, and some ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... thought ("in thy seed shall all the families of the ... of Jerusalem on old territory
of the tribe of Benjamin ... Simeon, and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulon ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... of the Savior Himself, should spring, as well as the families of His ... of the tribe
of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin ... 2 is named Issachar. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... For forty years: in Zorah dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... And there
he nourished them with fit supplies Of bread, according to their families. ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm