The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. This tribe is noted for its role in the division of the Promised Land among the Israelites, a significant event in the history of Israel as they settled in Canaan.

Biblical Background

Issachar was born to Jacob and Leah, as recorded in Genesis 30:17-18: "God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Then Leah said, 'God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.' So she named him Issachar." The name Issachar is often interpreted to mean "reward" or "recompense," reflecting Leah's sentiments at his birth.

Role in the Division of the Land

The division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel was a pivotal moment following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. This task was carried out under the leadership of Joshua, as instructed by God. The tribe of Issachar played a crucial role in this process, with representatives selected to assist in the division of the land.

In the Book of Numbers, the selection of leaders from each tribe to oversee the division is detailed. Numbers 34:18-19 states: "Appoint one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. These are their names: Caleb son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah; Shemuel son of Ammihud from the tribe of Simeon; Elidad son of Chislon from the tribe of Benjamin; Bukki son of Jogli, a leader from the tribe of Dan; Hanniel son of Ephod, a leader from the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph; Kemuel son of Shiphtan, a leader from the tribe of Ephraim son of Joseph; Elizaphan son of Parnach, a leader from the tribe of Zebulun; Paltiel son of Azzan, a leader from the tribe of Issachar; Ahihud son of Shelomi, a leader from the tribe of Asher; Pedahel son of Ammihud, a leader from the tribe of Naphtali."

Paltiel son of Azzan was the leader chosen from the tribe of Issachar to participate in this significant task. His role, along with the other leaders, was to ensure the fair and divinely ordained distribution of the land among the tribes, as commanded by God.

Territory and Characteristics

The territory allotted to the tribe of Issachar was located in the fertile region of the Jezreel Valley, an area known for its agricultural productivity. This land was strategically positioned, bordered by the tribes of Zebulun, Naphtali, and Manasseh. The tribe's location and the fertility of its land contributed to its prosperity and significance within the nation of Israel.

The tribe of Issachar is often associated with wisdom and understanding, particularly in discerning the times and seasons. This characteristic is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 12:32 : "From the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command."

Legacy

The legacy of the tribe of Issachar is one of service and discernment. Their involvement in the division of the land underscores their importance in the establishment of Israel in Canaan. The tribe's reputation for wisdom and understanding continues to be a defining feature in biblical narratives and interpretations.Numbers 34:26
And the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a mistaken reading, "Issachar with Barak;" Issachar having been ... Jerubbaal, being
threescore and ten persons, upon one ... captivity of the land."* The tribe of Dan ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Who was Issachar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org

What are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org

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