The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Named after Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, this tribe is often associated with wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32. The tribe's role in the census and organization of the Israelites is particularly noteworthy.

Biblical Context and Census Participation

The Tribe of Issachar was involved in several key censuses during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. These censuses were commanded by God to organize the people for various purposes, including military readiness and religious duties.

1. The First Census at Sinai: In the wilderness of Sinai, God instructed Moses to take a census of the entire Israelite community. From the Tribe of Issachar, the leader selected to assist in this task was Nethanel son of Zuar. Numbers 1:28-29 states, "From the sons of Issachar: their genealogies according to their clans and families, the number of names of those twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400."

2. The Second Census on the Plains of Moab: As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, another census was conducted. Once again, the Tribe of Issachar was counted, demonstrating their continued importance in the community. Numbers 26:23-25 records, "These were the descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Puite clan from Puah, the Jashubite clan from Jashub, and the Shimronite clan from Shimron. These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300."

Role and Characteristics

The Tribe of Issachar is often characterized by its members' understanding and wisdom. This is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 12:32 , which describes the men of Issachar as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." This attribute made them valuable leaders and advisors within the Israelite community.

Inheritance and Territory

Upon entering the Promised Land, the Tribe of Issachar was allotted a fertile region in the Jezreel Valley, as described in Joshua 19:17-23. This territory was known for its agricultural productivity, aligning with the tribe's reputation for diligence and hard work.

Conclusion

The Tribe of Issachar played a vital role in the organization and leadership of the Israelites. Their participation in the censuses and their reputation for wisdom and understanding underscore their importance in biblical history. Through their contributions, the Tribe of Issachar exemplified the qualities of leadership and discernment that were essential to the development and governance of the nation of Israel.Numbers 1:8
Of Issachar; Nethaneel the son of Zuar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... unto one of the family of the tribe of her ... there was room for over fifteen thousand
persons; and, for ... Joachim is taunted with this fact by Issachar, the high ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

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

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