The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. This tribe is noted for its role in the history of Israel and its notable members who contributed to the spiritual and political life of the nation.

Issachar, Son of Jacob
Issachar himself is the progenitor of the tribe. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:17-18, where Leah, Jacob's wife, names him Issachar, meaning "reward," acknowledging God's provision. The tribe that descended from him was known for its agricultural prowess and wisdom.

Tola, Judge of Israel
Tola, a member of the tribe of Issachar, served as a judge of Israel. His leadership is briefly mentioned in Judges 10:1-2: "After the time of Abimelech, Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. Tola judged Israel twenty-three years, and when he died, he was buried in Shamir." Tola's judgeship was marked by a period of peace and stability for Israel.

The Men of Issachar
The men of Issachar are particularly noted for their wisdom and understanding of the times. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, they are described as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command." This insight and discernment made them valuable allies to King David during his reign.

Baasha, King of Israel
Baasha, though not directly from the tribe of Issachar, was connected through his father, Ahijah, who hailed from Issachar. Baasha became the third king of the northern kingdom of Israel after overthrowing Nadab, the son of Jeroboam. His reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15:27-28: "Then Baasha son of Ahijah of the house of Issachar conspired against him, and Baasha struck him down at Gibbethon of the Philistines while Nadab and all Israel were besieging the city."

The Role in the United Monarchy
During the united monarchy under King David and King Solomon, the tribe of Issachar played a supportive role. Their strategic location in the fertile Jezreel Valley contributed to the economic strength of the kingdom. The tribe's wisdom and understanding were assets in the administration and governance of the nation.

Prophetic Blessings
Jacob's blessing over Issachar in Genesis 49:14-15 portrays the tribe as strong and industrious: "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 the tribe's agricultural success and willingness to work hard.

Moses' Blessing
In Deuteronomy 33:18-19, Moses blesses Issachar alongside Zebulun, emphasizing their joy and prosperity: "Rejoice, O Zebulun, in your journeys, and O 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 underscores the tribe's role in worship and their enjoyment of God's provision.

The Tribe of Issachar, through its remarkable individuals and collective wisdom, played a significant role in the history and spiritual life of Israel, contributing to the nation's leadership, stability, and prosperity.Judges 10:1
And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelled in Shamir in mount Ephraim.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 15:27
And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First vision "On Earth"
... will Psalm 91.receive a new application of a very remarkable kind (see ... Of the tribe
of Levi, twelve thousand; [193] Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... right, and God propitiated by public prayer, is here very remarkable, as indeed ...
[3] These words of Josephus concerning the tribe of Issachar, who foreknew ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

Chapter xlix
... the tribes: of Judah the lion, of Issachar the strong ... The whole tribe displayed this
attitude, though not in ... Jacob actually spoke all these remarkable words the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a mistaken reading, "Issachar with Barak;" Issachar having been ... which constituted
the half-tribe of Manasseh ... on the decoration of their persons: their chiefs ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of her ... Here is some very remarkable moral
sophistry. ... Joachim is taunted with this fact by Issachar, the high priest ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... the tribe of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin. ... It is remarkable
that the old herbal Tabernamontani also refers to the ... 2 is named Issachar. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... and throughout his reign displayed
remarkable energy ... Bagdad, and in which fifteen thousand persons lost their ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

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