The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. As the Israelites departed from Egypt, the tribe of Issachar played a significant role in the formation and journey of the nation. The strength of Issachar during this period is reflected in several aspects, including their numbers, their position within the camp, and their contributions to the collective identity of Israel.

Numerical Strength

The numerical strength of the Tribe of Issachar is first recorded in the Book of Numbers during the census taken in the wilderness of Sinai. According to Numbers 1:28-29 , "From the sons of Issachar: their genealogies according to their clans and families, those numbered among them, every male twenty years of age or older, everyone who could serve in the army, those numbered from the tribe of Issachar totaled 54,400." This substantial number indicates that Issachar was one of the larger tribes, contributing significantly to the military and labor force of Israel.

Position in the Camp

The strategic position of Issachar within the Israelite camp further underscores their importance. As described in Numbers 2:5, Issachar was positioned on the east side of the tabernacle, alongside the tribes of Judah and Zebulun. This placement was not only a position of honor but also of responsibility, as the eastern side was the direction from which the camp would set out on their journeys. The tribe's proximity to Judah, the leading tribe, suggests a close alliance and a shared role in leadership and protection.

Role in the March

During the march from Egypt to the Promised Land, the tribe of Issachar was part of the first division to set out, following the standard of Judah. Numbers 10:14-15 states, "The divisions of the camp of Judah went first, under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command. Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division of the tribe of Issachar." This positioning highlights Issachar's readiness and ability to move swiftly and efficiently, contributing to the orderly progress of the entire nation.

Contributions to Israel's Identity

The tribe of Issachar is often associated with wisdom and understanding, qualities that would have been invaluable during the formative years of the nation. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 , the men of Issachar are described as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." This reputation for discernment and insight suggests that Issachar's influence extended beyond mere numbers and military might, impacting the spiritual and cultural development of Israel.

Legacy

The legacy of Issachar's strength during the exodus from Egypt is reflected in their enduring presence and influence in the history of Israel. As a tribe known for its numbers, strategic positioning, and wisdom, Issachar played a crucial role in the establishment and sustenance of the Israelite community during their journey to the Promised Land.Numbers 1:28,29
Of the children of Issachar, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 2:6
And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... the river makes a sudden
drop on leaving the lake ... arrested, as if to gather fresh strength for its ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... by long sieges, both on account of the strength of their ... And after these was Issachar,
which had its limits in ... 26. Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that of Gad ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... remember me, I pray, This once give strength,
that I ... And leaving Egypt with their num'rous train, Unto their father ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... local chiefs, heroes to their own immediate tribe, well known in ... O my soul, march
on with strength."Then did ... It gives a mistaken reading, "Issachar with Barak ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... the tribe of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin. ... 2 is named Issachar. ...
The name Helia (presumably Heli-yah) would mean My strength is the Lord ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

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