1 Chronicles 7:1
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron--four in all.
The sons of Issachar
This phrase introduces us to the descendants of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, and his name is often associated with wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). The tribe of Issachar played a significant role in Israel's history, known for their strategic insight and loyalty to King David. The Hebrew root of Issachar, "Yissachar," can be interpreted as "there is recompense," suggesting a reward or benefit, which aligns with the tribe's reputation for discernment and reward in leadership.

Tola
Tola is the first son mentioned, and his name means "worm" or "scarlet," derived from the Hebrew word "tola‘ath." This name might seem humble, yet it reflects a deeper spiritual truth. In the ancient world, the tola worm was used to produce a crimson dye, symbolizing sacrifice and redemption. Tola's leadership as a judge in Israel (Judges 10:1-2) signifies a period of peace and stability, highlighting the transformative power of humble service.

Puah
The name Puah, also spelled Puvah, means "splendid" or "mouth" in Hebrew. This name suggests communication and expression, which are vital for leadership and influence. The historical context of the tribe of Issachar, known for their wisdom, aligns with the idea of Puah as a figure of eloquence and insight. This reflects the importance of using one's voice to guide and inspire others in accordance with God's will.

Jashub
Jashub, meaning "he returns" or "he will return," comes from the Hebrew root "shuv," which signifies repentance or turning back. This name embodies the concept of returning to God, a central theme in the biblical narrative. The inclusion of Jashub in this genealogy serves as a reminder of the constant call to repentance and renewal in the life of faith, encouraging believers to seek God's presence continually.

Shimron
The name Shimron means "watch" or "guard," derived from the Hebrew root "shamar." This name implies vigilance and protection, qualities essential for the preservation of faith and community. In the broader biblical context, the call to watchfulness is a recurring theme, urging believers to remain alert and steadfast in their spiritual journey, guarding against complacency and spiritual drift.

four in all
This phrase emphasizes the completeness and unity of Issachar's lineage. The number four often symbolizes universality and stability in biblical numerology, reflecting the balanced and comprehensive nature of God's creation. The mention of four sons underscores the fullness of Issachar's contribution to the nation of Israel, highlighting the diverse gifts and roles within the body of God's people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Issachar
One of the twelve sons of Jacob and Leah, Issachar is the patriarch of the tribe named after him. His name is often associated with labor and reward, as seen in Genesis 30:18.

2. Tola
The first son of Issachar mentioned in this verse. Tola later became a judge of Israel, as recorded in Judges 10:1-2, where he is noted for saving Israel.

3. Puah
The second son of Issachar. Not much is detailed about Puah in the Bible, but his lineage is significant in the tribal history of Israel.

4. Jashub
The third son of Issachar. His name means "he will return," which can symbolize restoration or repentance.

5. Shimron
The fourth son of Issachar. Like Puah, there is limited information about him, but he is part of the foundational lineage of the tribe of Issachar.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide insight into our identity and purpose. Just as the sons of Issachar were foundational to their tribe, our spiritual lineage in Christ is foundational to our faith journey.

God's Sovereignty in Family and History
The listing of names in genealogies reminds us that God is sovereign over history and family lines. Each person has a role in God's plan, even if their account is not fully detailed in Scripture.

Leadership and Influence
Tola's role as a judge highlights the potential for leadership and influence within a family line. We are called to be leaders in our communities, using our God-given gifts to serve others.

The Value of Every Individual
Even though some names in genealogies are less known, each person is valuable in God's eyes. This encourages us to see the worth in every individual, regardless of their prominence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the lineage of Issachar reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to the patriarchs?

2. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our daily walk with Christ?

3. How can the example of Tola's leadership inspire us to take on roles of service and influence in our communities?

4. What does the inclusion of lesser-known figures like Puah and Shimron teach us about God's view of significance and value?

5. How can we apply the lessons from the tribe of Issachar to our understanding of community and family within the church today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 30:18
This verse provides the background of Issachar's birth, highlighting Leah's gratitude to God for her son, which sets the stage for the tribe's future.

Judges 10:1-2
Tola's role as a judge of Israel connects back to his mention in 1 Chronicles 7:1, showing the leadership that emerged from Issachar's lineage.

Numbers 1:28-29
This passage lists the descendants of Issachar during the census in the wilderness, emphasizing the tribe's growth and importance.
StatisticsW. H. Bennett, M. A.1 Chronicles 7:1-11
The Old Order ChangethW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 7:1-19
GenealogiesF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 7, 8
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abiah, Abiezer, Abijah, Aher, Ahi, Ahian, Ahishahar, Aiah, Alameth, Alemeth, Amal, Ammihud, Anathoth, Aniam, Ara, Arah, Aram, Asher, Ashriel, Ashvath, Asriel, Becher, Bedan, Beera, Bela, Benjamin, Bered, Beri, Beriah, Bezer, Bilhah, Bilhan, Bimhal, Birzavith, Chenaanah, Dan, David, Ehud, Eladah, Elead, Eliezer, Elioenai, Elishama, Ezbon, Ezer, Guni, Hammoleketh, Haniel, Hanniel, Harnepher, Heber, Helem, Hod, Hotham, Huppim, Huppites, Hushim, Hushites, Imna, Imnah, Imrah, Iri, Ishiah, Ishod, Ishuai, Issachar, Isshiah, Isuah, Ithran, Izrahiah, Jahmai, Jahziel, Japhlet, Jashub, Jediael, Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Jehubbah, Jephunneh, Jeremoth, Jeriel, Jerimoth, Jether, Jeush, Jezer, Jibsam, Jimna, Jimnah, Joash, Joel, Joseph, Joshua, Laadan, Likhi, Maacah, Maachah, Machir, Mahalah, Mahlah, Malchiel, Manasseh, Michael, Naphtali, Non, Nun, Obadiah, Omri, Pasach, Peresh, Pispah, Puah, Rakem, Rekem, Rephah, Rephaiah, Resheph, Rezia, Rohgah, Samuel, Serah, Shallum, Shamer, Shamma, Shaul, Shelesh, Shemer, Shemida, Shemidah, Shemuel, Sherah, Sheresh, Shillem, Shilshah, Shimrom, Shimron, Shomer, Shua, Shual, Shuppim, Shuppites, Shuthelah, Suah, Tahan, Tahath, Tarshish, Telah, Tharshish, Tola, Ulam, Ulla, Uzzi, Uzziel, Zabad, Zelophehad, Zemira, Zethan, Zophah
Places
Ayyah, Bethel, Beth-horon, Beth-shan, Dor, Gath, Gezer, Gilead, Heshbon, Megiddo, Naaran, Shechem, Taanach, Upper Beth-horon, Uzzen-sheerah
Topics
Issachar, Is'sachar, Jashub, Puah, Pu'ah, Shimrom, Shimron, Sons, Tola
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 7:1-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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