The tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. As a significant tribe within the nation of Israel, Issachar held a unique position and received specific blessings and prophecies that shaped its destiny and role among the Israelites.

Moses' Blessing Upon Issachar

Before his death, Moses, the great leader and prophet of Israel, bestowed blessings upon the tribes of Israel. These blessings, recorded in Deuteronomy 33, were prophetic utterances that highlighted the future roles and characteristics of each tribe. For Issachar, Moses' blessing is intertwined with that of Zebulun, reflecting the close relationship between these two tribes.

In Deuteronomy 33:18-19 , Moses declares:

"About Zebulun he said: 'Rejoice, Zebulun, in your journeys, and 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 emphasizes several key aspects of Issachar's future:

1. Rejoicing in Tents: The mention of Issachar rejoicing in their tents suggests a settled and contented life within their allotted territory. Unlike Zebulun, who is associated with journeys, Issachar's blessing points to a more domestic and stable existence, focusing on the prosperity and peace within their own borders.

2. Summoning the Peoples: The tribe of Issachar, along with Zebulun, is depicted as having a role in drawing people to the mountain, a likely reference to Mount Zion or a place of worship. This indicates a spiritual leadership or influence, where Issachar participates in guiding others towards worship and righteousness.

3. Feasting on Abundance: The blessing speaks of feasting on the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand. This imagery suggests prosperity and wealth, possibly through trade or natural resources. It highlights the tribe's potential for economic success and the ability to enjoy the fruits of the land and sea.

Moses' blessing upon Issachar, while brief, encapsulates a vision of prosperity, spiritual influence, and contentment. The tribe's role in summoning the peoples and offering sacrifices of righteousness underscores its contribution to the spiritual life of the nation. The emphasis on abundance and hidden treasures points to a future of material blessing, aligning with the broader promises given to the descendants of Jacob.

Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Issachar is noted for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:32, where the men of Issachar are described as having insight into what Israel should do. This characteristic, coupled with Moses' blessing, paints a picture of a tribe that is both materially blessed and spiritually significant within the tapestry of Israel's history.Deuteronomy 33:18,19
And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and, Issachar, in your tents.
Nave's Topical Index

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... and the two sons of his mother"Issachar and Zebulun ... Judah is the chief tribe on the
chief side ... nor is it the result of any revelation which Moses received upon ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Chapter xlix
... conspired to bring about Christ's death were of this tribe. ... of the tribes: of Judah
the lion, of Issachar the strong ... Moses in his blessing (De 33:24) states the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

On Genesis.
... [1151] Moses recalls [1152] the ... Yet his tribe was preserved, although it was small
in number. ... Issachar desired the good part, resting in the midst of the lots. ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... the tribe of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin. ... Zohar first became
known through the 13 ^th-century Rabbi Moses de Leon ... 2 is named Issachar. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... Indeed, the Song of Moses concludes with this blessed assurance on which ... the tribe
of Levi, twelve thousand; [193] Of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

Chapter xxxv
... Moses, however, inserted such notices to arouse interest in the ... Jerusalem on old
territory of the tribe of Benjamin ... and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulon ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Watching the Horizon
... It was this expectancy that drew Moses away from the court life of Egypt, and the
possible prospect ... It is said of certain of the tribe of Issachar that they ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/viii watching the horizon.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... Moses, however, inserted such notices to arouse interest in the ... Jerusalem on old
territory of the tribe of Benjamin ... and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulon ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... gives a mistaken reading, "Issachar with Barak;" Issachar having been ... of the captivity
of the land."* The tribe of Dan ... See the Blessing of Moses (Dent, xxxiii ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... in conjunction with the Book of Enoch, the Assumption of Moses, and some ... to tell
all that shall happen to the tribe till the ... Issachar"Concerning Simpicity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

Who was Leah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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