The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The name "Issachar" is often associated with the concept of reward or recompense, reflecting Leah's sentiment at his birth (Genesis 30:18). The tribe is noted for its role in the history of Israel and its unique characteristics as prophesied in the Scriptures.

Jacob's Blessing:

In Genesis 49, Jacob, on his deathbed, pronounces blessings and prophecies over his sons, which include Issachar. Jacob's words concerning Issachar are as follows: "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 bear a burden and submitted to forced labor" (Genesis 49:14-15). This prophecy suggests that Issachar would be a tribe characterized by strength and a willingness to work hard, yet also one that might become subject to servitude due to its contentment with the land.

Moses' Blessing:

In Deuteronomy 33, Moses also blesses the tribes of Israel before his death. Regarding Issachar, Moses' blessing is intertwined with that of Zebulun: "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" (Deuteronomy 33:18-19). This blessing highlights Issachar's role in worship and its enjoyment of the land's prosperity, suggesting a future of spiritual and material abundance.

Role in Israel's History:

The Tribe of Issachar played a significant role in the history of Israel. Known for their wisdom and understanding of the times, the men of Issachar were instrumental during the reign of King David. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, it is noted: "From the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 200 chiefs with all their relatives under their command." This insight and discernment were crucial in supporting David's kingship and guiding the nation.

Territorial Inheritance:

Issachar's inheritance in the Promised Land was located in a fertile region, which included the Jezreel Valley, a strategic and agriculturally rich area. This territory fulfilled the prophecies of a pleasant land, as mentioned in Jacob's blessing. The tribe's location allowed it to thrive agriculturally, contributing to its prosperity and influence.

Prophetic Implications:

The predictions concerning Issachar reflect a dual nature of strength and servitude, prosperity and labor. The tribe's historical role as wise counselors and its strategic location in Israel underscore the fulfillment of these prophecies. The blessings and predictions concerning Issachar emphasize the importance of understanding the times and the balance between enjoying the land's blessings and the potential for subjugation due to complacency.

In summary, the Tribe of Issachar is depicted in biblical prophecy as a strong and industrious people, blessed with wisdom and a favorable inheritance, yet cautioned against the dangers of complacency and servitude.Genesis 49:14,15
Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:18,19
And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and, Issachar, in your tents.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... have not here before us any special predictions, such as ... History does not say anything
of Issachar alone having yielded ... to the tribe, and in the tribe, to the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... it was always about female children that these prophets made predictions, and that ...
of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin ... 2 is named Issachar. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Who was Issachar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org

What are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org

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