Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; IssacharThe name "Issachar" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׂכָר" (sakar), meaning "reward" or "compensation." Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth son of Leah. In the context of the tribes of Israel, Issachar is often associated with wisdom and understanding of the times, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:32. Historically, the tribe of Issachar settled in a fertile region, which aligns with the blessing of prosperity and reward. This reflects the spiritual truth that God rewards those who diligently seek Him and live according to His wisdom. Zebulun
"Zebulun" comes from the Hebrew root "זָבַל" (zaval), meaning "to dwell" or "to honor." Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and the sixth son of Leah. The tribe of Zebulun was known for its maritime activities and trade, as suggested in Genesis 49:13, where Jacob prophesies that Zebulun will "live by the seashore." This highlights the theme of dwelling in God's provision and the honor that comes from fulfilling one's God-given purpose. It serves as a reminder of the importance of being rooted in God's promises and the blessings that come from living in alignment with His will. Benjamin
The name "Benjamin" is derived from the Hebrew "בִּנְיָמִין" (Binyamin), meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel. The tribe of Benjamin held a significant position in Israel's history, producing notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The right hand is often symbolic of strength and favor in biblical literature, indicating the special place Benjamin held in Jacob's heart. This reflects the spiritual truth of God's favor and strength bestowed upon His children, encouraging believers to trust in His mighty hand and guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. IssacharIssachar is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, born to Leah. His descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32. 2. ZebulunZebulun is another son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Zebulun settled in the region near the sea and was known for its maritime activities. Zebulun's territory was strategically located, providing access to trade routes. 3. BenjaminBenjamin is the youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel. The tribe of Benjamin played a significant role in Israel's history, producing notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. Teaching Points Understanding Our HeritageJust as the tribes of Israel had distinct roles and characteristics, we too have unique gifts and callings. Reflect on how God has uniquely equipped you to serve in His kingdom. Unity in DiversityThe tribes of Israel, though diverse, were part of one nation. Similarly, the body of Christ is made up of diverse members, each contributing to the whole. Embrace and celebrate the diversity within your church community. Faithfulness in Our CallingThe tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin each had specific roles in Israel's history. Consider how you can be faithful in the role God has given you, whether in your family, church, or workplace. Learning from the PastThe history of the tribes offers lessons in faithfulness, courage, and obedience. Study the lives of biblical figures to gain wisdom and apply their lessons to your life. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the characteristics and roles of the tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin inspire you in your personal walk with God? 2. In what ways can you contribute to the unity and diversity of your church community, similar to how the tribes of Israel functioned together? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to be courageous like the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun. How did your faith play a role in that situation? 4. How can understanding the blessings and prophecies given to the tribes of Israel help you discern God's purpose for your life? 5. What lessons can you learn from the tribe of Benjamin's history, and how can you apply them to your current challenges or opportunities? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49Jacob's blessings to his sons provide insight into the future roles and characteristics of the tribes of Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin. This passage helps us understand the prophetic nature of Jacob's words and their fulfillment in Israel's history. Deuteronomy 33Moses' blessings to the tribes of Israel offer additional context and highlight the unique contributions and roles of each tribe, including Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin. Judges 5The Song of Deborah mentions the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, emphasizing their bravery and willingness to fight for Israel during times of conflict. People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Egyptians, Gad, Israelites, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Puah, Reuben, Shiphrah, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Egypt, Nile River, Pithom, RamsesTopics Benjamin, Issachar, Is'sachar, Zebulun, Zeb'ulunDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 1:1-5 5096 Jacob, patriarch Exodus 1:1-7 7266 tribes of Israel Library Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureDeath and Growth
'And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7. And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed exceeding mighty....'--EXODUS i. 6, 7. These remarkable words occur in a short section which makes the link between the Books of Genesis and of Exodus. The writer recapitulates the list of the immigrants into Egypt, in the household of Jacob, and then, as it were, having got them there, he clears the stage to prepare for a new set of actors. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Prosperity under Persecution
Of this general principle we shall now proceed to consider three special illustrations. First, the circumstances of the children of Israel; secondly, the history of the church of Christ; thirdly, the experience of individual Christians. I. IN THE CASE OF ISRAEL, it did seem to be a deep-laid plot, very politic and crafty indeed, that as the kings of Egypt, themselves of an alien race, had subdued the Egyptians, they should prevent the other alien race, the Israelites, from conquering them. Instead …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 But, as for that which is Written, that God did Good to the Hebrew...
32. But, as for that which is written, that God did good to the Hebrew midwives, and to Rahab the harlot of Jericho, [2444] this was not because they lied, but because they were merciful to God's people. That therefore which was rewarded in them was, not their deceit, but their benevolence; benignity of mind, not iniquity of lying. [2445] For, as it would not be marvellous and absurd if God on account of good works after done by them should be willing to forgive some evil works at another time before …
St. Augustine—Against Lying There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the …
St. Augustine—On Lying The Secret of Its Greatness
[Illustration: (drop cap G) The Great Pyramid] God always chooses the right kind of people to do His work. Not only so, He always gives to those whom He chooses just the sort of life which will best prepare them for the work He will one day call them to do. That is why God put it into the heart of Pharaoh's daughter to bring up Moses as her own son in the Egyptian palace. The most important part of Moses' training was that his heart should be right with God, and therefore he was allowed to remain …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Wisdom of God
The next attribute is God's wisdom, which is one of the brightest beams of the Godhead. He is wise in heart.' Job 9:9. The heart is the seat of wisdom. Cor in Hebraeo sumitur pro judicio. Pineda. Among the Hebrews, the heart is put for wisdom.' Let men of understanding tell me:' Job 34:44: in the Hebrew, Let men of heart tell me.' God is wise in heart, that is, he is most wise. God only is wise; he solely and wholly possesses all wisdom; therefore he is called, the only wise God.' I Tim 1:17. All …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
BY A.E. GRIMKE. "Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not within thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place: but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. And Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer:--and so will I go in unto the king, …
Angelina Emily Grimke—An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 1:3 NIVExodus 1:3 NLTExodus 1:3 ESVExodus 1:3 NASBExodus 1:3 KJV
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