The Census of the Issacharites refers to the enumeration of the tribe of Issachar as recorded in the Old Testament. The tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The censuses of the Israelites, including the Issacharites, are significant events in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's covenantal relationship with His people and the organization of the Israelite community.

Biblical Context

The first census of the Issacharites is recorded in the Book of Numbers, during the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. This census was commanded by God to Moses and Aaron, as detailed in Numbers 1:1-2 : "The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Wilderness of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after Israel had come out of the land of Egypt. He said: 'Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one.'"

First Census

In the first census, the tribe of Issachar is counted among the other tribes. Numbers 1:28-29 states: "From the sons of Issachar: their genealogies according to their clans and families, and the number of names from twenty years old and upward, everyone who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400." This census was primarily for military organization, as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land.

Second Census

A second census is recorded in Numbers 26, taken near the end of the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness. This census was conducted to prepare for the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes. Numbers 26:23-25 records: "These were the descendants of Issachar by their clans: The Tolaite clan from Tola, the Puite clan from Puah, the Jashubite clan from Jashub, and the Shimronite clan from Shimron. These were the clans of Issachar, and their registration numbered 64,300."

Significance

The increase in the number of Issacharites from the first to the second census reflects the growth and blessing of the tribe, despite the challenges faced during the wilderness period. The tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32 : "From the Issacharites, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command."

Role in Israel

The tribe of Issachar played a significant role in the history of Israel. They were allocated a fertile portion of land in the Jezreel Valley, which contributed to their prosperity. The Issacharites were also known for their support of King David, as they joined him at Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul over to him, according to the word of the LORD (1 Chronicles 12:23-40).

The censuses of the Issacharites, as part of the broader enumeration of the tribes of Israel, underscore the importance of order, preparation, and divine guidance in the life of the covenant community.