The Tribe of Issachar, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, traces its lineage to Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, the tribe played a significant role in the formation and organization of the nation. On the Plains of Moab, the tribe of Issachar, along with the other tribes, prepared to enter the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

Biblical Context and Location

The Plains of Moab, located east of the Jordan River and north of the Dead Sea, served as a critical staging ground for the Israelites before their conquest of Canaan. It was here that Moses delivered his final speeches, recounted the law, and prepared the people for their new life in the land promised to their forefathers. The tribe of Issachar, like the other tribes, camped in this area as they awaited God's command to cross the Jordan.

Census and Organization

During their time on the Plains of Moab, a census was conducted to organize the tribes for the impending conquest. According to Numbers 26:23-25 , the descendants of Issachar were counted: "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."

This census not only provided a record of the tribe's numbers but also ensured that each tribe was prepared for the military campaigns ahead. The tribe of Issachar, with its substantial numbers, was a vital component of Israel's fighting force.

Role and Characteristics

The tribe of Issachar is often noted for its wisdom and understanding of the times. In 1 Chronicles 12:32 , the men of Issachar are described as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do." This characteristic would have been invaluable as the Israelites faced the challenges of conquering and settling in Canaan.

Inheritance and Blessing

Before his death, Moses blessed the tribes of Israel, including Issachar. In Deuteronomy 33:18-19 , Moses said of Issachar: "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."

This blessing highlights the tribe's future prosperity and its role in leading others in worship and righteousness. The reference to "tents" may also allude to the tribe's settled life in the land, where they would enjoy the fruits of their labor and the blessings of God.

Conclusion

The Tribe of Issachar, on the Plains of Moab, stood poised to enter a new chapter in the history of Israel. With their numbers, wisdom, and divine blessing, they were prepared to take their place in the Promised Land, fulfilling the promises made to their ancestor Jacob.Numbers 26:25
These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, three score and four thousand and three hundred.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a mistaken reading, "Issachar with Barak;" Issachar having been ... river, and, spreading
over the plains of Mount ... which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... The plains produced barley and
wheat in enormous quantities ... THE DEAD SEA AND THE MOUNTAINS OF MOAB, SEEN FKOM ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.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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