The Tribe of Issachar is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah. The name "Issachar" is often interpreted to mean "reward" or "recompense," reflecting Leah's sentiment upon his birth (Genesis 30:18: "Then Leah said, 'God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.' So she named him Issachar.").

Ancestry and Blessings

Issachar was born during Jacob's sojourn in Paddan Aram, and his descendants became one of the tribes of Israel. Jacob's blessing over Issachar, as recorded in Genesis 49:14-15 , portrays the tribe as industrious and strong: "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 the burden and submitted to labor as a servant."

Moses also blessed the tribe before his death, as recorded in Deuteronomy 33:18-19 : "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.'"

Territory and Settlement

The territory allotted to the Tribe of Issachar was located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, a region known for its agricultural productivity. This area included significant cities such as Jezreel, Shunem, and En-gannim. The boundaries of Issachar's inheritance are detailed in Joshua 19:17-23 , emphasizing the tribe's strategic and fertile location.

Role in Israelite History

The Tribe of Issachar played a notable role in the history of Israel. During the time of the Judges, the tribe supported Deborah and Barak in their battle against Sisera, as recorded in Judges 5:15 : "The princes of Issachar were with Deborah; yes, Issachar was with Barak, sent under his command into the valley."

In the era of King David, the men of Issachar were recognized for their wisdom and understanding of the times, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:32 : "From the sons of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do, 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command."

Cultural and Religious Contributions

The Tribe of Issachar is often associated with scholarship and learning. Jewish tradition holds that the tribe was devoted to the study of the Torah and the understanding of celestial phenomena, which may have contributed to their reputation for wisdom and discernment.

Prophetic Significance

In the prophetic literature, the Tribe of Issachar is mentioned in the context of the restoration of Israel. Ezekiel 48:25-26 includes Issachar in the division of the land among the tribes in the future Messianic age, indicating the tribe's enduring place in God's covenantal promises to Israel.

The Tribe of Issachar, with its rich heritage and contributions to the nation of Israel, remains a symbol of diligence, wisdom, and faithfulness in the biblical narrative.