Chapters 7-9
Chapter 7
How refreshing it is to next read of Issachar and his descendants! (1).
His mother viewed him as a reward from Jehovah; his name means 'He is Wages'.
It reflects the way Leah came to conceive him, buying the conjugal right for that night from Rachel in return for some mandrakes.
He was Jacob's ninth son, and Issachar is named as ninth in the list of Spiritual Israel.
Issachar and his descendants displayed some wonderful qualities.
We don't know much about his life other than from the recorded events that he mutually participated in with his brothers. For example, in 1728 BCE, when he was around 41 years old, he and his sons went to Egypt, among the "seventy souls" who comprised Jacob's household.
On his father's deathbed, Issachar received his blessing.
We see his family line was prophesied to be willing workers for the common good, at times benefitting the whole nation.
They were praised by Barak and Deborah for their contribution to Israel's victory.
Commendably, the research notes say "The men of Issachar watched God's indications of what he wanted done at a certain time. So they gave David a military escort" when he became king over all Israel.
These were men of faith, and men of action, who had "a knowledge of how to discern the times".
Moses also spoke well of this tribe. He said "Issachar would rejoice in their tents". Deut 33:18.
They would have reason to rejoice:
Issachar was the fourth tribe to receive its land, in the fertile valley of Jezreel. The Insight book says this was a "choice " and "pleasant" land, and the people of Issachar were evidently well content with what Jehovah had given them.
Tola, one of Issachar's descendants, was a judge in Israel for 23 years ( not to be confused with with Issachar's son in vs 1).
The men of Issachar are called mighty warriors in vs 5.