The ninth son of Jacob and fifth son of Leah. Jacob compared Issachar to a strong donkey lying between two saddlebags, seeing how good his resting place was. The tribe was known for wisdom—‘men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.’ They settled in the rich agricultural valley of Jezreel.
Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar.Genesis 30:18 · Berean Standard Bible
And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore a fifth son to Jacob. Then Leah said, “God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband.” So she named him Issachar.
Children born in rivalry and heartbreak. But these names — Reuben, Judah, Joseph — will become the twelve tribes of a nation.
Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds. He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.
Jacob speaks over each son with prophetic weight. Judah receives the scepter. The lion will come from his line.
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
Men from every tribe join David — at Ziklag, in the wilderness, and at Hebron. The army swells. Unity around the anointed king.
Issachar doesn't appear in the direct line from Adam to Jesus, but stands one step from it through Jacob, who does. See the whole line.
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