Issachar was the ninth son of JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More and the fifth son born to LeahLeah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the Twelve Tribes of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as well as a daughter named Dinah. Though initially unloved in comparison to her sister Rachel, Leah became one of the most important women in biblical history through the covenant lineage that ultimately led to... More. After his birth, LeahLeah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the Twelve Tribes of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as well as a daughter named Dinah. Though initially unloved in comparison to her sister Rachel, Leah became one of the most important women in biblical history through the covenant lineage that ultimately led to... More declared:
“God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband.” ()
For this reason, she named him Issachar (יִשָּׂשכָר, Yissakhar), a name commonly understood to mean “there is reward,” “man of hire,” or “reward.”
Issachar became the founder of the Tribe of IssacharThe Tribe of Issachar was descended from Issachar, the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth son born to Leah. As one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, Issachar became known for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. The tribe occupied fertile territory in northern Canaan and is especially remembered for producing men who "had understanding of the times, to know what... More, one of the Twelve Tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More. During Israel’s wilderness journey, the tribe camped alongside JudahJudah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah and the founder of the Tribe of Judah. His descendants became one of the most prominent tribes of Israel, producing the royal line of King David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Scripture identifies Judah as the tribe through which God's promise of kingship and redemption would be fulfilled. More and ZebulunZebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and the sixth son born to Leah. He became the father of the Tribe of Zebulun, one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The tribe was known for its strategic location, commercial activity, and faithful support of Israel's leaders. Zebulun's territory later became part of the region where Jesus Christ would carry out... More on the east side of the TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More (). The tribe grew into a substantial and influential portion of the nation.
Before his death, JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More spoke a prophecy concerning Issachar:
“Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens.” ()
JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More continued by describing Issachar as seeing that the land was pleasant and productive (). This blessing has often been understood as portraying strength, stability, diligence, and a willingness to labor for the benefit of the nation.
When the land of CanaanCanaan is the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, remembered as the ancestor of the peoples who later inhabited the land bearing his name. His story marks the beginning of a lineage that becomes central to Israel’s early history and the unfolding of God’s promises. More was divided among the tribes, Issachar received fertile territory in the Jezreel Valley and surrounding regions (). The rich agricultural land helped establish the tribe as a productive and prosperous part of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More.
The tribe of IssacharThe Tribe of Issachar was descended from Issachar, the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth son born to Leah. As one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, Issachar became known for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. The tribe occupied fertile territory in northern Canaan and is especially remembered for producing men who "had understanding of the times, to know what... More played an important role during the period of the Judges. Leaders from Issachar supported Deborah and Barak during Israel’s conflict against Sisera:
“And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah.” ()
Their willingness to stand with God’s appointed leaders contributed to Israel’s victory and demonstrated faithfulness during a critical period in the nation’s history.
Perhaps the most famous description of Issachar appears during the rise of King DavidDavid is Israel’s second king — a shepherd, warrior, poet, and the central human figure in the Messianic line. Scripture presents him as “a man after God’s own heart,” whose life reveals covenant loyalty, repentance, worship, and the promise of an everlasting throne. More. When men from the various tribes came to support David’s kingdom, Scripture says of Issachar:
“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More ought to do.” ()
This remarkable statement has caused the tribe to be remembered for wisdom, discernment, and the ability to understand circumstances and provide sound counsel. Their knowledge helped guide IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More during a time of political transition and national uncertainty.
The life of Issachar and the history of his tribe illustrate the value of wisdom joined with diligent service. While some tribes were known primarily for military achievements, Issachar became known for understanding, insight, and faithful labor. These qualities enabled the tribe to contribute significantly to the stability and leadership of IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More.
Hebrew Name
יִשָּׂשכָר (Yissakhar)
Meaning: “Reward,” “There Is Reward,” or “Man of Hire.”
The name reflects Leah’s belief that God had rewarded her and blessed her family.
Related Terms
- JacobJacob is the third patriarch of Israel, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose life marks the turning point where God’s covenant promises move from a single family toward the beginnings of a nation. His story is one of struggle, transformation, and divine purpose. More
- LeahLeah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the Twelve Tribes of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as well as a daughter named Dinah. Though initially unloved in comparison to her sister Rachel, Leah became one of the most important women in biblical history through the covenant lineage that ultimately led to... More
- ZebulunZebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and the sixth son born to Leah. He became the father of the Tribe of Zebulun, one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The tribe was known for its strategic location, commercial activity, and faithful support of Israel's leaders. Zebulun's territory later became part of the region where Jesus Christ would carry out... More
- JudahJudah was the fourth son of Jacob and Leah and the founder of the Tribe of Judah. His descendants became one of the most prominent tribes of Israel, producing the royal line of King David and ultimately the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Scripture identifies Judah as the tribe through which God's promise of kingship and redemption would be fulfilled. More
- Deborah
- Barak
- DavidDavid is Israel’s second king — a shepherd, warrior, poet, and the central human figure in the Messianic line. Scripture presents him as “a man after God’s own heart,” whose life reveals covenant loyalty, repentance, worship, and the promise of an everlasting throne. More
- Twelve Tribes of IsraelThe Tribes of Israel were the twelve family divisions descended from the sons of Jacob, whom God renamed Israel (Genesis 32:28). These tribes formed the nation of Israel, received territorial inheritances in the Promised Land, and played a central role throughout the Old Testament. The tribes trace their ancestry to the twelve sons of Jacob and represent the covenant people... More
- CanaanCanaan is the son of Ham and grandson of Noah, remembered as the ancestor of the peoples who later inhabited the land bearing his name. His story marks the beginning of a lineage that becomes central to Israel’s early history and the unfolding of God’s promises. More
- TabernacleThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites in the wilderness according to God's instructions to Moses. It served as the dwelling place of God's presence among His people and was the center of worship, sacrifice, and priestly ministry before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle reveals important truths concerning holiness, atonement, covenant fellowship, and... More
- Wisdom
- Discernment
- Understanding
- GenealogyGenealogy is the record and study of family lineage, ancestry, and descent. Throughout Scripture, genealogies establish historical continuity, trace covenant promises, preserve tribal identities, and demonstrate God's faithfulness across generations. Biblical genealogies are especially important in tracing the lineage from Adam to Noah, from Abraham to Israel, and ultimately to the Messiah. More
- IsraelIsrael is the covenant people chosen by Yahweh, descended from Jacob, set apart to bear God’s name, receive His promises, and reveal His character to the nations. More
