Genesis 49:14

KJV

Issachar [is] a strong ass couching down between two burdens:

KJV (with Strong's)

Issachar {H3485} is a strong {H1634} ass {H2543} couching down {H7257} between two burdens {H4942}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Yissakhar is a strong donkey lying down in the sheep sheds.

Berean Standard Bible

Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.

American Standard Version

Issachar is a strong ass, Couching down between the sheepfolds:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jacob's prophetic blessing upon his ninth son, Issachar, vividly portrays him as a robust and diligent donkey, willing to "couch down" and bear heavy loads. This imagery foreshadows the tribe's future character, marked by physical strength, a pragmatic disposition towards arduous agricultural labor, and a preference for settled prosperity, even if it entailed accepting tribute or a less prominent, yet stable, role within the burgeoning nation of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 49 records the profound, final pronouncements of Jacob, also known as Israel, upon each of his twelve sons just before his death. These are not merely paternal wishes but divinely inspired prophetic blessings and curses, serving as a foundational blueprint for the future character, destiny, and geographical settlement of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each son's blessing often encapsulates significant events from their life or distinct aspects of their personality, thereby foreshadowing the unique role their descendants would play in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant people. This specific prophecy concerning Issachar, Leah's fifth son, is an integral part of this climactic chapter, which brings the patriarchal narratives of Genesis to a close, setting the stage for the nation's development in Exodus.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the donkey was an indispensable beast of burden, revered for its strength, endurance, and ability to carry heavy loads over diverse and often challenging terrain. The imagery of a "strong ass" would immediately evoke a picture of tireless labor and resilience to Jacob's original audience. Furthermore, the concept of "couching down between two burdens" resonates deeply with the agrarian lifestyle prevalent in the region, where fertile lands often attracted both prosperity and the imposition of tribute or labor by stronger powers. Issachar's future tribal territory, situated in the fertile Jezreel Valley, was indeed a rich agricultural region, making the imagery particularly apt for a people who would prioritize the bounty of the land and a settled existence over military or political dominance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Sovereignty** in shaping human destiny, as Jacob's prophecies are seen as divinely guided revelations about the future of the tribes, a theme echoed in God's promises to Abraham in [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Covenant with Abraham"). Secondly, it underscores the **Value of Diligence and Endurance**, portraying a tribe whose strength lies in its capacity for sustained effort and hard work, a virtue consistently praised throughout Scripture (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "The Ant and the Sluggard")). Finally, the passage subtly introduces the theme of **Diversity within God's People**, illustrating that different tribes, with their unique characteristics and callings, all contribute to the collective identity and purpose of Israel, much like the diverse gifts within the body of Christ described in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "Spiritual Gifts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Issachar (Hebrew, _Yissâˢkâr'_):** From the root meaning "he will bring a reward," this name itself carries a premonition of the tribe's future. While Jacob's blessing might seem less glorious than some, the "reward" for Issachar was often the prosperity derived from their fertile land and diligent labor.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _gerem'_):** Literally meaning "bone" or "skeleton," this word is used metaphorically here to denote robust strength, indicating a "strong-boned" or "powerful" constitution. Applied to the ass, it emphasizes the animal's (and thus the tribe's) inherent physical capacity for endurance and heavy work.
* **Ass (Hebrew, _chămôwr'_):** Refers specifically to a male donkey, known for its reddish-brown color (from the root "to be red"). In the ancient world, the donkey was not a symbol of disdain but a highly valued and indispensable animal for transport and agricultural labor, signifying resilience, patience, and a willingness to bear burdens.
* **Couching down (Hebrew, _râbats'_):** A primitive root describing the posture of an animal resting or lying down, often with its legs folded. In this context, it suggests a deliberate act of settling, submitting, or preparing to receive a burden, implying a willing acceptance of labor or tribute for the sake of peace or comfort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Issachar [is] a strong ass":** This opening clause immediately establishes the core metaphor for the tribe. "Strong ass" (Hebrew: _ḥămōwr gā́rēm_) vividly portrays Issachar as physically robust, resilient, and inherently capable of arduous labor. Unlike the swiftness of a horse or the ferocity of a lion, the donkey symbolizes steadfastness, endurance, and a pragmatic willingness to bear heavy loads, setting the tone for the tribe's future character.
* **"couching down":** The Hebrew verb _râbats_ describes an animal settling down, lying at rest, or preparing to receive a burden. This posture suggests a deliberate and willing act of submission or acceptance. For Issachar, it implies a disposition to embrace hard work, to settle peacefully, or even to accept tribute or a subordinate position for the sake of agricultural prosperity and a quiet existence, rather than engaging in conflict or seeking political prominence.
* **"between two burdens":** This phrase completes the vivid imagery. The "burdens" (Hebrew: _mishpâth_, literally "sheepfolds" or "stalls" in the dual form, but here understood as "saddlebags" or "loads") can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it refers to the heavy loads a donkey carries. Metaphorically, it points to the various forms of labor, responsibilities, or tributes that the tribe of Issachar would willingly undertake or endure, perhaps alluding to the fertile land that produced abundant crops but also attracted demands from neighboring powers.

#### Literary Devices
Jacob's pronouncement on Issachar is rich with **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**. The primary **metaphor** is that of "Issachar [is] a strong ass," which immediately establishes a vivid comparison between the tribe and a robust, enduring donkey. This animal, far from being a derogatory image in the ancient world, was a highly valued beast of burden, symbolizing resilience, patience, and a capacity for tireless labor. The phrase "couching down between two burdens" further employs **symbolism**, depicting a posture of willing submission or settled rest, indicating the tribe's pragmatic choice for peaceful agricultural prosperity over conflict, even if it meant accepting tribute. This imagery functions as a **prophecy**, foretelling the future character and destiny of the tribe of Issachar, highlighting their industrious nature and their eventual preference for a settled, prosperous life in their fertile territory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's prophetic words for Issachar, though seemingly simple, carry profound theological weight. They underscore the concept of **divine election and foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in shaping the destinies of individuals and nations, even before their full emergence. The depiction of Issachar as a diligent laborer also elevates the biblical value of **hard work, perseverance, and humble service** within God's economy. It teaches that strength is not solely found in military might or political power, but equally in the quiet, consistent effort that yields sustenance and stability. Furthermore, this prophecy illustrates the **diversity of callings** within God's people; not every tribe was destined for leadership or warfare, but each played a vital, complementary role in the overall tapestry of Israel's national identity and purpose.

* [Deuteronomy 33:18-19](/deuteronomy/33-18-19 "Moses' Blessing on Zebulun and Issachar")
* [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "Sons of Issachar who Understood the Times")
* [Proverbs 13:4](/proverbs/13-4 "The Diligent Soul is Made Rich")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient prophecy concerning Issachar offers timeless wisdom for contemporary believers. It challenges us to embrace the dignity of diligence and the quiet power of perseverance in our own lives and callings. In a world often obsessed with prominence and immediate gratification, Issachar reminds us that faithful, consistent labor, whether in our vocations, families, or ministries, is deeply valued by God and yields lasting fruit. We are called to bear our own burdens with grace, contributing to the common good and recognizing that every role, no matter how humble, is essential within the body of Christ. However, the imagery also serves as a subtle caution: while peace and comfort are desirable, an excessive pursuit of ease can lead to spiritual complacency or compromise. We must prayerfully discern when to embrace the burden of service and when to stand firm in our convictions, always seeking the wisdom to "understand the times" and know what is truly required of us, much like the descendants of Issachar who were renowned for their discernment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to embrace diligence and perseverance, even when the work feels burdensome or goes unnoticed?**
* **How might a desire for comfort or ease inadvertently lead you to compromise your spiritual convictions or divine calling?**
* **What "burdens" (responsibilities, challenges, acts of service) is God calling you to willingly "couch down" and bear for His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why is Issachar described as a "strong ass" rather than a more noble animal?**

Answer: The description "strong ass" (Hebrew: _ḥămōwr gā́rēm_) is not a derogatory term but a profound metaphor emphasizing the tribe's physical robustness, endurance, and capacity for hard labor. In the ancient Near East, donkeys were vital, highly valued animals for carrying heavy loads and traversing difficult terrain, symbolizing resilience and a pragmatic willingness to bear burdens. This imagery highlights Issachar's future character as a diligent, industrious tribe, more inclined to agricultural prosperity than military conquest, a characteristic that would prove essential to the nation's sustenance and stability, a theme seen throughout the Old Testament's emphasis on labor, as in [Proverbs 14:4](/proverbs/14-4 "Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.").

**Does "couching down between two burdens" imply weakness or servitude for Issachar?**

Answer: While it can suggest a willingness to accept tribute or a less prominent role, it does not imply weakness. Rather, it highlights Issachar's pragmatic choice to prioritize agricultural prosperity and a settled life. The phrase signifies a deliberate and willing act of settling or accepting responsibility. The tribe was willing to work hard and bear responsibilities, which allowed them to thrive in their fertile territory. Later, the tribe of Issachar was known for its wisdom and understanding of the times, suggesting their quiet diligence fostered discernment rather than weakness, as noted in [1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "The Sons of Issachar who Understood the Times"). This willingness to bear burdens can be seen as a form of strength, enabling them to secure their prosperity and contribute to the nation's well-being.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Jacob's prophecy for Issachar primarily concerns the tribal destiny within the nation of Israel, it subtly prefigures profound principles that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Issachar's willingness to "couch down" and bear burdens, prioritizing the quiet work of sustenance and stability, powerfully foreshadows Christ, who willingly took upon Himself the ultimate burden of humanity's sin and suffering. He is the true "strong ass," not in the sense of an animal, but as the divine Son who humbly emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross, as described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Jesus, the Lamb of God, truly "bore our griefs and carried our sorrows," becoming the suffering servant prophesied in [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Christ, the Suffering Servant"). Furthermore, just as Issachar found prosperity through humble labor, believers in Christ are called to a life of diligent service and humility, recognizing that true strength and abundant life are found not in worldly power or self-promotion, but in self-sacrificial love and obedience to God's will, following the example of the One who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," as He Himself declared in [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Christ Came to Serve"). In Christ, the willingness to bear burdens transforms from a pragmatic choice into a redemptive act, inviting His followers to take up their own cross and follow Him ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Take Up Your Cross")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 30:18

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

1 Chronicles 12:32

And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.

Deuteronomy 33:18

¶ And of Zebulun he said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in thy going out; and, Issachar, in thy tents.

Joshua 19:17

¶ [And] the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.

Joshua 19:23

This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

Judges 5:15

And the princes of Issachar [were] with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great thoughts of heart.

Judges 5:16

Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben [there were] great searchings of heart.