Genesis 49:15

And he saw that rest [was] good, and the land that [it was] pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.

And he saw {H7200} that rest {H4496} was good {H2896}, and the land {H776} that it was pleasant {H5276}; and bowed {H5186} his shoulder {H7926} to bear {H5445}, and became a servant {H5647} unto tribute {H4522}.

On seeing how good is settled life and how pleasant the country, he will bend his back to the burden, and submit to forced labor.

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.

And he saw a resting-place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he bowed his shoulder to bear, And became a servant under taskwork.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 49 records the prophetic blessings and pronouncements of Jacob, also known as Israel, upon his twelve sons just before his death. These prophecies often foretold the future character, destiny, and geographical location of the tribes that would descend from each son. In this specific verse, Jacob is addressing Issachar, the ninth son born to Leah (Genesis 30:17-18). The tribe of Issachar would later inherit a fertile and desirable portion of the Promised Land, primarily the rich agricultural plains of Esdraelon (Jezreel Valley), known for its productivity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prioritization of Comfort and Ease: Issachar is depicted as a tribe that highly valued "rest" (menuchah, a place of repose or settled dwelling) and a "pleasant" (na'em, delightful) land. This suggests a preference for a tranquil, agriculturally prosperous life over more demanding or adventurous pursuits.
  • Pragmatic Submission: The phrase "bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute" indicates a willingness to accept burdens, labor, or even a form of servitude or taxation in exchange for enjoying their fertile land and maintaining peace. This highlights a pragmatic, perhaps even complacent, approach to life, where the comfort of their surroundings was prioritized over complete autonomy or military prowess.
  • Agricultural Prosperity and Stewardship: The verse implicitly acknowledges the richness of Issachar's inheritance. Their readiness to labor and pay tribute underscores a strong connection to the land and its productivity, suggesting they would become a tribe known for its agricultural wealth.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words provide deeper insight:

  • "Rest" (ืžึฐื ื•ึผื—ึธื”, menuchah): This term signifies not just physical rest, but a settled dwelling, a place of quiet and security. It implies a desire for stability and peace.
  • "Pleasant" (ื ึธืขึตื, na'em): Describes something delightful, agreeable, or beautiful. The land was not just productive but inherently appealing to Issachar.
  • "Bowed his shoulder to bear": This is a vivid metaphor for taking on a burden or responsibility, often associated with a yoke placed on an ox. It suggests a readiness to endure hard labor.
  • "Servant unto tribute" (ืžึทืก ืขึนื‘ึตื“, mas oved): This phrase literally means "laboring tribute" or "forced labor." It refers to compulsory service, a levy, or taxation imposed, often by a ruling power. It doesn't necessarily imply chattel slavery but a submission to burdensome demands for the sake of peace or to avoid conflict, a choice that contrasts with the more warlike or independent character of other tribes like Judah or Dan. See also 1 Kings 9:21 for another instance of "tribute of bondservice."

Practical Application

Genesis 49:15 offers timeless lessons:

  • Balance Between Comfort and Responsibility: The verse highlights the human tendency to seek comfort and ease. While rest is good, an excessive pursuit of it can lead to compromising freedom or accepting burdens that might otherwise be avoided. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to "bow our shoulder" to for the sake of convenience or security.
  • Stewardship of Resources: Issachar's connection to the fertile land emphasizes the blessing of resources and the responsibility to cultivate them. However, it also serves as a caution against becoming so attached to material prosperity that one neglects higher callings or principles.
  • Understanding Individual and Collective Tendencies: Just as Jacob's prophecy revealed distinct characteristics of his sons and their descendants, we can reflect on our own inclinations. Are we prone to prioritizing ease over principle, or comfort over courageous action? This verse encourages self-awareness in our choices and motivations.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 81:6

    I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.

  • Ezekiel 29:18

    Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head [was] made bald, and every shoulder [was] peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:

  • 2 Samuel 7:1

    ยถ And it came to pass, when the king sat in his house, and the LORD had given him rest round about from all his enemies;

  • Matthew 23:4

    For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers.

  • Judges 3:11

    And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.

  • Joshua 14:15

    And the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba; [which Arba was] a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war.
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