Genesis 49:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Genesis 49:15 describes Jacob's prophetic blessing upon his son Issachar, portraying a tribe characterized by its love for comfort and a pleasant, fertile land. In exchange for this desirable inheritance, Issachar is depicted as willing to "bow his shoulder to bear" burdens and become "a servant unto tribute," indicating a pragmatic acceptance of labor or taxation to maintain peace and enjoy their agricultural prosperity.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 49 records the final 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, whose name is associated with "reward" or "wages" ([Genesis 30:17-18](/genesis/30-17 "Issachar's birth and name meaning")). The tribe of Issachar would later inherit a fertile and desirable portion of the Promised Land, primarily the rich agricultural plains of Esdraelon (the Jezreel Valley), known for its productivity and strategic importance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Jacob's prophecy for Issachar paints a vivid picture of a tribe prioritizing peace and material comfort. The verse opens by stating that Issachar "saw that rest [was] good, and the land that [it was] pleasant." This indicates a deep appreciation for tranquility and the inherent delight found in their fertile inheritance. This preference for a settled, agriculturally prosperous life often led them to avoid conflict, contrasting with the more aggressive or independent characters of other tribes like [Judah](/genesis/49-8 "Jacob's prophecy concerning Judah's leadership") or [Dan](/genesis/49-17 "Jacob's prophecy concerning Dan's cunning").

The consequence of this desire for ease is then revealed: Issachar "bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute." This imagery suggests a willingness to accept burdens, labor, or even a form of servitude or taxation. It implies a pragmatic, perhaps even complacent, approach to life, where the comfort and security of their surroundings were prioritized over complete autonomy or military prowess. 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 but perhaps also for its submissiveness.

Linguistic insights deepen our understanding:
* **"Rest" (מְנוּחָה, _menuchah_):** This Hebrew term signifies more than mere physical cessation from labor; it denotes a settled dwelling, a place of quiet, security, and stability. It implies a deep desire for a peaceful and established existence.
* **"Pleasant" (נָעֵם, _na'em_):** This word describes something delightful, agreeable, or beautiful. The land was not just productive but inherently appealing and satisfying to Issachar, contributing to their desire to remain undisturbed.
* **"Bowed his shoulder to bear":** This is a powerful, vivid metaphor for taking on a burden or responsibility. It evokes the image of an ox submitting to a yoke, ready to endure hard labor or a heavy load. It highlights a readiness to accept strenuous demands.
* **"Servant unto tribute" (מַס עֹבֵד, _mas oved_):** This phrase literally translates to "laboring tribute" or "forced labor." It refers to compulsory service, a levy, or taxation imposed, often by a ruling power. It does not necessarily imply chattel slavery but rather a submission to burdensome demands, such as forced labor or heavy taxes, for the sake of peace or to avoid conflict. An example of such "tribute of bondservice" can be seen in [1 Kings 9:21](/1_kings/9-21 "Example of forced labor or tribute in Israel").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Nature of True Rest:** Issachar sought earthly rest and comfort, but the Bible often points to a deeper, spiritual rest found in God's presence and promises ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "The promise of Sabbath rest for God's people")).
* **Prioritizing Earthly Comfort vs. Divine Calling:** The tribe's willingness to compromise for comfort serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of valuing material ease and security above spiritual freedom, moral principles, or a higher calling.
* **Stewardship and Responsibility:** While Issachar's land was a blessing, their response highlights the tension between enjoying God's provision and the responsibility to use resources for His purposes, rather than allowing them to lead to complacency or servitude.
* **Consequences of Choice:** Jacob's prophecy reveals that choices, even seemingly pragmatic ones, have long-term consequences for character and destiny, both individually and collectively.
* **Freedom vs. Security:** The narrative implicitly explores the tension between pursuing absolute freedom and accepting certain compromises for the sake of security and prosperity.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 49:15 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine our own priorities: what do we consider "good" and "pleasant" in life, and what are we willing to "bow our shoulder" to bear for the sake of maintaining that comfort or security? While rest and a pleasant environment are God-given blessings, an excessive pursuit of ease can lead to compromising our convictions, accepting burdens that diminish our spiritual freedom, or neglecting higher callings. The verse encourages self-awareness, prompting us to consider if we are prioritizing earthly comfort over courageous action, principled stands, or sacrificial service to God and others. It reminds us that true rest and fulfillment are ultimately found not in material prosperity or the avoidance of all burdens, but in faithful obedience to Christ.

### FAQ
**What does "servant unto tribute" mean for the tribe of Issachar?**

Answer: "Servant unto tribute" (Hebrew: *mas oved*) refers to compulsory labor, forced service, or taxation imposed by a ruling power. For Issachar, it suggests that they would willingly submit to such burdens or levies from stronger nations or internal authorities in exchange for the peace and security needed to enjoy their fertile land and agricultural prosperity. It implies a pragmatic decision to avoid conflict by accepting a subordinate role, rather than fighting for complete autonomy.

**Did Issachar's choice to "bow his shoulder" make them weak or unfaithful?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly label Issachar as weak or unfaithful, but it does highlight a distinctive characteristic. Their choice reflects a pragmatic approach, prioritizing agricultural wealth and peace over military prowess or political independence, which contrasted with other tribes. While it allowed them to prosper materially, it also exposed them to potential subjugation. Later biblical accounts, however, show Issachar contributing to Israel's leadership and military efforts, particularly in understanding the times ([1 Chronicles 12:32](/1_chronicles/12-32 "Men of Issachar who understood the times")). This suggests that their character was complex and evolved, not solely defined by this initial prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Issachar "bowed his shoulder to bear" tribute for earthly comfort, Christ uniquely fulfilled this imagery by willingly bowing His shoulder to bear the ultimate burden: the sin of humanity and the cross of Calvary ([Isaiah 53:4-7](/isaiah/53-4 "Christ bearing our griefs and sorrows")). Unlike Issachar, who sought earthly rest and security through submission, Jesus' submission was to the will of the Father, leading not to earthly comfort but to eternal redemption and true spiritual rest for all who believe ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest")). He paid the ultimate "tribute" (ransom) to free us from the bondage of sin and death, offering a rest that transcends any earthly peace or prosperity. His kingdom is not of this world, and His followers are called to bear burdens for His sake, not for fleeting comfort, but for eternal glory.

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.