(strictly yis-saws-kawr'); from נָשָׂא and שָׂכָר; he will bring a reward; Jissaskar, a son of Jacob; Issachar.
Transliteration:Yissâˢkâr
Pronunciation:yis-saw-kawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew proper noun Yissâˢkâr (יִשָּׂשכָר, `{{H3485}}`), transliterated as Issachar, is derived from two distinct Hebrew roots: נָשָׂא (nasa', `{{H5375}}`), meaning "to lift, bear, carry," and שָׂכָר (sakhar, `{{H7939}}`), meaning "wages, reward, hire." The compound meaning, as indicated by its etymology, is "he will bring a reward" or "there is reward." This name is primarily associated with the ninth son of Jacob and the fifth son born to Leah. Its semantic range is therefore tightly bound to its identity as a proper noun, yet the underlying etymology provides significant insight into the circumstances of his birth and subsequent tribal identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Issachar `{{H3485}}` appears numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily in genealogies, tribal listings, and prophetic blessings.
His birth narrative is found in [[Genesis 30:17-18]], where Leah names him, stating, "God has given me my reward (שְׂכָרִי), because I have given my servant to my husband." This foundational context establishes the name's direct link to divine recompense.
Jacob's prophetic blessing in [[Genesis 49:14-15]] describes Issachar as "a strong donkey couching between the sheepfolds; he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a slave at forced labor." This imagery suggests a tribe characterized by a deep connection to their fertile land, perhaps valuing ease and agricultural prosperity over military prowess, leading to a form of submission or tribute.
Conversely, Moses' blessing in [[Deuteronomy 33:18-19]] offers a more positive outlook, associating Issachar with Zebulun: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar, in your tents! They shall call peoples to the mountain; there they offer right sacrifices; for they draw from the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures of the sand." This portrays a tribe that is prosperous, religiously devout, and perhaps active in trade, benefiting from their strategic geographical position.
The tribe of Issachar was numbered among the tribes of Israel, as seen in [[Numbers 1:29]] and [[Numbers 26:25]]. Their allotted territory, described in [[Joshua 19:17-23]], encompassed fertile plains in the Jezreel Valley, including significant cities.
Notably, in the period of the Judges, the tribe of Issachar is mentioned alongside Barak in the victory against Sisera ([[Judges 5:15]]). Later, in the time of David, the sons of Issachar are uniquely characterized as "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" ([[1 Chronicles 12:32]]). This verse highlights their reputation for wisdom, discernment, and strategic insight, suggesting a leadership role in understanding divine timing and national direction. Issachar also appears in the vision of the new land distribution in [[Ezekiel 48:25]] and among the redeemed in [[Revelation 7:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of Yissâˢkâr `{{H3485}}` directly links it to:
* `{{H5375}}` (nasa'): The verb "to lift, bear, carry," which can imply burden-bearing, responsibility, or even being exalted. In the context of Issachar, it points to the act of "bringing" or "bearing" a reward.
* `{{H7939}}` (sakhar): The noun "wages, reward, hire," which is central to Leah's naming of her son. It signifies recompense, payment for service, or divine blessing.
The narrative surrounding Issachar's birth also connects to the broader theme of divine providence in barrenness and childbirth, a recurring motif in the matriarchal narratives (e.g., Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel). Furthermore, the concept of tribal blessings and curses, as seen in Jacob's and Moses' prophecies, is a significant related theme, shaping the identity and destiny of each of Israel's tribes. The wisdom attributed to the sons of Issachar in [[1 Chronicles 12:32]] relates them to the broader biblical concept of divine wisdom and discernment, often associated with understanding God's will and timing.
### Theological Significance
The name Issachar and the tribe it represents carry several layers of theological significance:
1. **Divine Providence and Reward:** At its core, the name "Issachar" stands as a testament to Leah's conviction that God had "rewarded" her for her actions and suffering. This underscores the biblical truth of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, providing recompense and fulfilling His purposes even amidst human complexities and rivalries. It speaks to a God who sees, hears, and responds.
2. **Multifaceted Tribal Destiny:** The contrasting prophecies of Jacob and Moses regarding Issachar illustrate the dynamic and sometimes paradoxical nature of divine destiny. While Jacob's blessing hints at a submissive, land-bound existence, Moses' blessing speaks of prosperity and spiritual prominence. This suggests that tribal or individual destinies are not monolithic but can evolve, revealing different facets of God's plan over time. It also highlights the potential for a humble beginning to lead to significant contribution.
3. **Wisdom and Discernment:** The description of the sons of Issachar as "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" ([[1 Chronicles 12:32]]) is profoundly significant. It elevates the tribe beyond their agricultural or military roles, portraying them as sagacious leaders gifted with spiritual insight. This emphasizes that true "reward" or blessing can manifest as wisdom and discernment, crucial for guiding a nation in accordance with God's will and understanding the opportune moments for action. Such wisdom is a divine gift, essential for navigating complex historical and spiritual landscapes.
4. **Steadfastness and Connection to the Land:** Jacob's imagery of the "strong donkey" can also be interpreted as a symbol of endurance, stability, and a deep, abiding connection to the land. This steadfastness, even if it implied a certain submission, allowed the tribe to thrive in their fertile territory, demonstrating that faithfulness to one's appointed place can bring prosperity and fulfillment.
### Summary
Yissâˢkâr (Issachar, `{{H3485}}`), meaning "he will bring a reward" or "there is reward," is derived from the Hebrew roots `{{H5375}}` (nasa', "to bear") and `{{H7939}}` (sakhar, "reward"). This name, given by Leah, signifies God's divine recompense to her ([[Genesis 30:17-18]]). As one of Jacob's twelve sons, Issachar's tribal identity is shaped by the contrasting prophecies of Jacob ([[Genesis 49:14-15]]), which portray a land-bound, burden-bearing tribe, and Moses ([[Deuteronomy 33:18-19]]), which emphasizes their prosperity and religious devotion. A unique and significant aspect of the tribe is their reputation for profound wisdom and discernment, being described as "men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" ([[1 Chronicles 12:32]]). Theologically, Issachar's story underscores God's active providence and the concept of divine reward, illustrates the multifaceted nature of tribal destiny, and highlights the supreme value of spiritual wisdom and steadfastness in discerning and fulfilling God's purposes.
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