Issachar

Fifth son of Jacob and Leah. Ancestor of the tribe of Issachar.

Name

The name Issachar relates to the Hebrew word for “reward” or “hire.” Leah named him this, saying “God has given me my reward” (Genesis 30:18).

Jacob’s Blessing

In Genesis 49:14-15, Jacob compared Issachar to a “strong donkey,” suggesting the tribe would be hardworking but perhaps subservient: “He saw that a resting place was good, and that the land was pleasant, so he bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant at forced labor.”

Tribe

The tribe of Issachar settled in the fertile Jezreel Valley. They were known for wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32).