I’ve been digging deep into Genesis for the past several months, and am nearly done with the book. I’ve come to the part where Jacob bestows his final words to his sons and his message for Issachar stood out to me. Here’s what he says…
Issachar is a strong donkey couching down between two burdens: 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.
(Genesis 49:14-15)
Jacob calls Issachar a strong donkey laying down between two burdens (literally sheep pins). It sounds insulting but it’s not. They’re a donkey because those animals are reliable workers. They’re stout and resilient, and can carry a load. He pictures his son as a beast of burden, nestled in between two sheep pins, waiting for the call to move, at which point he will rise up and begin his work anew.
Is Issachar notable or remarkable? No. Like Zebulun, his territory will be small compared to his brethren, but he will be a dependable son, and that’s no small blessing. Furthermore, after his descendants settle into their (again, relatively small) territory, when they see the land that will be their resting place, they will call it “good” and “pleasant.” Issachar’s blessing will be small, but it’s still a blessing, so they will be happy to work for it, thankful for the gift they’d been given.
What a good example for us all.
~Matthew