Issachar (PT#2)

The sons of Issachar

by David G. Rose

​

Last week, we started this series on the times and seasons of the Return of Christ. We ended last week with the admonition, “Until then, stay prayed up, packed up, and ready to go up!” Nothing else has to happen in Biblical prophecy for Christ to return. It is imminent, certain, and greatly desired by all Believers.

In the Old Testament, there is a story about the sons of Issachar. They were noteworthy because they, from all the people of the 12 tribes of Israel, understood the times in which they lived. They rightfully discerned what God was doing in bringing David to the throne as his anointed king. They were people of spiritual discernment. And discernment of God's times and seasons is absolutely necessary in order to cooperate with God.

Discernment is the ability to make astute judgments, to distinguish between and to recognize the moral implications, of certain choices. In the Old Testament book of Daniel 2:21 NIV, “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”

In the New Testament, Jesus spoke of discernment when He told us to not cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:1-6). The Apostle Paul refers to discerning of spirits in 1 Corinthians 12:10. This gift helps spirit-filled Christians to recognize ungodly spirits that could lead us into doctrinal heresy. 

The children of Issachar are honored for their discernment. But who was their father Issachar? He was the ninth son of Jacob, and the fifth son of Leah. When Issachar was born, his father Jacob gave an unusual prophecy over him: “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens” (Genesis 49:14-15 NIV).

Being called a donkey by your respected father before you could even walk or talk has to be a challenge. It seems like an unfair moniker to have to overcome. As Issachar grew, he became a strong and highly commendable warrior. He was known throughout the land as a valiant and patriotic soldier.

However, there was another side to Issachar: He could be very lazy! And this unwholesome trait was embraced by his descendants. It was known that if you were one of the children of Issachar, you were a professional at relaxing while others worked. Through their battles, they accumulated much wealth and material goods. But, after the battle, they enjoyed their loot and took their ease. 

In fact, their life of ease was so dominant, that they were often too lazy to join their comrades when attacked by enemy nations. They risked losing their own country because fighting would interrupt their rest and relaxation. This is when the prophecy of father Jacob was realized: “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens,” when they should have been rising up to do battle. 

But something changed. Next week, we will see how God made the weak strong.
 

If you would like a free digital copy of this study, send your request to parsonrose@aol.com.