The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.
English Standard Version (ESV)
1 Chronicles 7:1
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What's easy to miss here is that Issachar's lineage is already being established so early in the biblical narrative. This isn't just a random list; it’s about the foundational tribes of Israel, highlighting the importance of every family line, even those not always in the spotlight, for God's unfolding plan.
The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This chapter is part of a long genealogy, tracing the descendants of Israel's tribes. It follows accounts of the divisions of Israel and the genealogies of Reuben and Gad, and now shifts to the lineage of Issachar. The verses immediately following will detail Issachar's family further, then move on to the descendants of Benjamin.
In the grand sweep of biblical history, we often focus on kings, prophets, and major figures. But what about the rest? This verse reminds us of the faithful who make up the fabric of God's people.
The Importance of Every Tribe
The book of 1 Chronicles meticulously traces the genealogies of Israel, not just to highlight the lineage of David, but to affirm the identity and inheritance of all the tribes. Even a seemingly simple list of names like this one is crucial. It asserts that each family, each individual, has a place in God's unfolding plan. Issachar, while not known for military might or royal power, was a distinct and vital part of the twelve tribes, each with their own contributions and spiritual significance.
Why bother listing names? This isn't just ancient bookkeeping; it's a profound declaration about God's faithfulness and the permanence of His promises.
God's Covenant Faithfulness
The genealogies in Chronicles serve as a powerful reminder of God's covenant with His people, particularly His promise to Abraham concerning descendants. Tracing these lines shows God's consistent faithfulness, even through centuries of history, shifting leadership, and exile. Each name listed, including those of Issachar's sons, represents a link in the chain of God's redemptive history. It underscores that God works through specific people, in specific families, to fulfill His eternal purposes.
Understand the original words
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ben · Hebrew Noun
A designation for male descendants. In Hebrew culture, this title carried the rights of inheritance, responsibility for the family line, and the obligation to honor one's father.
This passage lists the same four sons of Issachar, providing context for their family's move to Egypt.
Numbers 26:23-24Here we see the descendants of Issachar, including the family of Tola, highlighting their significance and growth as a tribe.
1 Chronicles 12:32This verse describes the men of Issachar who were known for their understanding of the times and their wisdom, linking the tribe's character to its lineage.
What's easy to miss here is that Issachar's lineage is already being established so early in the biblical narrative. This isn't just a random list; it’s about the foundational tribes of Israel, highlighting the importance of every family line, even those not always in the spotlight, for God's unfolding plan.
This chapter is part of a long genealogy, tracing the descendants of Israel's tribes. It follows accounts of the divisions of Israel and the genealogies of Reuben and Gad, and now shifts to the lineage of Issachar. The verses immediately following will detail Issachar's family further, then move on to the descendants of Benjamin.
This chapter is part of a long genealogy, tracing the descendants of Israel's tribes. It follows accounts of the divisions of Israel and the genealogies of Reuben and Gad, and now shifts to the lineage of Issachar. The verses immediately following will detail Issachar's family further, then move on to the descendants of Benjamin.
"The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four." — What's easy to miss here is that Issachar's lineage is already being established so early in the biblical narrative. This isn't just a random list; it’s about the foundational tribes of Israel, hig…
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Last reviewed October 2026