Genesis 49:14
“Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Genesis 49:14
“Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The description of Issachar as a "strong donkey" isn't just about his physical strength; it highlights his tendency to settle for comfort and ease over striving for greater things. He's depicted as content to rest between his "sheepfolds," symbolizing a tribe that would prioritize peace and agricultural pursuits, even if it meant becoming subservient and paying tribute, rather than seeking out challenges.
Jacob is gathered to his people, but before he dies, he calls his twelve sons to tell them what will happen to them in the future. This chapter contains Jacob's prophetic blessings and pronouncements over his sons, which foreshadow the future of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar's blessing, as one of the sons who will form these tribes, comes after the pronouncements on Zebulun and before those on Dan.
Why would Jacob compare his son Issachar to a donkey? It's not just about being stubborn, but about a specific kind of strength and purpose.
Jacob's description of Issachar as a "strong donkey" points to a specific kind of power – the strength needed for endurance and carrying heavy loads.
Built for Work
The original Hebrew word translated as "strong" in this context suggests not just physical might, but a robustness suitable for labor. Think of a sturdy, reliable animal.
Contentment in Service
The imagery of "crouching between the sheepfolds" or "between two burdens" emphasizes Issachar's willingness to settle in and bear responsibility. While other tribes might be associated with warfare or leadership, Issachar's destiny is depicted as one of diligent work, perhaps in agriculture or bearing the weight of societal contributions, like paying tribute.
Is it always a weakness to prefer peace and stability over conflict and ambition? This verse offers a unique perspective.
The imagery of Issachar 'crouching between the sheepfolds' or 'between two burdens' isn't just about carrying loads; it speaks to a conscious choice for a settled life.
Valuing Peace
Jacob’s prophecy suggests that Issachar recognized and valued rest and the pleasantness of his land. This wasn't necessarily laziness, but a preference for security and tranquility over the risks and demands of constant struggle.
A Strategic Decision
This preference for rest could be seen as a strategic choice. By staying settled and perhaps accepting a tributary status, Issachar could maintain their way of life, focusing on agriculture and sustenance, rather than engaging in the conflicts that might disrupt it.
Understand the original words
chamor · Hebrew Noun
A beast of burden, often used in ancient Israel for agricultural labor, sometimes symbolizing endurance, strength, or, in some contexts, stubbornness or humility.
The prophecy about Issachar as a 'strong donkey couching between two burdens' speaks volumes about the tribe's future. Situated in the fertile Jezreel Valley, they were known for agriculture and perhaps for paying tribute to neighbors for protection, rather than engaging in warfare. This highlights how the land and the choices made by a tribe directly fulfilled Jacob's prophetic words, showing a tribe content with peace and prosperity over conflict and expansion.
~1800 BC— this verse
Jacob Blesses His Twelve Sons
Jacob, on his deathbed, gathers his twelve sons to pronounce prophecies about their future and the future of their descendants, the tribes of Israel. This event sets the stage for the blessings and curses that will shape the identity and destiny of each tribe.
~1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, descendants of Jacob's sons, are liberated from slavery in Egypt. This event marks the beginning of their journey as a distinct people and the fulfillment of some of the prophecies spoken by Jacob.
~1406 BC
Division of the Land of Canaan
After the conquest of Canaan, the land is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel by lot, according to the instructions given by God through Joshua. The specific territories allotted to each tribe often reflect or set the context for the patriarchs' blessings.
~1100 BC
This passage directly echoes the imagery of Issachar sitting among the sheepfolds, highlighting their lack of engagement in the greater struggles of Israel.
1 Chronicles 12:32This verse mentions the men of Issachar and their wisdom and understanding of the times, a characteristic that aligns with their settled, non-combative nature described in Genesis.
Deuteronomy 20:11This passage speaks of cities that do not fight against Israel being offered terms of tribute, which reflects the 'burden' Issachar was willing to bear for the sake of peace and their land.
Psalm 68:13This psalm uses similar imagery of dwelling among the sheepfolds, though in a context of peace and prosperity, offering a positive contrast to Issachar's passive posture.
cambridgeGenesis 49:14: "Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens:"
14 . a strong ass ] Lit. “a bony ass,” as Aquila ὄνος ὀστώδης ; Lat. asinus fortis . Issachar is compared, not to the wild ass, high spirited and swift, but to the strong domestic beast of burden. The territory of Issachar included the southern part of Galilee and the Valley of Jezreel. Slightly different readings are represented by the Sam. gêrim (instead of gerem ), i.e. “the ass of strangers,” “bearing the burdens i…
calvinGenesis 49:1-33: "And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days."
Omnes istae tribus Israel duodecim. Et hoc est quod loquutus est eis pater eorum, et benedixit eis, unicuique secundum benedictionem suam, benedixit eis.
And he charged them, and said unto them, I am to be gathered unto my people: bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite.
Et praecepti eis, e…
The description of Issachar as a "strong donkey" isn't just about his physical strength; it highlights his tendency to settle for comfort and ease over striving for greater things. He's depicted as content to rest between his "sheepfolds," symbolizing a tribe that would prioritize peace and agricultural pursuits, even if it meant becoming subservient and paying tribute, rather than seeking out challenges.
Jacob is gathered to his people, but before he dies, he calls his twelve sons to tell them what will happen to them in the future. This chapter contains Jacob's prophetic blessings and pronouncements over his sons, which foreshadow the future of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar's blessing, as one of the sons who will form these tribes, comes after the pronouncements on Zebulun and before those on Dan.
Jacob is gathered to his people, but before he dies, he calls his twelve sons to tell them what will happen to them in the future. This chapter contains Jacob's prophetic blessings and pronouncements over his sons, which foreshadow the future of the twelve tribes of Israel. Issachar's blessing, as one of the sons who will form these tribes, comes after the pronouncements on Zebulun and before those on Dan.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Genesis 49:14 is available in the Sola app.
Period of the Judges
Following the initial settlement in Canaan, the tribes of Israel experience periods of oppression and liberation, often characterized by internal disunity and external threats. This era tests the characters and destinies of the tribes as described by Jacob.
"“Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds." — The description of Issachar as a "strong donkey" isn't just about his physical strength; it highlights his tendency to settle for comfort and ease over striving for greater things. He's depicted as c…