Bible Figure
Issachar
ninth son of Jacob in Genesis
Issachar was Jacob's ninth son and Leah's fifth, and the ancestor of the tribe of Issachar.
Biography
Genesis 30 records Issachar's birth to Leah after the episode involving Reuben's mandrakes. He later went with Jacob's household to Egypt. Jacob's final blessing describes Issachar with imagery of a strong donkey bearing burdens, while Moses' blessing joins Issachar with Zebulun in rejoicing and worship. His descendants became one of Israel's twelve tribes.
Biblical Significance
Issachar is significant as a patriarch of Israel and ancestor of a tribe that occupied fertile territory in northern Canaan and participated in Israel's national life.