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THE HERITAGE OF THE TRIBE OF ISSACHAR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
Joshua 19:17-23

Matthew 6:24-34

 

“Take therefore no thought

for the morrow…”

 

THE HERITAGE OF THE TRIBE OF ISSACHAR
 
The heritage of Issachar was the fourth lot that Joshua and Eleazar cast. Genesis 49:14-15 gives us Jacob’s prophecy concerning Issachar: “Issachar is a strong ass 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.” The inheritance of Issachar is described in Joshua 19:17-23. The tribe was given sixteen cities. Like all the other tribes, their heritage is described in detail and this reflects the efficiency of the leaders of Israel that ensured none of the tribes were left without a heritage. It also demonstrates that God is all along the God of decency and order. Matthew Henry noted:
 
All Jacob’s sons were living. His calling them together was a precept for them to unite in love, not to mingle with the Egyptians; and foretold that they should not be separated, as Abraham’s sons and Isaac’s were, but should all make one people. We are not to consider this address as the expression of private feelings of affection, resentment, or partiality; but as the language of the Holy Ghost, declaring the purpose of God respecting the character, circumstances, and situation of the tribes which descended from the sons of Jacob, and which may be traced in their histories.
 
The current division of the heritage marks the last lap in Joshua’s race to fulfil God’s long-term promise that He would give the land to the children of Israel. When God first mentioned this to Abraham, it was not something that would come to pass within a short time. At that time, the patriarch did not have even one child. However, the God of heaven and earth never fails to keep His promises.
 
The allocation of these heritages was moving smoothly and the whole congregation of Israel was attentive to the words of Joshua.
 
THOUGHT: The Holy Spirit gives contentment in the heart.

PRAYER: Father, may I seek Thy kingdom above all things.

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