“And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.”
This verse is a part of the genealogical account of the descendants of Jacob (also known as Israel) who journeyed to Egypt during a time of famine. In this specific verse, the focus is on the sons of Issachar, one of Jacob’s twelve sons.
Historical Context:In the book of Genesis, Jacob and his family had settled in the land of Canaan. Due to a severe famine in the land, Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, had risen to a position of authority in Egypt and was able to provide food and shelter for his family. In response to Joseph’s invitation, Jacob decided to move his entire household, including his sons and their families, to Egypt.
Issachar and His Sons: Issachar was the ninth son of Jacob and Leah, and he is listed among the twelve tribes of Israel. In this verse, Genesis 46:13, the names of Issachar’s four sons are mentioned: Tola, Phuvah, Job, and Shimron. These names represent the ancestral lineage of the tribe of Issachar.
Symbolic and Spiritual Significance: While the specific mention of these names doesn’t reveal much information about the spiritual or symbolic meaning, the names themselves can provide some insights. In Hebrew culture, names often held significant meaning and conveyed aspects of an individual’s character or purpose.
- Tola: The name Tola means “worm” or “scarlet.” It might symbolize humility or a reminder of the Israelites’ need for redemption and their eventual deliverance through the sacrificial blood of Christ.
- Phuvah: The meaning of Phuvah is uncertain, as the name doesn’t appear elsewhere in the Bible. It is possible that it held a personal significance for Issachar’s family.
- Job: The name Job is more well-known from the book of Job in the Bible. It signifies “persecuted” or “hated” and could suggest that the family faced difficulties or opposition.
- Shimron: The name Shimron means “vigilant” or “watchful.” It might indicate a call to be watchful in their faith and obedient to God’s commandments.
Application and Lessons: While this verse primarily serves as a record of genealogy, we can still draw some valuable lessons from it:
- Recognizing God’s faithfulness: The migration of Jacob’s family to Egypt is a testament to God’s provision and protection during times of hardship. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and He guides us through challenging circumstances.
- The significance of names: Names in the Bible often carry meaning and can reveal something about an individual’s character or purpose. We should be mindful of the significance of names and the importance of our own names in representing our identity as followers of Christ.
- Learning from the past: Studying the genealogical records in the Bible can help us appreciate the rich history and heritage of God’s people. It encourages us to learn from the successes and failures of our ancestors in faith and apply those lessons in our own lives.
Remember, the Bible contains vast amounts of wisdom and insight, and it’s always beneficial to study the Scriptures in context and explore other related passages to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.
