“And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.”
Context:The book of Joshua describes the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In this particular verse, the fourth lot is being assigned to the tribe of Issachar.
The tribe of Issachar:Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel and was descended from Jacob’s son, Issachar. They received their allotment of land in the northern part of the land of Canaan, located to the south of the tribe of Zebulun and to the west of the Jordan River.
The significance of the land allocation:The allocation of land to each tribe was a fulfilment of God’s promise to give the Israelites the land of Canaan as an inheritance (Genesis 12:7). Each tribe received a portion of the land according to the size of their population, as determined by the casting of lots.
Issachar’s role:The tribe of Issachar played an important role within the nation of Israel. They were known for their wisdom and discernment in understanding the times and seasons, as described in 1 Chronicles 12:32. They were able to grasp the significance of events and make informed decisions.
Lessons from Issachar:The tribe of Issachar teaches us the importance of discernment and understanding the times. As Christians, we need to be aware of the spiritual climate around us, discerning the signs of the times, and responding accordingly. This includes understanding God’s purposes, recognising the opportunities and challenges before us, and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.
God’s faithfulness:The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. He had promised the land to Abraham and his descendants, and He was faithful to establish them in the land of Canaan. This serves as a reminder to us that God is faithful to His promises, and we can trust in His faithfulness in our lives as well.
In conclusion, Joshua 19:17 describes the allocation of the fourth lot to the tribe of Issachar. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and teaches us the importance of discernment and understanding the times.
