“Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites.”
Historical Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the account of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. At this point, the Israelites are in the wilderness, and Moses is instructed by God to conduct a census of the people to determine the number of men fit for military service. Numbers 26 is a record of this census.
The Tribe of Issachar: In Numbers 26:23, we see a mention of the tribe of Issachar. Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and its territory was located in the northern part of Canaan. The tribe of Issachar descended from Issachar, who was one of the sons of Jacob (Israel).
The Sons of Issachar: Within the tribe of Issachar, Numbers 26:23 mentions two families: the Tolaites and the Punites. These are the families that descended from two of Issachar’s sons, Tola and Pua.
Tola and His Family: Tola was the firstborn son of Issachar, and his family became known as the Tolaites. Not much is mentioned about Tola himself in the Bible, but his descendants played a significant role in the history of Israel. Later, during the time of the Judges, a judge named Tola arose from the tribe of Issachar (Judges 10:1-2).
Pua and His Family: Pua was another son of Issachar, and his family was known as the Punites. Similarly to Tola, not much information is available regarding Pua and his family.
Lessons and Applications: While Numbers 26:23 may seem like a brief and genealogical record, it serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in preserving and tracking the lineage of the tribes of Israel. It also emphasizes the importance of each family and individual in the overall plan of God. Even though specific details may be lacking, every person has a unique role to play within their family and within the larger community of God’s people.
Further Exploration: To gain a deeper understanding of the tribe of Issachar and its significance in biblical history, you can explore other passages that mention this tribe, such as Genesis 49:14-15, Joshua 19:17-23, and 1 Chronicles 7:1-5.
Remember that studying the Bible involves not just understanding the historical context and genealogical records but also seeking to apply the principles and teachings found within its pages to our lives today.
