“These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.”
Historical Context: The book of Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is instructed by God to conduct a census of the Israelite community. The purpose of this census was to determine the number of men who were eligible for military service, as they were preparing to enter the land of Canaan.
The Tribe of Issachar: Numbers 26 provides a detailed account of the census, tribe by tribe. Issachar was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob’s sons. The tribe of Issachar was known for their wisdom and understanding of the times (1 Chronicles 12:32). They settled in the northern region of Canaan, near the Sea of Galilee.
The Numerical Count: In Numbers 26:25, the verse states that the total number of people from the tribe of Issachar who were counted in the census was 64,300. This number specifically refers to the men who were twenty years old and above and capable of going to war. It does not include women, children, or elderly men.
Significance and Application: The inclusion of the census in the biblical narrative serves several purposes:
- Organizational Structure: The census helped establish an organized structure for the Israelite community. It helped identify the number of individuals within each tribe, which was important for various administrative and military purposes.
- Divine Providence: The counting of the tribes highlighted God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to Abraham to make his descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). It demonstrated God’s concern for each individual within the community and His commitment to fulfilling His covenant.
- Accountability and Responsibility: The census emphasized the importance of individual accountability and the responsibility of each tribe to contribute to the community as a whole. It provided a basis for organizing the tribal territories and allocating resources in the Promised Land.
- Spiritual Lessons: While Numbers 26:25 primarily focuses on the numerical count, it also serves as a reminder that God values His people as individuals. Each person counted in the census had a unique role and purpose within the community. Similarly, in our lives today, we are reminded of God’s love and care for us as individuals, and that He has a purpose for each of us within His greater plan.
In summary, Numbers 26:25 provides a snapshot of the tribe of Issachar’s numerical count during the census conducted by Moses. This verse highlights God’s faithfulness, the importance of organization and responsibility within the community, and the individual value of each person in fulfilling God’s purpose.
