Isaachar (vv. 14-15) was situated at the eastern end of the fertile Jezreel Valley (Josh. 19:17-23), sandwiched between Zebulun and the Jordan River. The judge Tola was from Isaachar (Judg. 10:1-2); the men of Isaachar fought against Sisera (5:15); and David had soldiers from that tribe who understood the times and knew what Israel should do (1 Chron. 12:32). Many of the men of this tribe were valiant in battle (7:5).

We today think of a donkey as an ignoble beast of burden, but in Old Testament times, kings rode on donkeys (1 Kings 1:38ff.). The image in Genesis 49:14-15 is that of a strong people who weren’t afraid to carry burdens. The people of Isaachar were hardworking and devoted to the soil. They were content with their lot and made the most of it. This tribe produced no great heroes, but their everyday labor was a help to others. After all, not everybody in Israel was called to be a Judah or a Joseph!

Of Leah’s six sons, three lost God’s best blessings because of their sins: Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. They remind us that purity and self-control are essential to godly character. Zebulun and Isaachar were everyday people whose tribes served others but weren’t especially known for their exploits. We need farmers and merchants if the machinery of life is to run smoothly. Finally, only one son–Judah–was preeminent among his brothers, the royal tribe that conquered enemies and produced kings, including the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.