This word on the sons of Issachar was delivered in the early morning hours of Jan 1 2014 during our morning prayer time.
The sister said that she felt anxious about 2014 being a year of calamities and persecution. However God spoke to her assuring her that He is raising up the sons of Issachar to speak on the seasons & times of things (prophetic voice) and who will tell the people what to do during this trying times....
I just felt led to do some research on the sons of Issachar
Lineage
1. Birthed as the 9th son of Jacob - 9 signifies fruitfulness.
2. Birthed as the 5th son of Leah - 5 signifies grace.
3. Scriptures referencing his birth is found in Genesis 30:17-18.
4. Meaning of the name - "Wages" and "reward" or "man of hire"
5. Birthed in the midst of a struggle. He was named Isaachar
because of the "wage" Leah had to pay Rachel to conceive him. The
wage or price was high because if Rachel became pregnant Leah
would have no hope of winning Jacob's affection for her. Leah paid the
price in order for Jacob to spend the night with her. The price was the
mandrakes. Issachar was Leah's reward.
4 sons of Isaachar
1. Tola - clothed in scarlet (red being salvation)
2. Puah or Puvah - mouth or utterance (prophetic voice to the church)
3. Jashub or Job - strong in the Lord despite calamities (financial servant-hood)
4. Shimron - watchman (prayer servanthood)
4 kinds of servitude unto the Lord
1. Financial servanthood - Deut 33: 18 to 19
2. Priestly servanthood - Deut 27:12
3. Prophetic servanthood - 1 Chron 12:32
4. Prayer servanthood - Gen 49:14 to 15
The financial servanthood of Issachar
Issachar's allotment of the Promised Land was primarily in the valley of Jezreel. This was the richest farm land in all Israel, which also had access to the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, the sons of Issachar "drew out the abundance of the sea and the hidden treasures of the sand."
Deut 33:18-19
"Rejoice, Zebulun in your going out, and Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountain. There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand"
The abundance of the sea refers to the produce of the sea whereas the treasures in the sand refers to the fertile soil from which there was much harvest and grain.
In their abundance, God called them (Zebulun & Naphtali) to provide food to the whole of Israel as an "indentured servant" to their brethren among the tribes.
1 Chron 12:40
"Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen - provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel"
This was during the time when David was made king of Israel and there was much joy and celebration.
The priestly servanthood of Issachar
Issachar's spiritual prosperity was also evident among Israel. They were one of six tribes to stand on Mount Gerizim as part of the sacred blessing ceremony.
Deut 27:12
"These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin"
According to the Targum (the Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible), the tribe of Issachar "excelled in the words of the law, and were endued with wisdom and were obedient to their command."
Their knowledge of God's word cause them to become the primary cultivators of Israel's spiritual treasures, and their counsel and interpretation of scriptures were received as authoritative.
Deut 33:18-19
"Rejoice, Zebulun in your going out, and Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountain. There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand"
The children of Issachar are also those who will experience the following in their lifetime:
1. A lifetime of joy (Rejoice Zebulun and Issachar)
2. A lifetime of worship (Calling people to the mountains. Mountains symbolize places of holiness where we are set apart for the Lord. Mount Sinai is where we are set apart for the Word. Mount Carmel is where we are set apart for the Holy Spirit to work through us. The Mount of Transfiguration is where we are set apart to be transformed by the Word and the Spirit. Mount Zion is the heavenly city of God, the new Jerusalem, the place where the names of the first-born are registered in heaven, the place of innumerable company of angels. On earth in this life we will have a glimpse of Mount Zion because we have the Holy Spirit in us as a deposit of this promise of us dwelling in the City of God)
3. A lifetime of righteousness (Offering sacrifices of righteousness by living right, doing right, thinking right)
4. A lifetime of fruitfulness (Partake of the abundance of the seas symbolizing a great harvest of people groups and nations)
5. A lifetime of feeding on God's Word (Treasures hidden in the sand)
The prophetic servanthood of Issachar
The sons of Issachar knew the signs of the times and they follow the Lord closely as "they knew what Israel ought to do."
1 Chron 12:32 (NKJV)
"of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred and all their brethren were at their command"
1 Chron 13:32 (International Standard Version)
"The tribe of Issachar supplied 200 leaders, along with all their relatives under their command. They kept up-to-date in their understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do"
1 Chron 13:32 (NIV)
"From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take"
Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible commentary
"Children of Issachar...that had understanding of the times...Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military and had declared for David"
Adam Clarke's commentary Biblesoft Electronic Database
"and the sons of Issachar, who had understanding to know the times, and were skilled in the fixing the beginnings of years, the commencement of months, and the intercalation of months and years; skillful in the changes of the moon, and in the fixing of the lunar solemnities to their proper times; skillful also in the doctrine of the solar periods; astrologers in signs and stars; that they might show Israel what to do"
The anointing of Issachar is the unique insight into God's timing of things past, present and future.
For example, during Israel's first civil war, when God was transferring the kingdom of Israel from Saul to David, eleven of the twelve tribes were divided among themselves as to whom they should serve. Only the sons of Issachar were united to the point that "all their kinsman" joined to fight with David.
1 Chron 12:12:32
"of the sons of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred and all their brethren at their command"
The sons of Issachar were able to commit themselves as one with their kinsman to David because they understood that it was time for God to fulfill His prophetic word given by Samuel to Saul. They understood that it was time for the kingdom of Israel to be torn away from Saul and given over to David. Theirs was the only tribe that were all rooting for David to take over the kingdom because they knew that it was time to do so!
This also happened during the time of Deborah.
Judges 5:15
"And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; as Issachar, so was Barak sent into the valley at his command; among the divisions of Rueben, there were great resolves of heart."
Only 5 tribes had mustered for battle against the Canaanites during Deborah's time - Ephraim, Benjamin, Zebulun, Issachar & Naphtali. The others were reproved for their lack of participation - Reuben, Gad, Dan and Asher.
In this sense, they are forerunners of a renewed kingdom that was built on obedience to God instead of rebellion and sin. This brought them honor and prosperity according to the earlier prophecies given by both Jacob and Moses (Gen 49:14-15 and Deut 33:18-19).
Not only were they sensitive to the Lord's leading for the time and the season, they were united in following their leaders! Indeed we need the Issachar anointing in this time and age as we face many challenges in the world today. As we hear from God and follow Him in what He has called us to do, we will certainly be fruitful and we will have no fear in our hearts.
Judges 5:2
"When leaders lead in Israel. When the people willingly offer themselves. Bless the Lord!"
Judges 5:9
"My heart is with the rulers of Israel who offered themselves willingly with the people. Bless the Lord!"
When leaders and the people offer themselves willing to obey the Lord, great blessings will come to the nation and the church.
In summary their prophetic anointing is in the following areas:
1. They had understanding of the times.
2. They knew what Israel ought to do.
3. They were able to mobilize everyone in their tribe to follow the Lord.
Issachar's allotment of the Promised Land was primarily in the valley of Jezreel. This was the richest farm land in all Israel, which also had access to the Mediterranean Sea. Consequently, the sons of Issachar "drew out the abundance of the sea and the hidden treasures of the sand."
Deut 33:18-19
"Rejoice, Zebulun in your going out, and Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountain. There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand"
The abundance of the sea refers to the produce of the sea whereas the treasures in the sand refers to the fertile soil from which there was much harvest and grain.
In their abundance, God called them (Zebulun & Naphtali) to provide food to the whole of Israel as an "indentured servant" to their brethren among the tribes.
1 Chron 12:40
"Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen - provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel"
This was during the time when David was made king of Israel and there was much joy and celebration.
The priestly servanthood of Issachar
Issachar's spiritual prosperity was also evident among Israel. They were one of six tribes to stand on Mount Gerizim as part of the sacred blessing ceremony.
Deut 27:12
"These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have crossed over the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, Benjamin"
According to the Targum (the Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible), the tribe of Issachar "excelled in the words of the law, and were endued with wisdom and were obedient to their command."
Their knowledge of God's word cause them to become the primary cultivators of Israel's spiritual treasures, and their counsel and interpretation of scriptures were received as authoritative.
Deut 33:18-19
"Rejoice, Zebulun in your going out, and Issachar in your tents! They shall call the peoples to the mountain. There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness. For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and the treasures hidden in the sand"
The children of Issachar are also those who will experience the following in their lifetime:
1. A lifetime of joy (Rejoice Zebulun and Issachar)
2. A lifetime of worship (Calling people to the mountains. Mountains symbolize places of holiness where we are set apart for the Lord. Mount Sinai is where we are set apart for the Word. Mount Carmel is where we are set apart for the Holy Spirit to work through us. The Mount of Transfiguration is where we are set apart to be transformed by the Word and the Spirit. Mount Zion is the heavenly city of God, the new Jerusalem, the place where the names of the first-born are registered in heaven, the place of innumerable company of angels. On earth in this life we will have a glimpse of Mount Zion because we have the Holy Spirit in us as a deposit of this promise of us dwelling in the City of God)
3. A lifetime of righteousness (Offering sacrifices of righteousness by living right, doing right, thinking right)
4. A lifetime of fruitfulness (Partake of the abundance of the seas symbolizing a great harvest of people groups and nations)
5. A lifetime of feeding on God's Word (Treasures hidden in the sand)
The prophetic servanthood of Issachar
The sons of Issachar knew the signs of the times and they follow the Lord closely as "they knew what Israel ought to do."
1 Chron 12:32 (NKJV)
"of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred and all their brethren were at their command"
1 Chron 13:32 (International Standard Version)
"The tribe of Issachar supplied 200 leaders, along with all their relatives under their command. They kept up-to-date in their understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do"
1 Chron 13:32 (NIV)
"From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take"
Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible commentary
"Children of Issachar...that had understanding of the times...Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military and had declared for David"
Adam Clarke's commentary Biblesoft Electronic Database
"and the sons of Issachar, who had understanding to know the times, and were skilled in the fixing the beginnings of years, the commencement of months, and the intercalation of months and years; skillful in the changes of the moon, and in the fixing of the lunar solemnities to their proper times; skillful also in the doctrine of the solar periods; astrologers in signs and stars; that they might show Israel what to do"
The anointing of Issachar is the unique insight into God's timing of things past, present and future.
For example, during Israel's first civil war, when God was transferring the kingdom of Israel from Saul to David, eleven of the twelve tribes were divided among themselves as to whom they should serve. Only the sons of Issachar were united to the point that "all their kinsman" joined to fight with David.
1 Chron 12:12:32
"of the sons of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred and all their brethren at their command"
The sons of Issachar were able to commit themselves as one with their kinsman to David because they understood that it was time for God to fulfill His prophetic word given by Samuel to Saul. They understood that it was time for the kingdom of Israel to be torn away from Saul and given over to David. Theirs was the only tribe that were all rooting for David to take over the kingdom because they knew that it was time to do so!
This also happened during the time of Deborah.
Judges 5:15
"And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; as Issachar, so was Barak sent into the valley at his command; among the divisions of Rueben, there were great resolves of heart."
Only 5 tribes had mustered for battle against the Canaanites during Deborah's time - Ephraim, Benjamin, Zebulun, Issachar & Naphtali. The others were reproved for their lack of participation - Reuben, Gad, Dan and Asher.
In this sense, they are forerunners of a renewed kingdom that was built on obedience to God instead of rebellion and sin. This brought them honor and prosperity according to the earlier prophecies given by both Jacob and Moses (Gen 49:14-15 and Deut 33:18-19).
Not only were they sensitive to the Lord's leading for the time and the season, they were united in following their leaders! Indeed we need the Issachar anointing in this time and age as we face many challenges in the world today. As we hear from God and follow Him in what He has called us to do, we will certainly be fruitful and we will have no fear in our hearts.
Judges 5:2
"When leaders lead in Israel. When the people willingly offer themselves. Bless the Lord!"
Judges 5:9
"My heart is with the rulers of Israel who offered themselves willingly with the people. Bless the Lord!"
When leaders and the people offer themselves willing to obey the Lord, great blessings will come to the nation and the church.
In summary their prophetic anointing is in the following areas:
1. They had understanding of the times.
2. They knew what Israel ought to do.
3. They were able to mobilize everyone in their tribe to follow the Lord.
The prayer servant-hood of Issachar
Gen 49:14 to 15
"Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens. He saw that the rest was good and that the land was pleasant. He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden and became a band of slaves"
Essential character/nature of Issachar
1. Strong in character/spiritual strength
2. Shouldered burdens - shoulders represent realms of authority
3. Staying rested in the Lord - no striving even in carrying the
burdens of the Lord
4. Seeing a great vision for a great harvest of souls
5. Serving with humility as a slave or servant of the Lord
Do you realize that the Lord Jesus Himself bears the anointing of the son of Issachar? He willingly bowed His shoulder to bear the burden of the sins of the world and to go to the Cross for us. He willingly submitted Himself to God the Father and became a 'bond slave of God'.
In a sense this is what God wants us to be - willing to carry the burdens that He lays upon us in prayer, willing to bear the burdens of the people He has given to us to care for but all the time being aware that it should not stress us out or weigh us down because we are to carry it with His help.
3 things about burden:
1. A burden is not a burden if it is given over to the Lord - Matt 11:28 - 30
2. A burden is not a burden if it is empowered by the Holy Spirit - 2 Chron 6:29 - 30
3. A burden is not a burden if it is carried with love - 1 John 5:3
Do you realize that the Lord Jesus Himself bears the anointing of the son of Issachar? He willingly bowed His shoulder to bear the burden of the sins of the world and to go to the Cross for us. He willingly submitted Himself to God the Father and became a 'bond slave of God'.
In a sense this is what God wants us to be - willing to carry the burdens that He lays upon us in prayer, willing to bear the burdens of the people He has given to us to care for but all the time being aware that it should not stress us out or weigh us down because we are to carry it with His help.
3 things about burden:
1. A burden is not a burden if it is given over to the Lord - Matt 11:28 - 30
2. A burden is not a burden if it is empowered by the Holy Spirit - 2 Chron 6:29 - 30
3. A burden is not a burden if it is carried with love - 1 John 5:3
Sealed and protected
Revelation 7:7 "...of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand were sealed"
The tribe of Issachar is mentioned one last time in Revelation as being sealed. The seal is a protection from God's wrath. We too are sealed with the Holy Spirit and can REST IN THE LORD fully assured that we are protected just like the sons of Issachar.
Moving in the Issachar anointing
Appropriating this by faith, we need the Issachar anointing to
move in these turbulent times to stay faithful and to reach the lost for
Christ. The world is fearful, without hope and confused. They cannot discern
the times and seasons of the coming of the Lord and they need the sons of
Issachar to show them the way.
In our Lord Jesus Christ resides all the blessings of the 12 tribes. If we have Jesus in our hearts, we have all the blessings of each of the 12 tribes....we will also have the blessing of Issachar!
Let us give thanks to the Lord and receive this anointing by faith!
In our Lord Jesus Christ resides all the blessings of the 12 tribes. If we have Jesus in our hearts, we have all the blessings of each of the 12 tribes....we will also have the blessing of Issachar!
Let us give thanks to the Lord and receive this anointing by faith!
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