Who are the main people mentioned in this passage about Issachar?

The passage focuses on the tribe of Issachar and names several key family heads. It starts with Issachar’s four sons: Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron. From Tola’s line it lists Uzzi, Rephaiah, Jeriel, Jahmai, Jibsam, and Shemuel as heads of their father’s houses. Then it highlights Uzzi’s son Izrahiah and his sons Michael, Obadiah, Joel, and Ishiah. These men are called chief men and leaders of their families during the days of King David.

What does it mean that the men of Issachar were valiant men of might?

Calling the men of Issachar “valiant men of might” shows they were known for courage and strength, especially in battle. They were not just many in number but were also able to fight and defend their people when needed. The passage links this with organized “bands of soldiers for war,” so the phrase points to trained and brave warriors. It also suggests that their hard-working way of life prepared them to serve in war when their nation called on them.

How many fighting men came from the tribe of Issachar in David’s time?

The passage gives two main numbers. From the line of Tola there were 22,600 men in the days of David. From the line of Izrahiah there were 36,000 soldiers for war. Then it gives a total number for the whole tribe of Issachar as 87,000 valiant men of might, counted by their genealogies. This shows that Issachar was a large and strong tribe with many men ready to go out to battle when called upon.

Why does the passage mention that they had many wives and sons?

The passage explains that the bands of soldiers numbered 36,000 “for they had many wives and sons.” This links their large army to the size of their families. Having many wives led to many children, and many sons meant more men who could become soldiers. It also hints that their land was fruitful and could support a growing population. The focus is not on approving or condemning their family choices, but on explaining why this tribe had so many fighting men.

What is the purpose of listing Issachar’s genealogies here?

The list of names and numbers shows how the tribe of Issachar grew and how its families were organized. It records who the family heads were and how many men each line could field for war in David’s day. For Israel, these records helped keep track of land, inheritance, and military strength. Spiritually, this kind of passage reminds readers that God knew each tribe and family, and that the people who seem like just names to us were real families with a place in God’s plan.

How does this passage show the character of the tribe of Issachar?

The passage highlights Issachar as both numerous and strong. They are described as “valiant men of might” and “chief men,” with tens of thousands of soldiers ready for war. The mention of many wives and sons shows rapid growth and confidence in their land and work. Taken together, it paints Issachar as a hardworking, settled tribe that could enjoy life in their tents and also stand up as a disciplined and brave force when their people needed defense.

What does this passage teach about God’s care for families and tribes?

While these verses mainly list names and numbers, they quietly show that God’s people are known and counted. Each family line is traced, and their strength and growth are recorded. This reminds us that God does not forget whole groups or small households. He remembers the promises given to the ancestors of Israel and brings growth over generations. Even when the text feels like a simple list, it shows that every tribe and family matters before God and has a place in his story.

1Chr.7.1

1 Chronicles 7:1

KJV

Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.