Issachar’s depiction as a strong, humble laborer speaks of the blessing found in faithful service.
“Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between the sheepfolds.” (v.14) This brief but striking description is part of Jacob’s final words to his sons, recorded in Genesis 49. Jacob lived around the nineteenth to eighteenth centuries BC, and his blessings and prophecies for each son would become formative for the tribes of Israel . In this verse, Issachar, one of Jacob’s sons, is likened to a beast of burden—an animal known for its capacity to work tirelessly. The donkey lying down between the sheepfolds suggests both contentment and the readiness to bear weight on behalf of others. It envisions Issachar as a people who might find themselves willingly caught between their labor and a newfound place of rest.
“Issachar is a strong donkey…” (v.14) also highlights the tribe’s future role as dependable servants. Throughout biblical history, donkeys were often used to transport goods, people, and even kings (1 Samuel 16:20), and this image can imply faithful service to both God and community. Later, in the land allocations under Joshua, the tribe of Issachar would settle primarily in the fertile valleys of the Jezreel region in northern Israel, a place conducive to agriculture and livestock . This would allow the tribe to prosper through hard work, in keeping with Jacob’s blessing that described them as physically strong and industrious.
The tribe of Issachar, through its faithful labor and willingness to serve, would be crucial in supporting the broader community of Israel. One could see parallels in the New Testament where Jesus, though a King, entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:5), symbolizing humble service and fulfillment of prophecy rather than grandiose self-promotion. Issachar’s portrayal as a “strong donkey” likewise underlines humility and hard work, themes that echo throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the blessedness of diligence and perseverance in serving God’s kingdom.
Set to dark mode
Genesis 49:14 meaning
“Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between the sheepfolds.” (v.14) This brief but striking description is part of Jacob’s final words to his sons, recorded in Genesis 49. Jacob lived around the nineteenth to eighteenth centuries BC, and his blessings and prophecies for each son would become formative for the tribes of Israel . In this verse, Issachar, one of Jacob’s sons, is likened to a beast of burden—an animal known for its capacity to work tirelessly. The donkey lying down between the sheepfolds suggests both contentment and the readiness to bear weight on behalf of others. It envisions Issachar as a people who might find themselves willingly caught between their labor and a newfound place of rest.
“Issachar is a strong donkey…” (v.14) also highlights the tribe’s future role as dependable servants. Throughout biblical history, donkeys were often used to transport goods, people, and even kings (1 Samuel 16:20), and this image can imply faithful service to both God and community. Later, in the land allocations under Joshua, the tribe of Issachar would settle primarily in the fertile valleys of the Jezreel region in northern Israel, a place conducive to agriculture and livestock . This would allow the tribe to prosper through hard work, in keeping with Jacob’s blessing that described them as physically strong and industrious.
The tribe of Issachar, through its faithful labor and willingness to serve, would be crucial in supporting the broader community of Israel. One could see parallels in the New Testament where Jesus, though a King, entered Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:5), symbolizing humble service and fulfillment of prophecy rather than grandiose self-promotion. Issachar’s portrayal as a “strong donkey” likewise underlines humility and hard work, themes that echo throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the blessedness of diligence and perseverance in serving God’s kingdom.