Ezekiel Chapter 48 · Verse 25
And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַ֣ל׀
H5921
וְעַ֣ל׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
גְּב֣וּל
And by the border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
And by the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
שִׁמְע֗וֹן
of Simeon
H8095
שִׁמְע֗וֹן
of Simeon
Strong's:
H8095
Word #:
3 of 10
shimon, one of jacob's sons, also the tribe descended from him
פְּאַת
side
H6285
פְּאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
קָדִ֛ימָה
from the east
H6921
קָדִ֛ימָה
from the east
Strong's:
H6921
Word #:
5 of 10
the fore or front part; hence (by orientation) the east (often adverbially, eastward, for brevity the east wind)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
6 of 10
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
פְּאַת
side
H6285
פְּאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
יָ֖מָּה
unto the west
H3220
יָ֖מָּה
unto the west
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
8 of 10
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
Historical Context
Issachar's territory in the Jezreel Valley (Joshua 19:17-23) was exceptionally fertile, making it one of the richest agricultural regions in ancient Israel. This location between the Mediterranean and the Jordan Valley made it vulnerable to foreign powers traveling through, which may inform Jacob's prophecy about bearing burdens. During the judges period, Issachar produced Tola (Judges 10:1) and Deborah's contemporary Barak came from this region. The tribe's wisdom tradition and agricultural expertise contributed significantly to Israel's economy.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Issachar's blessing challenge modern assumptions about success being defined by power rather than productivity?
- What does this tribe's 'understanding of the times' teach about the value of wisdom in God's economy?
Analysis & Commentary
And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion. Issachar, one of Leah's sons, receives the fourth position south of the sacred district. This tribe's name derives from sakar (שָׂכָר, "wages/reward"), reflecting Leah's declaration at his birth (Genesis 30:18). Jacob's blessing described Issachar as "a strong ass couching down between two burdens" who "saw that rest was good" and "became a servant unto tribute" (Genesis 49:14-15)—traditionally interpreted as choosing agricultural productivity over military glory.
The Chronicler notes that the "men of Issachar" had "understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chronicles 12:32), suggesting this tribe's wisdom and discernment. In this restored order, Issachar's portion demonstrates that both contemplative wisdom and practical labor have their place in God's kingdom—the tribe that valued rest and fruitful labor receives eternal inheritance alongside warrior tribes.