Numbers 1:29
Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.
Original Language Analysis
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
H6485
פְּקֻֽדֵיהֶ֖ם
Those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
1 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
H4294
לְמַטֵּ֣ה
of them even of the tribe
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 8
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Historical Context
Despite average military size, Issachar's strategic territory and later reputation for wisdom gave the tribe influence beyond its numbers. This pattern recurs in Scripture, where God often uses the less prominent to accomplish significant purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Issachar's combination of average size with exceptional wisdom challenge assumptions about the relationship between prominence and spiritual value?
- What does this teach us about seeking wisdom and discernment rather than worldly measures of success?
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Analysis & Commentary
Issachar's 54,400 fighting men positioned the tribe in the middle range of military strength, neither the largest nor smallest. This middling position did not prevent the tribe from later being noted for wisdom—men of Issachar 'had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do' (1 Chronicles 12:32). This demonstrates that spiritual insight and usefulness to God's kingdom do not depend on numerical strength or worldly prominence but on divine gift and faithful stewardship.