Numbers 26:24
Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
the family
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 6
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
לְשִׁמְרֹ֕ן
of Shimron
H8110
לְשִׁמְרֹ֕ן
of Shimron
Strong's:
H8110
Word #:
4 of 6
shimron, the name of an israelite and of a place in palestine
Historical Context
Issachar's clans settled in Lower Galilee and the Jezreel Valley, controlling crucial trade routes between Egypt and Mesopotamia. The city of Shimron (Joshua 11:1) became a Canaanite stronghold defeated by Joshua. This strategic location gave Issachar economic influence despite modest military strength, fulfilling the 'burden-bearing' aspect of Jacob's blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the name variation (Job/Jashub) in genealogical records teach about the human element in biblical transmission without undermining Scripture's divine authority?
- How does Issachar's strategic location at trade route crossroads picture the church's call to engage culture while maintaining covenant distinctiveness?
- In what ways might Shimron ('watch-height') and the tribe's gift of discernment equip God's people to be watchmen in spiritually confused times?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites—The continuation of Issachar's four clans concludes with Jashub (יָשׁוּב, 'he will return' or 'he turns back') and Shimron (שִׁמְרוֹן, 'watch-height' or 'guardian'). The name Jashub appears as 'Job' in Genesis 46:13 (Hebrew יוֹב, Yōḇ), showing textual variations in the genealogical transmission. Shimron suggests vigilance, appropriate for a tribe noted for discernment.
Issachar's four-clan structure (smaller than most tribes) reflects their compact but fertile territorial allotment. The phrase mishpachah (family) appears in construct form (mishpachaṯ), emphasizing the genitive relationship—literally 'the family of the Jashubites,' marking clan membership and inheritance rights.