Numbers 26:25
These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
Original Language Analysis
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the families
H4940
מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת
These are the families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
2 of 9
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
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
H6485
לִפְקֻֽדֵיהֶ֑ם
according to those that were numbered
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
4 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
7 of 9
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Issachar's growth during the wilderness period (c. 1446-1406 BC) prepared them to conquer and settle the agriculturally rich but militarily contested Jezreel Valley. Their numerical strength enabled them to subdue Canaanite strongholds like Megiddo and Taanach, though some cities proved difficult to conquer (Judges 1:27). The tribe's increase fulfilled God's Exodus promise to multiply Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Issachar's exceptional population growth correlate with their reputation for wisdom and discernment, and what does this teach about the blessing of godly understanding?
- What does the contrast between Issachar's 18% growth and tribes that declined teach about the consequences of covenant faithfulness versus rebellion?
- In what ways does Issachar's fruitfulness in the wilderness picture the spiritual fruitfulness available to believers who walk in wisdom despite hostile environments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Threescore and four thousand and three hundred (64,300)—Issachar's census shows an increase of 9,900 men from the first census (54,400 in Numbers 1:29), the largest percentage growth of any tribe except Manasseh. This dramatic expansion (18% growth) demonstrates divine blessing on a tribe characterized by wisdom and agricultural productivity. The Hebrew counting arba'ah ve-shishim eleph (sixty-four thousand) reflects substantial growth during the wilderness generation.
Issachar's population boom amid Israel's overall decline suggests that those who 'had understanding of the times' (1 Chronicles 12:32) avoided the rebellions that decimated other tribes. Their increase positions them as the fifth-largest tribe, strong enough to hold the strategic Jezreel Valley against Canaanite resistance.