“Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between the sheepfolds.” Genesis 49:14
Yesterday, I went looking for the first mention of the word “strong”.
It actually means, “skeleton of the body, and bones.”
I thought this strange.
This morning, the verse came to mind again, only the word “crouching”.
In the Hebrew the word is actually #7257 – “lying”.
Issachar was Leah’s 5th son. Five reflects – Favor and Grace!
“And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son…Issachar.” Genesis 30:17
Of the tribe of Issachar it is said they are
“Mighty men of valor” and “Ready for war”. 1 Chronicles 7:1-5
Of all the tribes, Issachar…
“of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” 1 Chronicles 12:32
Back to “crouching.” The word comes from the root Hebrew word #7257 “lying”
“Rabats” or Reysh, Bet, Tsadak.
As I thought on the word picture,
Man’s (Reysh) dwelling (Bet – our heart and body) in praise and prayer (Tsadik) – between two sheepfolds. (Tsadik is one of my favorites because it looks like the one of kneeling or standing in praise)
Issachar is crouched down in a position of praise and prayer between two sheepfolds (our family and the world).
And of “strong” – Issachar knows
To his bone,
down to his core,
to the marrow of his “skeleton”
only through Praise and Prayer, through the Favor and Grace of Jesus Christ,
Protection for our family,
Discernment and understand for the times we live in.
And knowing, in this position of prayer and praise,
When troubles come upon us, we know…
What we “ought to do”!! Wisdom and Discernment
“Issachar is a strong donkey, crouching between two sheepfolds.”
Even when the whole world thinks we are a “donkey”; we are Mighty men of valor and ready for war in the position of praise and prayer!!
Mighty men and women of God,
Praise on!!
Reysh – 20th Hebrew Letter Word Picture: Head (of a man) Meaning: A person, the first, the highest, in the beginning.Bet – 2nd letter in the Hebrew alphabet Picture of a “tent or house” Within, heart, begin to, build, family.Tsadik the 18th letter of Hebrew Picture of a “fishhook” or “hook” To catch, desire, to grasp, to praise Can you see the man standing, lifted hands in praise? (one of the five letters with different shapes when used at the end of a word)
Also, not at the end of a word Tsadik looks like this:
Tsadik – the 18th letter. Word picture of a “fishhook” or “hook” Meaning: to catch, desire to grasp, to praise. Can you see the man, with lifted hands on his knees in praise?
The Lord “Who makes all things new” has caused a new song of Hope to rise up in my heart!!
I was really suffering with indecision and doubt of my future plans.
During quiet time, the Holy Spirit brought a woman who within the past 24 hours and a long period of waiting and lost hope, literally had received a heart transplant.As I prayed for her wellbeing and all the complications and difficulties of a delicate surgery…
The Lord spoke to me…
Just like when I put a “new heart” in you, if your BODY rejects it – it dies!!!
I know what the Word has been speaking to my“spirit” man, but as Paul says, my “body” has been warring with my spirit!! I can either accept the Word of Life or reject it!!!
(I won’t say die, because I know Jesus will continue to walk with me even when I am not strong enough to “walk in the spirit” and let my body lead me the long way around.)
Praise Jesus for His Faithfulness – Mercy and Grace!!!
SO…After a LONG season of drought, He has opened the eyes of my heart to see the “new” in the plans and purpose He has for my life!
