Genesis 49:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This individual is commended for selecting agriculture and working the soil as his priority above all other pursuits.

Having commended His wisdom and discernment, and finding great solace in the gifts of eternal honor, complete sanctification, infinite glory, and an everlasting kingdom—matters that surpass human understanding—He ultimately remains steadfast. When He observes that the land is fertile, He will construct the necessary frameworks, demonstrating His dedication to labor. This parallels those who diligently cultivate the soil, who find joy in toil and are committed to their work, knowing that if they are granted fertile ground, they can expect a bountiful harvest.

Upon witnessing the remaining portion, which signifies the place of His inheritance, they regarded it as favorable, with the land abundant, flowing with milk and honey. Although His inheritance did not surpass that of the other tribes, Issachar distinguished himself through his profound gratitude. He dedicated his gifts not to the Gentiles but to God, presenting himself as a servant for a tribute offering, essentially a tithe from the herds and the produce of the earth given to the sons of Levi. Observing the remaining blessings as favorable and the earth as bounteous, recognizing that His Church is indeed good and His dwelling sacred, He submitted to the cross and became the Savior from sin.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, it is written, ‘Issachar is a strong donkey lying down between the burdens. He sees that rest is good and the land is pleasing; he bows his shoulder to bear the load and willingly works for tribute.’ After discussing Zebulun, who would inhabit the coastal areas along the Great Sea and extend to Sidon and other Phoenician cities, the focus shifts back to the inland region. Here, a blessing is given, making Issachar the heir, as he was destined to inherit the most beautiful territory in Galilee, adjacent to Naphtali.

To invite humanity to partake in the grace of His resurrection, which is a bountiful and rich land yielding eternal fruit, fruit that is a hundredfold and sixtyfold (Matt. 13:8; Mk. 4:8), He took upon Himself the burden, stooping under the weight of the cross to carry our transgressions. Thus, the prophet declares, The government shall be upon His shoulder (Is. 9:6), signifying God's authority over the desires of the flesh, or the exalted cross above the body. He lowered His shoulder, like a diligent worker, enduring every mockery that came His way. He embraced such a posture of humility to shoulder our burdens, as He was wounded for our transgressions and afflicted for our sins (Isaiah 53:5). In this way, He became a sower, understanding how to plant His field with good seed and nurture strong trees with deep roots.

When he observed the remaining saints and recognized the goodness of the land, which was abundant, he dedicated himself to the work, and thus humanity took on the role of a tiller of the soil. By placing his shoulder to the task, where else could he have done so but under the burden of the cross, lifting it boldly as he walked (John 19:17)? As noted by Isaiah, "His power was upon his shoulder" (Isaiah 9:6). By shouldering the toil himself and enduring all the injustices he faced with sorrow, he became a cultivator of the fruitful field of the Church.

When did he recognize the richness of the earth? It was upon purging the flesh of its vices and desires that he perceived the land's bounty and fertility, undoubtedly producing the fruits of righteousness through good deeds. In response to this revelation, he took on the yoke of responsibility and became a cultivator. One who diligently tills the fields of their soul and the wilderness of their heart with the plow of God's Word and the share of the Scriptures, while nourishing the foundation of faith, love, hope, and righteousness from the wells of Israel and employing all the knowledge of cultivation in the tending of their inner being, should rightly be seen as the steward of their own land.

The territory associated with the tribe of Issachar, which was later categorized as part of lower Galilee, is referred to by Flavius in his writings. He notes that the region is rich and abundant, filled with meadows and a variety of trees. The individual becomes dependent on the water-bearer, meaning he regularly accompanies the water-bearer to irrigate the fields.