THEOSISJakimov I.S.
The leaders of Issachar allied with Deborah, and similarly, Issachar joined Barak, hastening into the valley on foot. This indicates that one half of Issachar’s tribe, specifically its leaders, remained with Deborah to form a council or assembly, while the other half, represented by the militia, followed Barak into battle. In the Greek and Slavonic versions, there is no indication of Issachar engaging in combat, which likely puzzled the translators of the Septuagint, as Barak’s army is acknowledged in the Hebrew text. The verse states, "The tribes of Reuben had great meetings” (see v. 16).
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Moreover, the text beautifully illustrates the diverse responses of the tribes to the struggle for national liberation at Deborah's side—the active involvement and fervor of some contrasted with the indifference of others, highlighting emerging conflicts and tensions among the tribes, which had an ultimately somber effect. It seems improbable that a later author could have depicted this episode with such clarity and richness.