Personal name meaning “man for hire” or “hireling.” Ninth son of Jacob, the fifth borne by Leah (Gen 30:18). He became the progenitor of the tribe of Issachar. Almost nothing is known about his personal history. The tribe of Issachar occupied territory in the northern part of Palestine, just southwest of the Sea of Galilee (Josh 19:17-23. The tribe was not prominent in Israel’s history. Tola, one of the so-called “minor” judges, was of the tribe of Issachar (Judg 10:1-2).

So was Baasha, the successor of Nadab as king of Israel (1 Kings 15:27). The city of Jezreel, which was an Israelite royal residence, was located in the territory of Issachar.