Genesis 49:15
Genesis 49:15 in Multiple Translations
He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.
And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.
And he saw a resting-place that it was good, And the land that it was pleasant; And he bowed his shoulder to bear, And became a servant under taskwork.
And he saw that rest was good and the land was pleasing; so he let them put weights on his back and became a servant.
He sees that the place where he's resting is good, and the land is lovely, so he's willing to lower his back to accept the burden and to work as a slave.
And he shall see that rest is good, and that the land is pleasant, and he shall bow his shoulder to beare, and shalbe subiect vnto tribute.
And he seeth rest that [it is] good, And the land that [it is] pleasant, And he inclineth his shoulder to bear, And is to tribute a servant.
He saw a resting place, that it was good, the land, that it was pleasant. He bows his shoulder to the burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor.
And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute.
He saw rest that it was good: and the land that it was excellent: and he bowed his shoulder to carry, and became a servant under tribute.
They will see that their resting place is good, and that the land pleases them very much. But they will bend their backs to carry heavy loads and be forced to work for others.
His tribe will see a country where the land is really good, and they will want to live in that land. So they will agree to work for the people that own that country, and those people will make them work really hard.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 49:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
מְנֻחָה֙
כִּ֣י
ט֔וֹב
וְ/אֶת
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
כִּ֣י
נָעֵ֑מָה
וַ/יֵּ֤ט
שִׁכְמ/וֹ֙
לִ/סְבֹּ֔ל
וַ/יְהִ֖י
לְ/מַס
עֹבֵֽד
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְנֻחָה֙
mᵉnûwchâh
H4496
resting
N-cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֔וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָעֵ֑מָה
nâʻêm
H5276
be pleasant
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וַ/יֵּ֤ט
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שִׁכְמ/וֹ֙
shᵉkem
H7926
shoulder
N-ms | Suff
לִ/סְבֹּ֔ל
çâbal
H5445
to bear
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/מַס
maç
H4522
taskworker
Prep | N-ms
עֹבֵֽד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:15
וַ/יַּ֤רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מְנֻחָה֙
mᵉnûwchâh
H4496
"resting"
N-cs
This word means a resting place or a state of quietness, like a peaceful home, as described in the Bible. It can also refer to marriage as a source of comfort and rest. Rest is the main idea.
Definition: 1) resting place, rest 1a) resting place 1b) rest, quietness Also means: nu.ach (נוּחַ "rest" H5118)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: comfortable, ease, quiet, rest(-ing place), still. See also: Genesis 49:15; Psalms 116:7; Psalms 23:2.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ט֔וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָעֵ֑מָה
nâʻêm
H5276
"be pleasant"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to be pleasant or agreeable, describing something or someone as beautiful, sweet, or delightful, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of beautiful music or lovely landscapes. It is used to describe things that bring joy. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of pleasant things.
Definition: (Qal) to be pleasant, be beautiful, be sweet, be delightful, be lovely
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: pass in beauty, be delight, be pleasant, be sweet. See also: Genesis 49:15; Proverbs 9:17; Psalms 141:6.
וַ/יֵּ֤ט
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
שִׁכְמ/וֹ֙
shᵉkem
H7926
"shoulder"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the shoulder or back, often symbolizing burdens. It is used in Exodus to describe carrying loads and in Genesis to describe the shoulder of a hill.
Definition: 1) shoulder, back 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade 1b) back (in general) Also means: shikh.mah (שִׁכְמָה "shoulder" H7929)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: back, [idiom] consent, portion, shoulder. See also: Genesis 9:23; 1 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 21:13.
לִ/סְבֹּ֔ל
çâbal
H5445
"to bear"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To bear means to carry something, whether it is a physical load or an emotional burden. In the Bible, it can also mean to be pregnant or to endure a difficult situation. It is often translated as 'bear' or 'carry'
Definition: 1) to bear, bear a load, drag oneself along 1a) (Qal) to bear (a load) 1b) (Pual) laden (participle) 1c)(Hithpael) to make oneself a burden, drag oneself along Aramaic equivalent: se.val (סְבַל "to bear" H5446)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: bear, be a burden, carry, strong to labour. See also: Genesis 49:15; Isaiah 46:7; Psalms 144:14.
וַ/יְהִ֖י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לְ/מַס
maç
H4522
"taskworker"
Prep | N-ms
A taskworker is someone forced to perform labor as a form of tax or tribute. This practice involved gangs of laborers working under the supervision of taskmasters, often in a state of serfdom or slavery. It is mentioned in the Bible as a burden imposed on people.
Definition: 1) gang or body of forced labourers, task-workers, labour band or gang, forced service, task-work, serfdom, tributary, tribute, levy, taskmasters, discomfited 1a) labour-band, labour-gang, slave gang 1b) gang-overseers 1c) forced service, serfdom, tribute, enforced payment
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: discomfited, levy, task(-master), tribute(-tary). See also: Genesis 49:15; 1 Kings 5:27; Proverbs 12:24.
עֹבֵֽד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
- Sermons on Genesis 49:15
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
13Zebulun shall dwell by the seashore and become a harbor for ships; his border shall extend to Sidon.
14Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.
15He saw that his resting place was good and that his land was pleasant, so he bent his shoulder to the burden and submitted to labor as a servant.
16Dan shall provide justice for his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 17He will be a snake by the road, a viper in the path that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider tumbles backward.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 81:6 | “I relieved his shoulder of the burden; his hands were freed from the basket. |
| 2 | Matthew 23:4 | They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. |
| 3 | Joshua 14:15 | (Hebron used to be called Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim.) Then the land had rest from war. |
| 4 | Judges 3:11 | So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 29:18 | “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 7:1 | After the king had settled into his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, |
Genesis 49:15 Summary
Genesis 49:15 tells us about Issachar, who saw that his land was pleasant and decided to work hard to take care of it. He willingly submitted to labor, bending his shoulder to the burden, and this is an example for us to follow. Just like Issachar, we can find joy and fulfillment in working diligently and using our talents to serve others (as seen in Colossians 3:23-24). By doing so, we can glorify God and make the most of the blessings He has given us, just as Issachar did in his pleasant land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Issachar to 'bend his shoulder to the burden' in Genesis 49:15?
This phrase suggests that Issachar willingly submitted to hard work and labor, recognizing the benefits of his pleasant land, as seen in his decision to work diligently, similar to the diligence encouraged in Proverbs 10:4-5.
Is Issachar being condemned for being a servant in Genesis 49:15?
No, the verse is not condemning Issachar, but rather highlighting his willingness to work hard and submit to labor, demonstrating a positive trait, as also seen in the example of Jesus Christ, who 'took on the form of a servant' in Philippians 2:7.
What is the significance of Issachar's 'resting place' being 'good' in Genesis 49:15?
The 'resting place' refers to the land allocated to the tribe of Issachar, which was fertile and pleasant, making it an ideal location for them to settle and thrive, much like the Promised Land described in Exodus 3:8.
How does Genesis 49:15 relate to the broader theme of work and labor in the Bible?
This verse contributes to the biblical theme of work and labor, emphasizing the importance of diligence and hard work, as also taught in Colossians 3:23-24, where believers are encouraged to work heartily, as if working for the Lord.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I can apply the same willingness to 'bend my shoulder to the burden' and submit to labor, just like Issachar?
- How can I cultivate a positive attitude towards hard work and labor, recognizing the benefits and blessings that come from diligence, as seen in the life of Issachar?
- In what ways can I use my talents and abilities to serve others, just as Issachar used his strength to work diligently, and how can I find joy and fulfillment in serving others?
- What are some 'pleasant lands' in my life that I can be thankful for, and how can I use those blessings to glorify God and serve others?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:15
And he saw that rest was good,.... Not the house of the sanctuary, and attendance there, and the service of that, as the Targum of Jerusalem; nor the rest of the world to come, the happiness of a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:15
And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. He saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
Rest, or rather, his resting-place, as this very word signifies, 132:8 , i.e. his portion or habitation, as the Chaldee and Syriac translate it. So this agrees with the following member, where, after the manner of the Hebrews, the same thing is repeated in other words. And if it be objected against this version, that it is not said his rest, but rest in the general, it may be replied, that so it is in the following branch, the land, though it be apparently meant of his land, or portion of land allotted to him. Besides, the pronouns are often omitted, and to be understood in Hebrew text; as may appear by comparing , with ; and , with ; and , with . Became a servant unto tribute; willingly paying whatsoever tributes were imposed upon him, either by the neighbouring tribes, or by foreign powers, rather than to forfeit his pleasant and fruitful country, and his sweet repose.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
Genesis 49:15 And he saw that rest [was] good, and the land that [it was] pleasant; and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.Ver. 15. And he saw that rest was good.] He submitted to any burdens and hard conditions for a quiet life. This was a low poor spirit; and his posterity were, for the general, very unworthy and vile. For Issachar’ s lot fell in Galilee. Now, doth "any good come out of Galilee?" The best that we read of them was that they "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do," and were therefore in great account with David. But for action, it seems they were heavy-spirited, dull-mettled men; much like those "potters," mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:23, "that dwelt among plants and hedges"; the base brood of their degenerated forefathers in Babylon. "He, he, come forth, and flee from the land of the north," said the Lord unto them. Cyrus also had proclaimed liberty to all that would, to return to Jerusalem. But these dull drones, because they got a poor living by making pots for the king of Babylon, thought themselves well as they were, and chose rather to stay under the hedges of Babylon. These are res obsoletae, so Junius renders the text there; things worn out and forgotten; and indeed they deserve to be forgotten.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
(15) A servant unto tribute.—Heb., task-work. It means service paid in actual labour, such as was exacted by Solomon of the descendants of the Canaanites (1 Kings 9:21, where the phrase used here is translated “a tribute of bondservice;” and 2 Chronicles 8:8). In the Middle Ages this forced labour—called” service without wages in Jeremiah 22:13—was one of the wrongs most deeply felt by the peasantry, as they had to neglect their own plots of ground to labour for their seigneurs. The picture, then, is that of a race settled in a rich agricultural country, and content to endure a great deal of injustice because their condition as a whole was prosperous.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
Verse 15. He saw that rest] The inland portion that was assigned to him between the other tribes. He inclined his shoulder to the load; the Chaldee paraphrast gives this a widely different turn to that given it by most commentators: "He saw his portion that it was good, and the land that it was fruitful; and he shall subdue the provinces of the people, and drive out their inhabitants, and those who are left shall be his servants, and his tributaries." Grotius understands it nearly in the same way. The pusillanimity which is generally attributed to this tribe certainly does not agree with the view in which they are exhibited in Scripture. In the song of Deborah this tribe is praised for the powerful assistance which it then afforded, Judges 5:15. And in 1 Chronicles 7:1-5, they are expressly said to have been valiant men of might in all their families, and in all their generations; i. e., through every period of their history. It appears they were a laborious, hardy, valiant tribe, patient in labour and invincible in war; bearing both these burdens with great constancy whenever it was necessary. When Tola of this tribe judged Israel, the land had rest twenty-three years, Jude 10:1.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:15
15. a resting place] Better, as R.V. marg., rest. “Rest,” as opposed to the wandering life of nomads. Cf. Deuteronomy 12:9; Psalms 95:11. pleasant] Vulg. optima. LXX πίων = “fat,” possibly following a slightly different reading. bowed his shoulder] Issachar was ready to kneel, and bear any heavy burden, for the sake of a quiet life in a fertile land. a servant under taskwork] Cf. Joshua 16:10, “became servants to do taskwork.” Issachar is reproached for being ready to undertake forced labour, and so to acknowledge the Canaanites as his overlords. The phrase is the regular one for becoming tributary; cf. Deuteronomy 20:11; Judges 1:30; Isaiah 31:8. In all probability there is a play upon the name “Issachar” and its derivation in the sense of “a man of hire,” ξsh and sβchar; cf. Genesis 30:18. LXX, apparently seeking to mitigate the severity of the reproach, ἐγενήθηἀνὴργεωργός = “became a labourer.” Targ.
Onk. “he will subdue the provinces of the peoples, destroy their inhabitants, and those who are left among them shall be servants unto him and bringers of tribute.”
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:15
15. Rest… good — His love of ease, and a pleasant territory, including the rich valley of Jezreel, led him to bear burdens, and to submit to tribute rather than to enter into any struggle for political eminence.
Sermons on Genesis 49:15
| Sermon | Description | |
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The Glorying of Leaven by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by recounting the story of Belshazzar and how he was blind to the truth and hardened to the gospel. The preacher then paraphrases Matthew chapte |
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Church History - the Need for Reformation by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the need for the Reformation in the Christian kingdom of Scenic Valley. They highlight the Great Schism, a period from 1378 to 1417 when there |
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Pharisees Bind Heavy Burdens on Others by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen addresses the hypocrisy of Pharisaical preachers who impose heavy burdens on others while failing to uphold the same standards themselves. He shares a personal experienc |
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Epistle 83 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of gathering in the fear of the Lord, urging believers to remain faithful and diligent in their respective roles within the church. He encourag |
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The Existing Anarchy by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan addresses the theme of existing anarchy as seen through the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the contrast between the Kingdom of God and the false ideals, rules, |
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Thirty-One Kings, or the Victory Over Self by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the spiritual battle against the 'thirty-one kings' representing various forms of self-life that hinder our relationship with God. He explains that while gr |
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God's Covenant With David by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses God's Covenant with David as described in 2 Samuel chapter 7. He emphasizes how God chose David, a humble shepherd, to be the king over |