Bible Study Guides – Issachar

August 11, 2013 – August 17, 2013

Key Text

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2.

Study Help: Sons and Daughters of God, 114; Testimonies, vol. 6, 305–309.

Introduction

“Unselfishness underlies all true development. Through unselfish service we receive the highest culture of every faculty.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 32.

1 JACOB’S FIFTH SON

  • Relate the circumstances associated with the birth of Jacob and Leah’s fifth son. Genesis 30:17, 18. What qualities are found in the nature of the animal which Jacob used to illustrate the character of his son? Genesis 49:14. What appeal is made in behalf of burden bearing?

Note: “Someone must advance; someone must venture in the fear of God, trusting the result with Him. Those ministers who shun this part of the labor are losing much. They are failing to obtain that experience which God designed they should have to make them strong, efficient men that can be relied upon in any emergency.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 14.

  • How did Jacob commend Issachar’s willingness to bear burdens? Genesis 49:15. What lessons from Issachar can be incorporated into the work of God today?

Note: “When an emergency arises, and help is needed, no worker should say, That is not my work. The helper who has the idea that he is only to do the work assigned him, and no more, who feels no responsibility to help wherever and whenever help is needed, should at once dismiss this idea from his mind. He should never feel that a wrong is done him if in an emergency he is asked to work overtime. When extra help is needed, let the workers assist willingly, in Christian meekness, and they will receive a blessing.” Medical Ministry, 176, 177.

2 BEARING DOUBLE BURDENS

  • Give an example that reveals how the tribe of Issachar came to the assistance of others. Judges 5:15.
  • Name some personal benefits derived from helping our fellowmen. Mark 12:31; Galatians 6:2.

Note: “The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men. And this service, while making us a blessing to others, brings the greatest blessing to ourselves.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 32.

  • What ability did some of the members of the tribe of Issachar reveal, and when? I Chronicles 12:32.
  • How should God’s people today reveal a similar understanding of the present signs of the times? I Corinthians 16:13, 14.

Note: “The solemn, sacred truth—the testing message given us of God to communicate to the world—lays every one of us under the strongest obligation to so transform our daily life and character that the power of the truth may be well represented. We should have a continual sense of the shortness of time and of the fearful events which prophecy has declared must speedily take place.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 612.

“The church of God is required to fulfill her night watch, however perilous, whether long or short. Sorrow is no excuse for her to be less watchful. Tribulation should not lead to carelessness, but to double vigilance. Christ has directed the church by His own example to the Source of their strength in times of need, distress, and peril. The attitude of watching is to designate the church as God’s people indeed. By this sign the waiting ones are distinguished from the world and show that they are pilgrims and strangers upon the earth.” Ibid., vol. 2, 205.

3 A CHECKERED HISTORY

  • Relate the sad history when one member of the tribe of Issachar ruled over Israel. I Kings 15:25–34; 16:1–5.
  • What infamous tragedy took place within the territory of Issachar? (See the mountains near Jezreel on a Bible map that labels the area of each tribe.) I Samuel 28:7; I Chronicles 10:13, 14.

Note: “Under the cover of darkness Saul and his attendants made their way across the plain, and, safely passing the Philistine host, they crossed the mountain ridge, to the lonely home of the sorceress of Endor. Here the woman with a familiar spirit had hidden herself away that she might secretly continue her profane incantations.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 679.

  • How should God’s people today be encouraged by another record of some members of the tribe of Issachar? I Chronicles 7:1, 5.

Note: “Where are the missionaries who should be raised up at the heart of the work? … But piety is at so low an ebb, the spirit of devotion is so weak, worldliness and selfishness so prevalent, that the moral atmosphere begets a lethargy fatal to missionary zeal. …

“Shake off your spiritual lethargy. Work with all your might to save your own souls and the souls of others. It is no time now to cry, ‘Peace and safety’ (I Thessalonians 5:3). It is not silver-tongued orators that are needed to give this message. The truth in all its pointed severity must be spoken. Men of action are needed—men who will labor with earnest, ceaseless energy for the purifying of the church and the warning of the world.

“A great work is to be accomplished; broader plans must be laid; a voice must go forth to arouse the nations. Men whose faith is weak and wavering are not the ones to carry forward the work at this important crisis. We need the courage of heroes and the faith of martyrs.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 187.

4 A REPUTATION FOR SERVICE

  • Name one individual in the land of Issachar who distinguished herself for her kindness. II Kings 4:8–10.

Note: “The kindly spirit that enabled Elisha to exert a powerful influence over the lives of many in Israel, is revealed in the story of his friendly relations with a family dwelling at Shunem. In his journeyings to and fro throughout the kingdom ‘it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. …’ (II Kings 4:8). … To this retreat Elisha often came, thankful for its quiet peace. Nor was God unmindful of the woman’s kindness.” Prophets and Kings, 237.

  • Explain some ways in which efforts toward self-denying service are rewarded. II Kings 4:12–20, 32–37; Matthew 25:40.

Note: “Our work in this world is to live for others’ good, to bless others, to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit of our society and our homes. Some avoid these necessary burdens. But someone must bear them; and because the brethren in general are not lovers of hospitality, and do not share equally in these Christian duties, a few who have willing hearts, and who cheerfully make the cases of those who need help their own, are burdened. A church should take special care to relieve its ministers of extra burdens in this direction.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 645.

“As you regard your eternal interest, arouse yourselves, and begin to sow good seed. That which you sow, you shall also reap. The harvest is coming—the great reaping time, when we shall reap what we have sown. There will be no failure in the crop; the harvest is sure. Now is the sowing time. … Encourage in yourselves a love of hospitality, a love to help those who need help.” Ibid., 31.

“When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat in your parlor and a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering strain is responded to in heaven. Every act of justice, mercy, and benevolence makes melody in heaven.” Ibid., 25.

5 REFORMATION

  • Although the tribe of Issachar had joined in Israel’s general departure from the true worship of God, how did they share in a desire for reformation? II Chronicles 30:17–20. Show how God’s mercy is extended toward repentant sinners.

Note: “Throughout the period of probationary time His [God’s] Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life. ‘As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die’ (Ezekiel 33:11)? It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin and then leave him there, helpless and hopeless, fearing to seek for pardon. But God invites, ‘Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me’ (Isaiah 27:5). In Christ every provision has been made, every encouragement offered.” Prophets and Kings, 325, 326.

  • What is the blessed result of true repentance and reformation of even the weakest souls identified with the tribe of Issachar? Revelation 7:7, last part.

Note: “Dullness and ignorance are no virtue. You can choose to become stereotyped in a wrong course of action because you have not the determination to take yourselves in hand and to reform, or you may cultivate your powers to do the very best kind of service, and then you will find yourselves in demand anywhere and everywhere. You will be appreciated for all that you are worth.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 316.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Why may some persons tend to be frustrated by the Issacharites?

2 Why should the Issacharites be appreciated more than they are?

3 Name some points of interest in the history of Issachar.

4 Consider ways in which you and your local church can improve on the exercise of hospitality.

5 How can the Issacharites overcome their weaknesses?

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.