This just gets better and better! I love our God, I love the depth of His Word, and I love the intricate nature of His ultimate plan for humanity. Wait until you get a load of this.
In my research on the Sons of Issachar following the previous piece, I came across 'Frisians - Sons of Issachar!' by Bert Otten written in 1995. A good portion of what follows in this entry is taken directly from his in-depth research on the subject. At least that will apply to the next several paragraphs.
Regardless of what you think about his general premise and conclusions, he presented quite a bit of information that absolutely astounded me given our recent studies.
He wrote a series of articles to prove that the 'Frisians' are descendants of the Tribe of Issachar, one of the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Many books have been written about the nations of northwestern Europe to be of Israelite descent in general, and Great Britain (Ephraim) and the United States of America (Manasseh) to be Joseph in particular. However, very little has been written about the identity of the Tribe of Issachar.
First and foremost, Issachar means 'his reward will come'. Just before his death, the patriarch Jacob prophesied about his sons' descendants in the last days. Jacob's blessing for Issachar is mentioned in Genesis 49:
Genesis 49:14-15 (KJV) Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: 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.
Why are they compared to a strong ass? Probably because it also refers to their stubborness. At least, that was my initial thought anyway. In English, the expression we're all familiar with is 'as stubborn as an ass'.
'Issachar is a strong ass' (KJV), or 'a rawboned donkey' (NIV). The Jewish Encyclopedia states about Issachar, "... Jacob in blessing his children before his death compared Issachar to a strong and bony ass (Genesis 49:14). This expression is a prophecy referring to the tribe of Issachar."
'A prophecy referring to the tribe of Issachar', huh? Oh really? Needless to say, this demanded a closer look after the article that was just posted to this site earlier today about the 'Sons of Issachar' and the 'kosmos'.
The descendants of Issachar are described as robust, forceful, and vigorous people. Issachar being a raw-boned donkey, not only referred to the physique of his descendants but also to their military ability. Although not an aggressive people by nature, they were reliable fighters whenever called upon.
In Judges 1, it is described how the tribes of Israel took possession of the promised land. Of each tribe it is mentioned how it failed to drive out certain Canaanites living in its area. The only tribe not mentioned in this account is Issachar! Either because Issachar was included in Zebulun (read Otten's work for more on that) or because it was the only tribe to drive out the Canaanites. It is not known whether the Issacharites did or did not drive out the Canaanites, however, Holy Scripture does not accuse them of not having done so.
In the days of David, the tribe is described as very populous, and able to supply more able men to fight for Israel than any other tribe (except for Judah!).
1 Chronicles 7:2 (KJV) And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father's house, to wit, of Tola [son of Issachar]: they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose number was in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred. (bracketed note mine)
And in verse 4, "...And with them, by their generations, after the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, six and thirty thousand men: for they had many wives and sons" and verse 5, "And their brethren among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in all by their genealogies fourscore and seven thousand." (KJV).
Let's just stop here for a minute because I need to point out an unbelievable coincidence. I'm not suggesting that the Tribe of Issachar is the United States. Besides, I don't think the evidence supports that at all. But does anyone else find it curious how it was only 1 week ago to this day when President Obama gave his speech to the nation and the world explaining why he had decided to send 34,000 more troops to Afghanistan? I mean, we even explored the possible prophetic significance of that announcement and that specific number back then!
Again, not a perfect match numberswise but I wasn't really looking for that here. I simply wanted to share with you what I instantly thought of while researching the Sons of Issachar and coming across this one fact about the tribe.
Steven Collins, in discussing these predictions for the Tribe of Issachar, offers comments about Issachar’s future in his book, The Ten Lost Tribes - Found:
To identify Issachar we must look for a nation which has a tradition of being quasi independent ("under tribute"), located "between" two stronger nations or spheres of influence (the "two burdens") and dwelling in reasonable peace and prosperity (their "trest was good, and the land... was pleasant").
No one would question the impact of its geography on Finland, and some have even suggested Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, or the Netherlands as possible nation states that fit what we know about the Tribe of Issachar.
Sticking with Finland as a possibility, Collins notes that it has:
...long been in the condition of being a buffer zone between stronger, competing nations. Its history confirms its struggles with both Russia and Sweden, and in both cases, often literally under 'tribute'. But Finland has found peace and prosperity 'crouching down' between two burdens, a condition that has led to the term 'Finlandisation'.
Certainly, an intriguing possibility for us to consider. Yet, it wasn't until I learned that our good friend E.W. Bullinger (the same guy referenced here several times over the past week for his unparalleled work on the importance of numbers in the Holy Bible) had something significant to say about the Sons of Issachar. Read all about it in 'The Prophecy of Issachar And The Stars And The Secret Place', a compelling research paper that references Bullinger's findings.
Then, follow it up with Fanny Beerepoot's work on the subject where she makes the stunning claim that Issachar represents the skeletal system in the body, which is timely given all the H1N1/Swine Flu hype, and the 'urgent warnings' by Steve Quayle and Greg Everson last week about one phase of the New World Order's plans will be to unleash a form of the Ukranian 'Black Lung Plague' being unleashed upon the rest of the world soon.
As Beerepoot writes:
From this can be seen that Issachar is closely associated with the Law, as represented in
the Skeletal System. It is by these Laws and Principles that we can discern what is right and what is wrong. Because of Issachar’s knowledge and understanding, his other Spiritual gift is that of
discernment.
It is by laws and principles that our life is guided. If we live by YaHWaH’s principles we
will become strong, our bones will be strengthened and we can stand erect to face the
world and its onslaughts. If, on the other hand, we choose man’s laws and principles our
bones will be weakened, our stance diminished, and we will fall apart as we are separated
from our Heavenly Father whose character is embodied in His Laws.
Like I said, it's another thought-provoking study worthy of your time.
Now that I think of it, what do we make of the fact that there are the same number of Sons of Issachar as there were Fallen Angels -- 200? What is the connection and/or significance (if any)?
1 Chronicles 12:32 (KJV) And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
Enoch 6 And they were in all two hundred; who descended in the days of Jared on the summit of Mount Hermon, and they called it Mount Hermon, because they had sworn and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it.
What do we make of the number 200? As E.W. Bullinger documents:
> The significance of this number is suggested by John 6:7, where we read, "Two hundred pennyworth of bread is NOT SUFFICIENT for them." And so we find this number stamping various things with 'insufficiency'.
> Achan's 200 shekels were "not sufficient" to save him from the consequences of his sin (Joshua 7:21). This shows us the insufficiency of money (Psalm 49:7-9).
> Absalom's 200 shekels weight of hair were "not sufficient" to save him, but rather caused his destruction (2 Samuel 14:26, 18:9). This shows us the insufficiency of beauty.
> Micah's graven image was purchased for 200 shekels (Judges 17:4 and 18), and led to the introduction of idolatry into Israel and the blotting out of the Tribes of Dan and Ephraim from the blessing of Revelation 7, showing us the insufficiency of mere religion.
> Ezra's 200 "singing men and women" (Ezra 2:65), were "not sufficient" to produce "peace with God," true spiritual worship, or joy in the Lord. Only God's word rightly ministered can lead to this (Nehemiah 8:5-9). This shows the insufficiency of external things in the worship of God, and the impossibility of worshipping God with the senses. True worship, which alone God will accept, "MUST" (John 4:24) be spiritual.
How remarkably consistent is that with the themes we've been highlighting? It's so cohesive it defies any skeptic's charge that a supernatural intelligence isn't involved in any of this, doesn't it?
What else? Issachar is represented by a donkey (Genesis 49:10) and also by the sun and stars, symbolizing the celestial movements the Sons of Issachar were said to observe and be experts in. In fact, the symbol of Issachar is depicted on an Israeli stamp as the sun surrounded by stars in a form resembling the face of a clock.
The end times prophecy connection? According to Beerepoot, the Valley of Megiddo (also known as Armageddon) is found in the land of Issachar. It is a valley of battle and decision. In the following verses we see that Josiah rejected the Word of God and the result was his death. It is also in
this valley that the last battle will be fought.
Joshua 17:11 (KJV) And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, even three countries.
2 Chronicles 35:22 (KJV) Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
Judges 5:19 (KJV) The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.
Revelation 16:16 (KJV) And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Also, in Revelation 7:7 Issachar is among the tribes who are promised the Seal of God for 12,000 of its members.
Lastly, the name Issachar means 'there is a reward to come', which is a fitting reminder and a fitting place for us to end.
RECOMMENDED READING:
The 'Children Of Issachar' In The 'Kosmos'
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Unrelated but wanted to pass on this strange news that Ahmadinejad claims the United States is attempting to thwart the return of mankind's savior.
See:
http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,579640,00.html
Ahmadinejad reportedly claims he has documented evidence that the U.S. is blocking the return of Mahdi, the Imam believed by Muslims to be the savior. "They have devised all these plans to prevent the coming of the Hidden Imam because they know that the Iranian nation is the one that will prepare the grounds for his coming and will be the supporters of his rule," Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying.
This in itself is an amazing statement by a lead player/leader of a country even when considering the source: Ahmadinejad, who is known to make outrageous statements. This comes from a religious belief system.
Nick
third_heaven_investigations@yahoo.com
Great study especially the notice of the 200 as being found lacking regarding the comparison to Enoch and tha fallen angel messengers who first descended (200)!
And Jacobs favorite son was Joseph who had a covering coat of many colors and Joseph means God enlarges.Joseph had a very important dual overlapping dream/vision about who would have dominion! I never really understood until I posted it yesterday!Joseph's rebellious brothers who sold him into slavery will bow down to what YHWH enlarges. There were 13 in Joseph’s dream, “behold, the sun(god) and the moon(god) and the eleven stars(his brothers!) made obeisance to me. Gen 37:9
The special numbers of Freemasons who worship the stars and planets. The first degree oath is to Nimrod the 32nd to Allah and the 32nd to LUCIFER! Yes it is time for the church to stop playing church and start to see the supernatural beast kingdom for what it is and why these lawless rebels must be separated from. It is getting easier by the day actually because they are passing so many laws and regulations it will be impossible for any thinking Christ follower to continue to be considered a law abiding citizen of this country of which we are not! Our citizenship is in the City of Right eousness. The Lord YHWH is there.Ezekiel 48:35
Seriously? Whoa...
My wife's entire family (and thus my kids) are Dutch Friesian/Frisian. Her parents are immigrants to the U.S. from there.
Most people don't even know who they are -- a culture, language and even flag and cuisine quite distinct from the Dutch or Northern Germans
Grace and Peace,
- Art
Lots of angles to this one, JRed.
In addition to marrying into a Frisian family, I've spent a good deal of time in Finland (on business).
I learned, in those travels, that the Finns are clear on their origins from the steppes of Central Asia.
As you may know, their language is wildly different from anything else you've ever heard outside of (strangely) -- Hungary.
The joke they like to tell on themselves is that a band of nomads was moving west across the steppes (e.g., of Southern Russia). One group decided to head south to fertile land and ended up in Hungary and the others (they smile wanly at this point) headed north to the cold, dark, rocky territory of Finland.
Other than their 20th century stance though, I'm not sure how well the Finns fit compared to the Frisians, whose language, while crazy-different from Dutch sounds quite like English in many ways.
Also, the Finns don't pass the numerical or the animal husbandry tests, whereas the Frisians are hearty stock in both regards.
That was a very interesting article for me as I am Friesian...and so far we have traced just our family tree back to the late 1700's
They ara a stuborn lot and know it all's too...but once they love the Lord they love Him with a passion.
So I was keen to read all you had there...very unusual but then I also have a map in the back on my Bible that says the Friesians were there 45bc....thank you for that!
PS
As far as weather the tribe of Isacar overcame all the Cainan-ites even Joshua was deceived by one group that secretly lived amongst them and in the pysical realm did not eradicate all of them...yet it was accounted to him as righteousness in that he was obedient...
Our Abba's arm of power is not short of the power in HIS HAND as required to overcome and break in pieces this last beast kingdom with a head of gold...
(http://www.isaiah58.com/broadcasters/neb.htm)
Another interesting point of comparison is that while Daniel was able to recall his dream/vision Nebuchadnezzar was not able to hold onto the supernatural information he received in his dream either by REMEMBRANCE or by his own UNDERSTANDING...which reminds me of Amos 3:7 ...Surely the Sovereign YHWH will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto HIS servants the prophets.(Like it was revealed to Daniel 2:19 "Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel.")
And like the War in Heaven is revealed on Earth to us in Ezekiel 8:3
...the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of Elohim to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy.
8:4 And, behold, the glory of the Elohim of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.
8:5 Then said he unto me, Son of man, lift up thine eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up mine eyes the way toward the north, and behold northward at the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.
8:6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations.
8:7 And he brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold a hole in the wall.
8:8 Then said he unto me, Son of man, dig now in the wall: and when I had digged in the wall, behold a door.
Doors, holes, portals, breaches in the wall, north passage ways and the image of jealousy aka Lucifer!War in Heaven is manifest on Earth.
This came in from Breaking Christian News today:
Plans to Move Megiddo
Prison So Oldest Christian Church in World Can be Open to Public
by Teresa Neumann : Dec 9, 2009 :
Eli Ashkenazi - Haaretz News http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1133294.html
"The discovery of the finds created great excitement in the Christian world and among researchers of early Christianity. The discovery was even a main topic of a conference of researchers in Washington three years ago."
(Israel)—Behind the walls of Megiddo Prison, the remains of the oldest Christian house of worship ever discovered were unearthed four years ago in the course of prison renovations. Now, as reported in Haaretz, there is a call for the relocation of the prison to a site a short distance away so that the archaeological site can be opened to the public. (Photo: An ancient mosaic discovered at Megiddo Prison)
At the edge of the site, a magnificent mosaic floor featuring important inscriptions, including a reference to Jesus, was found, along with the foundation of a building from the 3rd or 4th century AD, evidence the site was used for Christian religious worship before Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire.
According to the report, the remains of an altar or prayer table were found at the center of the site which is also identified with the Talmudic-era Jewish village of Kfar Otnai, as well as being the headquarters of the sixth Roman legion which was established there along with the town of Maximilianopolis.
According to Hanan Erez, head of the regional council, "the discovery of the finds created great excitement in the Christian world and among researchers of early Christianity. The discovery was even a main topic of a conference of researchers in Washington three years ago."
Megiddo council head Erez said: "On the site, a tourism complex is to be built, the central focus of which will be the ancient house of worship, alongside, of course, the Tel Megiddo archaeological site, which is also a significant site for the Christian world."
============
Blessings...Nadine
Jred,
Yet another angle, I'm thinking of Esau's red hair. Esau being the patriarch of the Edomites unfortunately, but it does show that a fair-haired gene was present in Isaac's line. It seems reasonable then, that one of Jacob's sons could have carried the gene. Combined with the totally unique language root, it builds a fairly strong case for the Nordic peoples IMO.
There are all kinds of interesting connections like this, pointing to Northern Europeans being descended from Israel. The "gallic" people, for example, who are believed to be the Galatians, and who spoke Gaelic by some accounts. Julius Caesar wrote of these people, inhabiting Gaul (northern France), in the decades before Christ.
It would be interesting to see what else might be connected to Issachar!
Scott from VA
And yet another HALO over Norway this time. Check it out.
http://gizmodo.com/5422574/giant-mysterious-spiral-takes-over-the-skies-of-norway
Is this the wormhole that Apollyon and demons are to come out from the abyss? The Halo is norway happened after Cern.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/science/10collide.html?_r=1
Strange things happening.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1234430/Mystery-spiral-blue-light-display-hovers-Norway.html?ITO=1490