Small But Mighty Important

O. T. #483  "Small But Mighty Important"
March 19, 2015
Joshua 19-Part 3
And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.  Joshua 19:17

LET IT GLOW

We don't know what the future holds for our little ones. They may be small, but can be important in the kingdom of God. as the tribe of Issachar.

The fourth allotment of land distributed in Israel went to the tribe of Issachar. This was a smaller tribe, who received a small portion of land. On a map of the tribes' land, the two northern tribes were Asher and Naphtali east and west of each other; looking south came Zebulun, and Issachar was next. They only had 16 cities.

The major area of Issachar's inheritance was Jezzereel. Without a doubt this is the most famous valley in the world. Later known as the Plain of Esdraelon, the Jezreel Valley is today the "breadbasket of Israel," being the most fertile valley in the Middle East. But it has not always been so.

Liberty Bible Commentary tells us more:

• Both Thutmose III and Ramses II invaded Syria via this valley.
• Gideon overthrew the Midianites here.
• It has been the site of conflict involving armies under the leadership of Saul, Debrah, Barak, Ahab, Jehu, Josiah, Omri, Azariah, Holofernes and Judith, Vespasian, Saladin, and Napoleon.
• It was the scene of bitter fighting in the 1945 War of Independence and the June of 1967 "Six-Day War" for modern Israel.
• Most importantly, it will be the scene of the last great battle of history; for this valley is "...called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon" (Rev. 16:16. Armageddon means to pluck, gather in the Hebrew language. (Strong's Concordance)
• It is here that ...the King of Kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim.6:15) shall ride forth in battle against the nations ...and He shall rule them with a rod of iron... (Rev. 19:15).

Are we ready? Are all of our loved ones in the family of God?

LET IT GROW

What else do we know about the tribe of Issachar?

• Tola, one of the judges, was of this tribe (Judges 10:1).
• Baasha, one of the kings of Israel was of Issachar's tribe (1 Kings 15:27), became the second dynasty (1 Kings 15:27-28) of Israel's eight, through conspiracy killed the evil King Nadab and Jeroboam's family. He reigned 24 years.
• Jezereel, in which Ahab's palace, and near it Naboth's vineyard was found here.
• Shunem, where the good Shunamite, that entertained Elisha lived there.
• The river Kishon, on the banks of which, in this tribe, Sisera was beaten by Deborah and Barak.
• The mountains of Gilboa, on which Saul and Jonathan were slain, were not far from Endor, where Saul consulted the witch.
• The valley of Megiddo, where Josiah was slain, was near Hadad-rummon (2 Kings 23:29; Zech. 12:11).

Are we leaving a legacy of faith in our family? our community?


LET IT GO

Be thankful for what God has given me.

Point others to Jesus in my family and community.

Trust Jesus for the battle at Armageddon is coming.