Understanding Our Spiritual Tribe TodayNIHOP

November 2014

1. IT MAKES US UNDERSTAND THE MIND OF GOD CONCERNING THE ORGANIZATION OF A SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY THAT WOULD MANIFEST HIS WILL

2. IT IS AN ACCURATE PICTURE OF HUMAN CONDITION AND GOD’S GRACE(IN THE TWELVE TRIBES WE SEE OURSELVES; OUR DISASTERS AND OUR REDEMPTION)

3. IT HELPS US UNDERSTAND GOD’S PLAN, HIS GIFTINGS AND ANNOINTINGS, AND OUR ROLE AND PLACE IN GOD’S KINGDOM

12 Tribes of Israel in Birth Order: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin

12 Animals named by God (Job 38-39): Lion, Lioness, Raven, Mt. Goat, Doe, Ass, Ox, Ostrich, Stork, Horse, Hawk, Eagle

12 Tribal Gems (Ex. 28:17-20 KJV): Sardius, Topaz, Carbuncle, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, Ligure, Agate, Amethyst, Beryl, Onyx, Jasper

12 Crowns: Anointing Oil, Glory, Honor, Joy, Knowledge, Life, Lovingkindness, Tender Mercies, Beauty, Riches, Righteousness, Royalty (Lev. 21:12, Psalm 8:5, Hebrews 2:9, 1 Thess. 2:19, Prov. 14:18, James 1:12, Psalm 103:4, Isaiah 28:5, Proverbs 14:24, 2 Timothy 4:8, Isaiah 62:3)

12 Gates (Nehemiah 3, 6:16, 2 Chr. 26:9, 27:3): sheep, fish, valley, fountain, dung, water, horse, east, Miphkad, Ephraim, corner, high gate

12 Gates (Ezra 48:31-34):North: Reuben, Judah, Levi; East: Joseph, Benjamin, Dan; South: Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun; West: Gad, Asher, Naphtali

12 Apostles (Mt. 10:2, 2 Cor. 11:5): Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James Ben-Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Canaanite, Judas Iscariot, whom God replaced with Paul (2 Cor. 11:5), though men chose Matthias (Acts 1:26)

12 “Minor” Prophets: Obadiah, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, Zephaniah, Habakkuk, Zechariah, Nahum, Micah, Jonah, Haggai, Amos

12 Men in the Sky: Centaurus (the Despised), Bootes(Coming One), Ophiuchus (Serpent Holder), Hercules (Mighty One), Sagittarius (Archer), Aqaurius (Water Bearer), Cepheus (Crowned King), Orion (Glorious One), Auriga (Shepherd), Perseus (Breaker), Gemini (Two Witnesses).

12 Hebrew Lunar Months (from new moon to new moon beginning in spring) Like flowers and fruit, there is a time for each tribe to blossom.

12 Major Keys of Music: C, C#(Bb), D, D#(Eb), E, F, F#(Gb), G, G#(Ab), A, A#(Bb), B

12 months govern the year

12 hours govern the day; 12 hours govern the night

12 apostles to govern the church

12 gates (to the temple) to the govern the worshippers

12 pillars (in the heavenly temple)

12 TRIBES THAT FORM A NATION, COMMUNITY.THE LESSONS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 12 TRIBES

CORRESPOND TO THE KIND OF SPIRITUAL “TRIBES” IN THE BODY OF CHIRST (CHURCH).

It took four women to produce the 13 children sired by Jacob.

It was Leah who was the most fruitful; producing six sons and Dinah.

Rachel's handmaid, Bilhah, produced Dan and Naphtali.

Leah's handmaid, Zilpah, produced Gad and Asher.

Jacob's first intended, Rachel, was barren all the while those first ten siblings were being born, but following Zebulun's birth she gave birth to her firstborn, Joseph, and afterwards died near Bethlehem giving birth to Benjamin.

LEAH (Jacob's first wife)

1. Reuben (Born first, he inherited the family birthright, but later lost it)2. Simeon3. Levi4. Judah5. Issachar6. Zebulun

7. Dinah

RACHEL (Jacob's second wife, his favorite)

1. Joseph, (Jacob gave him the family birthright after he saved the family)

1. Manasseh2. Ephraim (Inherited the family birthright following Jacob's blessing)

2. Benjamine

BILHAH (Rachel's slave girl)

1. Dan,2. Naphtali

ZILPAH (Leah's slave girl)

1. Gad2. Asher

Final order of The Twelve Tribes of Israel (by birthdate)

01. Reuben02. Simeon03. Judah04. Dan05. Naphtali06. Gad07. Asher08. Issachar09. Zebulun10. Benjamine11. Manasseh12. Ephraim

The order of Jacob's children and grandchildren (listed by date of birth)

01. Reuben (Born first, he inherited the family birthright, but later lost it to Joseph)02. Simeon03. Levi04. Judah05. Dan06. Naphtali07. Gad08. Asher09. Issachar10. Zebulun11. Joseph12. Benjamine

13. Dinah (Girls were not eligible for tribal status)

14. Manasseh15. Ephraim (The birthright passed to him from Joseph through Israel's blessing)

Six of the tribes were charged to stand upon Mount Gerizim -- Mountain of Blessing,

Deut 27:12

Simeon - Levi - Judah - Issachar - Joseph -Benjamin

Six of the tribes were charged to stand upon Mount Ebal -- Mountain of Cursing.

Deut 27:13

Reuben - Gad - Asher - Zebulun - Dan -Naphtali

Tribal Name Meaning Prophetic Blessing (Genesis 48-49)

1. Judah - Praise of God His brethren shall praise; the scepter shall not depart from Judah

2. Reuben - A son seen My first born; you shall not have pre-eminence

3. Gad - A troop or band A troop shall overcome him

4. Asher - Proceeding right His food (bread) shall be rich (fat)

5. Naphtali - My wrestling A hind let loose; gives beautiful words

6. Manasseh - He made to forget; forgetting Grow into a multitude, a great people

7. Simeon - Gracious hearing Instrument of cruelty; dispersed in Jacob,

scattered in Israel

8. Levi - My joining; associated Instrument of cruelty; dispersed in Jacob, scattered in Israel

9. Issachar - He brings reward A strong donkey; a slave at forced labor

10. Zebulun - Dwelling wished for Shall dwell at the seashore; a haven for ships

11. Joseph - He increases A fruitful bough; a crown on the head

12. Benjamin - The son of my right hand A ravenous wolf; devours the prey, divides the spoil

ISSACHAR – 5TH SON of LEAH, NEXT TO JUDAH (fourth child), BUT 9TH in BIRTH ORDER

“ISSACHAR” means “my wages”, :there is recompense” or “my reward”

Genesis 30:18 Leah said, "God has given me my wages, because I have given my maid to my husband." So she called his name Issachar.

The text of the Torah gives two different etymologies for the name of Issachar, which some textual scholars attribute to different sources -one to the Yahwist and the other to the Elohist;[2] the first being that it derives from ish sakar, meaning man of hire, in reference to Leah's hire of Jacob's sexual favours for the price of some mandrakes;[3] (FOCUS ON JACOB – he “paid” Leah for giving him her maid)

the second being that it derives from yesh sakar, meaning there is a reward, in reference to Leah's opinion that the birth of Issachar was a divine reward for giving her handmaid Zilpah to Jacob as a concubine. (FOCUS ON GOD, as in GOD REWARDED LEAH for giving her maid to Jacob)

ISSACHAR – the name, has no spiritual significance except as a form of thanks to God for vindication in the midst of competition for the love and attention of the husband in a polygamous setting

-- THERE IS NOT MUCH RECORD OF ISSACHAR AS A CHILD; HE SEEMS TO BE ANONYMOUS, “JUST THERE”; HE WAS NEITHER “GOOD” OR “BAD”

Dr. Alfred Adler, an Austrian psychoanalyst, first brought the effect of birth order to light. He suggested that birth order has a strong affect on a child’s character. Dr. Adler was a middle child himself.

Middle children often feel left out and invisible, a contrast from their older and younger siblings. While older children get the benefits of all of the “firsts” a child accomplishes, younger children benefit from the emotional impact of being the baby of the family, often being spoiled and coddled. Middle children, however, often feel as though they have nothing

special that is just “theirs.”

They are considered to be neglected, resentful, have no drive, have a negative outlook, feel like they don’t belong—in other words, that they suffer from “Middle Child Syndrome.” A Stanford University study showed that middles are considered the most envious, least bold, and least talkative of all the birth orders.

Middles have lower self-esteem than other birth orders because of their lack of uniqueness and attention at home—but this can actually be a positive as they don’t have huge egos.

Although middles are neglected, both by parents and researchers, they actually benefit from this in the long run. They become more independent, think outside the box, feel less pressure to conform, and are more empathetic. This gives them great skills as employees and also makes them excellent team players and partners.

Middles are often motivated by social causes. And when they do enter into a more traditional business, they are great innovators and team leaders, such as Bill Gates.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MIDDLE CHILD?

They are excellent negotiators, like Anwar Sadat and Michael Gerstner [CEO of Nabisco]. Middles are used to not getting their own way and so they become savvy, skillful manipulators. They can see all sides of a question and are empathetic and judge reactions well. They are more willing to compromise and so they can argue successfully. Since they often have to wait around as kids, they’re more patient.

They are trailblazers, like William Dell. Middles are more likely to effect change than any other birth order. This is because of the combination of risk-taking and openness to experience leads to a willingness to try new things.

One study, for example, showed that 85 percent of middles were open to new ideas like cold fusion compared to only 50 percent of firsts.

And middles are justice-seekers, like Nelson Mandela and Susan B. Anthony. They are focused on fairness; they perceive injustice in their family and are attuned to the needs of others as they grow up. Middles side with the underdog and practice what they preach.

OUTSHONE BY THE “ELDERS”

OVERSHADOWED BY THE NEWEST CONVERTS

THEY SEEM TO JUST PROVIDE “ATTENDANCE” IN SPIRTUAL MEETINGS; QUIET AND ALMOST UNINVOLVED, JUST ‘BEING THERE”.

14 "Issachar is a strong donkey, Lying down between two burdens;

15 He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves.”

IF YOU READ THIS, IT DOES NOT SOUND GOOD; IN FACT, IT SOUNDS KIND OF CONFUSING, IF NOT TROUBLING:

1. DONKEY – beast of burden2. STRONG DONKEY3. COUCHING OR LYING BETWEEN TWO

BURDENS4. “and he saw that REST WAS GOOD;”5. And THE LAND WAS PLEASANT6. HE BOWED HIS SHOULDER TO BEAR7. “and BECAME A SERVANT UNTO TRIBUTE”

(kjv)“AND BECAME A BAND OF SLAVES” (NIV)

There are two passages that help us understand what that means so that we may appreciate the ISSACHAR ANNOINTING:

Deuteronomy 33:

18 And of Zebulun he said: "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, And Issachar in your tents!

19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness; For they shall partake of the abundance of the seas And of treasures hidden in the sand."

ISSACHAR was a TENT MAN:(remember the DOME, THE COVERING)

This implied a LIFEOF PRAYER. Intercessors spent theirtime in the tent praying,Speaking with God.

“THE TENT” – was also called a TENT OF MEETING; where people in the wilderness would pray

MOSES HAD HIS TENT OF MEETING WITH GOD

THE STRONG DONKEY?

The donkey is a burden-bearing animal.

ISSACHAR BEARS THE BURDEN OF THE NATION IN “THE TENT”.

INTERCESSORS ARE BURDEN-BEARERS.

THEY IDENTIFY WITH THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE, CONFESS THEM BEFORE GOD, AND PLEAD FOR HIS MERCY AND SEEK HIS FACE AND DIRECTION.

THE BURDENS OF GOD – the burdens of God over the disobedience of His people

THE BURDENS OF MAN – the burdens of the people as they are being disciplined by God

EXAMPLES:

1. Moses

2. Jeremiah

Other translation puts it “and he saw that his resting place was excellent”. IT IS ONE OF THE MOST FERTILE LANDS OF PALESTINE.

If this is the correct interpretation, it was understandable.

WHY? Look at his place…

HE SAW THAT REST WAS GOOD…

RESTING IN THE LORD, WAITING UPON THE LORD, SPENDING TIME WITH THE LORD

This is REST.

This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15)

Gen. 49:15 He saw that rest was good, And that the land was pleasant; He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, And became a band of slaves.”

THE LAND WAS PLEASANT:

He just received a small BUT FERTILE portion and he was a very grateful man and thanked the Lord for His blessings!

He did not envy his brothers much larger share

HE DECIDES THAT HE WOULD “BOW DOWN TO BEAR A BURDEN” (Gen. 49:15)

HE DECIDED TO BE OF HELP IN ANY HE COULD!

HE DECIDED TO BE AN INTERCESSOR!

HE DECIDED TO PRAY FOR HIS BRETHREN!

AND SO HE DECIDED TO BECOME “A BAND OF SLAVES!”

ANCIENT JEWISH TRADITION: In Exodus, chapter 21 (specifically verse 6) the

rules concerning the keeping of Hebrew servants are laid out for the Lord's people. It states that the term of service is for 6 years, at the end of such time, the servant must be set free. If however, the servant chooses to remain, and stay a servant of their master for life, "then his master shall bring him to God, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him for ever. [Ex 21:6]".

THE PIERCING OF THE EARS MEANS THAT THE SERVANT IS COMMITTED TO HEARING HIS MASTER’S VOICE ONLY, TO OBEYING HIS VOICE, THAT HIS LIFE IS COMPLETELY DEVOTED TO WHAT HIS MASTER WOULD SAY.

THIS IS THE LIFE OF THE PROPHET!!

ISSACHAR IN OTHER WORDS “UNKNOWINGLY” COMMITTED TO THE PROPHETIC LIFESTYLE!!

1Chronciles 12:32 “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.”

(KJV)

LOOK AT THE POSITIONING OF THE TRIBES AROUND THE TABERNACLE:

1. JUDAH 2. ISSACHAR 3. AND ZEBULUN

NOTICE THEIR THREE ANOINTINGS:1. Judah is BOLDNESS, PASSION FOR GOD,

PRAISE and LEADERSHIP (best symbol: DAVID)

2. Issachar is LISTENING TO GOD, PRAYER, INTERCESSION, PROPHETIC

3. Zebulun is the BUSINESS ANOINTING (RESOURCES), SUPPLIES, ADMINISTRATION

ZEBULUN is behind Asher and Manasseh, THE PORT (COASTAL) ALLOTMENTS.

ZEBULUN IS A STORE OR SUPPLY TRIBE, AND SAFE FROM MARAUDERS.

NOTICE: SUPPLIES IS NEAR PROPHETIC. PROVISION FOLLOWS VISION. Provision supports the vision given.

We look at JUDAH:

JUDAH has BOTH HEBRON AND JERUSALEM, the two capitals of Israel.

It is FRONTED (protected) by the VERY FIERCE TRIBE OF SIMEON, which has the warrior anointing.

We look at ISSACHAR:

IT IS THE MOST SECURE ALLOTMENT, THE MOST “SECRET”, THE “MOST SURROUNDED”, AND THE SMALLEST.

GEOGRAPHICALLY (PHYSICALLY), IT IS NOT A “FRONT-LINE” TRIBE.

ISSACHAR IS THE “SECRET PLACE”.

The FRONT is the EAST

15 And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; As Issachar, SO WAS BARAK SENT INTO THE VALLEY UNDER HIS COMMAND; (note: BARAK WAS THE ARMY COMANDER GUIDED BY THE MEN OF ISSACHAR)

Among the divisions of Reuben There were great resolves (searchng) of heart.

16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the pipings for the flocks? The divisions of Reuben have great searchings of heart.

17 Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan, And why did Dan remain on ships? Asher continued at the seashore, And stayed by his inlets.

18 Zebulun is a people who jeopardized their lives to the point of death, Naphtali also, on the heights of the battlefield.

19 "The kings came and fought, Then the kings of Canaan fought In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo; They took no spoils of silver.

20 They fought from the heavens; The stars from their courses fought against Sisera. (NOTE: THERE WERE THE ANGELIC FORCES)

SOME JOIN IN THE FIGHT

OTHERS STAY, have no participation

SOME ARE QUICK TO JOIN THE UNITY MOVEMENT OF THE WHOLE BODY OF CHRIST

OTHERS WANT THEIR OWN THING, THEIR OWN CHURCHES, THEIR OWN PROGRAM

(warning: study what happened to the tribe of Ephraim and Dan…)

38 All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king.

39 And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them.

40 Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as ISSACHAR AND ZEBULUN and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen-provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil and oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel.

1. Springs from a GRATEFUL HEART – his allotment was the smallest but he said “the land was pleasant” (Genesis 49:15a)

2. Is INTIMACY WITH GOD – “he saw that REST WAS GOOD” (Gen. 49:15b)

3. Is WILLINGNESS TO BEAR A BURDEN – “is a strong donkey” (Gen. 49:14)

4. Is an INTERCESSOR , BURDEN-BEARER ANOINTING – “couches between TWO BURDENS”

5. Is a PROPHET’S ANOINTING – “willingly became a band of slaves” – his ears PIERCED to become COMMITTED TO LISTENING TO GOD

1. JUDAH – is PRAISE, PASSION FOR GOD, BOLDNESS AND LEADERSHIP, ANOINTING

2. ISSACHAR – is LISTENING TO GOD, SPENDING TIME WITH GOD, UNDERSTANDING THE HEART OF GOD, UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS;INTERCESSORY PROPHETIC ANOINTING

3. ZEBULUN – IS SUPPLIES;BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ANOINTING

DEUTERENOMY 33: 18 And of Zebulun he said: "Rejoice, Zebulun,

in your going out, And ISSACHAR IN YOUR TENTS!

19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain; There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness (OR RIGHT SACRIFICES); For they shall PARTAKE OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE SEAS AND OF TREASURES HIDDEN IN THE SAND."

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL BLESSINGS ARE PROMISED TO THE ISSACHARS!!!

1. SOME ARE CALLED TO FRONT-LINE LEADERSHIP TASKS IN A LIFESTYLE OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP AND BOLDNESS (JUDAH)

2. OTHERS ARE CALLED TO BACK THEM UP IN THE SECRET PLACE OF INTERCESSION (ISSACHAR)

3. STILL OTHERS ARE CALLED UPON TO HELP PROVIDE THE LOGISTICS AND THE MEANS FOR GOD’S TROOPS TO BE ABLE TO MOVE (ZEBULUN)

Example:

We may begin like Reuben, Simeon, Gad, or Levi before they were “redeemed”.

Then we began to be like Judah – praise and worship.

Then like Levi – studying and teaching the Word.

Then like Issachar – learning to listen to the Lord.

WE GO FROM GLORY TO GLORY

BETTER TO BEST

It is possible to imbibe the best anointing if we desire them, after all, they are all gifts of the Holy Spirit

I Cor. 12 – EAGERLY DESIRE THE GREATER GIFTS

RIGHT NOW, THE CRYING NEED OF THE CHURCH IS FOR THE SONS and DAUGHTERS OF ISSACHAR, “WHO UNDERSTAND THE TIMES AND KNEW WHAT ISRAEL SHOULD DO…”

Issachar – a mild brother, stood by and did nothing when his elder brothers plotted to kill Joseph;

When Judah saved Joseph from death in the hands of his brother Joseph, Issachar also said nothing.

During the exodus stories, and the Egypt incidents, Issachar also had no comment on the tug of war for Benjamin’s presence.

He seemed to be just a quiet mild-mannered man. (MIDDLE CHILD SYNDROME?)

HE LONGED TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD, TO KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS;

HE WANTED TO STAY IN HIS TENTS TO SEEK GOD AND UNDERSTAND HIS WAYS

So he became the PROPHETIC, INTERCESSORY, BURDEN-BEARING TRIBE

AND HE REAPED A MATERIAL BLESSING AS WELL!!!

MATT. 6: 33 “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, AND ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE ADDED UNTO YOU.”

1. Springs from a GRATEFUL HEART – his allotment was the smallest but he said “the land was pleasant” (Genesis 49:15a)

2. Is INTIMACY WITH GOD – “he saw that REST WAS GOOD” (Gen. 49:15b)

3. Is WILLINGNESS TO BEAR A BURDEN – “is a strong donkey” (Gen. 49:14)

4. Is an INTERCESSOR , BURDEN-BEARER ANOINTING – “couches between TWO BURDENS”

5. Is a PROPHET’S ANOINTING – “willingly became a band of slaves” – his ears PIERCED to become COMMITTED TO LISTENING TO GOD

THE ARMY OF THE LORD CANNOT MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT THE ISSACHARS!!!

WE NEED LISTENERS OF GOD!!

THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND THE TIMES AND TELL THE BODY OF CHRIST HOW TO MOVE!!

Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;This is my heart-cry day unto day;I long to know Thy will and Thy way;Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray.

Chorus:Living in Thee, Lord, and Thou in me,Constant abiding, this is my plea;Grant me Thy power, boundless and free,Power with men and power with Thee.

Power in prayer, Lord, power in prayer!Here 'mid earth's sin and sorrow and care,Men lost and dying, souls in despair;O give me power, power in prayer!

My weakened will, Lord, Thou canst renew;My sinful nature Thou canst subdue;Fill me just now with power anew;Power to pray and power to do!

Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray;Thou art my pattern day unto day;Thou art my surety, now and for aye;Teach me to pray, Lord, teach me to pray