Issachar, the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, is the progenitor of the tribe of Issachar, which was known for its agricultural richness and strategic importance in the Jezreel Valley, and is symbolized by a donkey, indicating strength and hard work.
Tola, from the tribe of Issachar, judged Israel for twenty-three years following Abimelech’s tumultuous rule, residing in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, as briefly mentioned in Judges 10:1-2.
Shamgar, the third judge of Israel, delivered the nation from the Philistines by killing 600 of them with an ox goad, showcasing God’s ability to achieve great victories through seemingly ordinary means.
Philip the Evangelist, guided by an angel, encountered an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah on a desert road, explained the scripture’s significance regarding Jesus Christ, and baptized the eunuch, leading to his conversion and joy.
The Southern Kingdom of Judah, formed after the division of the united monarchy, was centered in Jerusalem and ruled by the descendants of David, experiencing periods of reform and decline before its conquest by Babylon in 586 BC.
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, and David’s grandson, was the first king of the Kingdom of Judah whose harsh policies led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel, resulting in continual conflicts and invasions during his reign.
Shechem, an ancient city in Samaria, holds significant biblical importance as a site of God’s promise to Abram, a place of covenant renewal under Joshua, and the location of Jacob’s Well, pivotal in Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman.
Theophilus, whose name means “Friend of God,” is the recipient of the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles, with Luke’s intent being to provide an orderly account to assure Theophilus of the teachings he has received, though his exact identity remains speculative.
Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, is renowned as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and King David, playing a crucial role in biblical history and Christian theology.
Zipporah, the Midianite wife of Moses and daughter of Jethro, played a significant role in Moses’ life, particularly noted for her quick action in circumcising their son to save Moses from God’s wrath, and later reuniting with him during the Exodus.