12 18 25 – More Than a Donkey

Over the past week I have had multiple conversations regarding the Messiah Yeshua and related themes. This morning, I want to connect some of the individual puzzle pieces to encourage you with the identity of our Messiah and your victorious walk during these dark days of battle.

The prophecies of Judah ("praise") and Issachar ("reward") center around the behavior of a donkey (Gen. 49:11, 14)—very strange, isn't it?

Binding his foal unto the vine, and his ass's colt unto the choice vine; he washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes.
(Gen. 49:11)

Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens.
(Gen. 49:14)

The two blessings from Jacob are linked together. Both are described as crouching down: Judah as a lion and a royal warrior, and Issachar as a donkey between the sheepfolds—a prophet-shepherd. Issachar lies down to guard the two sheepfolds: those sheep that were present and those not there (John 10:14–16), all becoming one (Jer. 31:31–34; Ezek. 37; Rom. 11:14–26).

Ironically, donkeys have a natural affinity to protect other forms of livestock against all types of predators. Judah and Issachar form a paradox concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. Rulership through Judah is the reward of humility, service, and patience—the spirit of prophecy. Nice guys only finish last in Satan's kingdom!

Do you remember the story of the lost herd of female donkeys that young Saul searched for (1 Sam. 9:3–20)? After they were found, Samuel anointed Saul as king of Israel and told him to go to the school of the prophets. Three men going to worship at Beit El ("house of God") met Saul and gave him two round loaves (keekar) of bread. He continued on to meet the prophets, who greeted him with singing and musical instruments, and Saul began to prophesy under the influence of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) (1 Sam. 9:3–26). The text goes on to tell us that Saul was "changed into another man" with a "changed heart" (1 Sam. 10:6).

How did that happen? He went from shy, Mr. Congeniality to a war general and superhero overnight. What a difference humble obedience to and care for the estate of his father will make. Definitely burdensome work with delayed reward. It wasn't easy, but it led to the anointing, two round loaves (keekar) of bread, and a joyful song!

Issachar's blessing was to be a donkey: to serve, to bow, protect the sheep, and perform hard work. Yet his very name implies that he will be rewarded for his mundane blessing. To serve one another is a blessing, and it is the spirit of prophecy because those who serve are doing the deeds of Yeshua. This steady, patient service is necessary in the assemblies because it was the tribe of Issachar who was faithful in times of war. The donkey is also the warrior who washes his robes in the blood of grapes—a metaphor for war in the Prophets.

Judge Deborah and Barak's fight against the iron chariots of Sisera was not fought with pride, but humility. Deborah did not fight back with horses of pride; instead, she saddled her donkey and fought back with strong-boned donkeys: the humble but mighty warrior tribe of Issachar (Judg. 5:15; 1 Chron. 12:23–40). Why didn't Dan fight? Were they too preoccupied? Too proud to follow a woman? The list of questions could go on. What we do know is that Issachar exercised Dan's blessing in battle.

Barak ("blazing light") joined forces with Deborah ("word") and Issachar. Deborah's husband's name was Lapidot ("flaming torches")—to light the way.

It was humility on donkeys that paved the way to defeat the war horses of the Canaanites (Job 39:19–25). Deborah's name means "bee," and the root of her name is Davar, or "Word" (John 1:1). Samson made a riddle for his enemies with honey. Like the Word, a bee pollinates and makes fruit possible; also like the bee, the Word can bring forth a sting of death to the disobedient, like Sisera.

Because of Issachar's humility and devotion to the flock and the Word, they had the ability to understand the times and seasons (1 Chron. 12:32). They had the ability to endure and not get worn out with the routine of their calling—a great warning to all of us for the last days (Dan. 7:23–27).

Can you link Hanukkah themes with these beasts of burden? Do you see a game plan for how to live victoriously in the battle? I pray your donkey does not get lost in the challenges of life (Ex. 23:4–5)! Even a donkey gets to enjoy the Sabbath (Ex. 23:12), as well as the privilege of carrying the Messiah—the living Word (Dabar)—humbly for His triumphal entry.

Happy season of dedication—Hanukkah!

Shalom,
Alan

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