1 Chronicles 7:5

Matthew Henry on 1 Chronicles 7:1-19

We have here a short view given us, I. Of the tribe of Issachar, whom Jacob had compared to a strong ass, couching between two burdens (Gen 49:14), an industrious tribe, that minded their country business very closely and rejoiced in their tents, Deu 33:18. And here it appears, 1. That they were a numerous tribe; for they had many wives. So fruitful their country was that they saw no danger of over-stocking the pasture, and so ingenious the people were that they could find work for all hands. Let no people complain of their numbers, provided they suffer none to be idle. 2. That they were a valiant tribe, men of might (Ch1 7:2, Ch1 7:5), chief men, Ch1 7:3. Those that were inured to labour an…

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Chronicles 7:5

fourscore and seven thousand--exclusive of the 58,600 men which the Tola branch had produced (Ch1 7:24), so that in the days of David the tribe would have contained a population of 45,600. This large increase was owing to the practice of polygamy, as well as the fruitfulness of the women. A plurality of wives, though tolerated among the Hebrews, was confined chiefly to the great and wealthy; but it seems to have been generally esteemed a privilege by the tribe of Issachar, "for they had many wives and sons" [Ch1 7:4].

Adam Clarke on 1 Chronicles 7:3

The sons of Izrahiah - five - There are, however, only four names in the text. Instead of five, the Syriac and Arabic read four. If five be the true reading, then Izrahiah must be reckoned with his four sons.

John Gill on 1 Chronicles 7:5

And their brethren among all the families of Issachar,.... As those of Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, 1 Chronicles 7:1. were men of might; valiant and courageous: reckoned in all, by their genealogies, fourscore and seven thousand; that is, including with these those of Tola and Uzzi before given.

Keil & Delitzsch