I Chronicles 12:32/33

[keng]

This verse is about the sons of yisshacHar who have knowledge of the times. Does the Hebrew in the verse say anything about the knowledge of letters and/or numbers as the source of this knowledge? My Hebrew is not good enough to translate. Thank you.

 

[Sephania]

Are you using this interpretation/

"...the children of Issachar, which were men of knowledge and understanding of (the value) the letters to tell the times to know what Israel ought to do."

It is believed that Rashi grandson defined Issachar as one who studied Torah ( Midrash Rabba 99:16), so it would stand to reason that he passed this down as a heritage to his children.

It is also known that Rmbm has written that the tribe of Issachar wrote books on astronomy and mathematics.

Is this what you are researching?

 

[Sephania]

Don't know if this will help you any but here is a site that has a copy of the testament of Issachar http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-08/anf08-09.htm#P496_104184

 

[keng]

The testament of Issachar is interesting, I have some material from this organization, but the translation posted by Zayit is exactly what I am after. I have a Tanak in Hebrew and I do not see the words that would result in this translation but my knowledge of Hebrew is not what I would like for it to be. Is this a resonable translation of the Hebrew? Thanks

 

[debi b]

~hyP l[ ~hyxa lkw ~ytam ~hyvar larfy hf[y hm t[dl ~yT[l hnyb y[dAy rkfFy ynbmw

And from (the) sons (of) - Yissacar - ones knowing - understanding/insight for the times -, cantillation zaqef qaton, very strong disjunctive mark

for the knowledge - what - he will/should do - Yisrael -, cantillation atnach, breaks sentence in two parts if you will

heads/leaders of them - two hundred - and all - brothers of them-, on/upon -word of them.

Tried to keep it real literal. Does that help?

 

[debi b]

Does the Hebrew in the verse say anything about the knowledge of letters and/or numbers as the source of this knowledge? My Hebrew is not good enough to translate.

Sounds like it is better than you think it is since you picked up on it

 

[keng]

Thank you, very much (toda raba)