Genesis 49:14

14. Issachar is a strong ass

Couching between two burdens.

15. And he saw the resting place that it was good,

And the land that it was pleasant;

And he inclined his shoulder to the load,

And he became a servant unto tribute.

Verse Genesis 49:14. Issachar is a strong ass] חמר גרם chamor garem is properly a strong-limbed ass; couching between two burdens - bearing patiently, as most understand it, the fatigues of agriculture, and submitting to exorbitant taxes rather that exert themselves to drive out the old inhabitants.

The two burdens literally mean the two sacks or panniers, one on each side of the animal's body; and couching down between these refers to the well-known propensity of the ass, whenever wearied or overloaded, to lie down even with its burden on its back.