Review: ‘Issachar Eyes' by Molly Ashton (compiler) 2025 

'A rallying call for ordinary Christians to prepare the next generation for extraordinary times’

Hot off the press, this compilation of essays truly constitutes a unique and pertinent study – indeed, I know of nothing quite like it. The purpose of the work is, as described in the Introduction, “how we can all watch and pray and not miss the significance of the times in which we are living; a help for preparing the next generation for what we perceive are some stormy seas ahead.”

Understanding the times

The ‘stormy seas’ predicted stem from the alarm jointly expressed by the book’s dozen or so authors at the exponential pace of change of Western society on many levels, affecting issues of enormous concern to Christians, such as marriage; the family; sanctity of life for the unborn child, the vulnerable and the elderly; freedom of speech, and the liberty to share our faith in the public space.

As many Prophecy Today readers will be well aware, the men of the biblical tribe of Issachar were renowned for their understanding of the times and their wisdom regarding how Israel should respond (1 Chron 12:32). Hence the title of this study, and the need to see the world through ‘Issachar eyes’.

The various topics discussed are diverse and intriguing – each chapter written with passion and expertise. Though each is penned by a different author, they merge together as a seamless whole. This is in no small part thanks to Molly Ashton – home-educating mother, author, blogger and podcaster – who not only compiled ‘Issachar Eyes’, she also wrote the valuable Introduction and Conclusion, along with one of the main chapters (‘Home: Houses of prayer, schools of discipleship and havens of hospitality’).

Chapter themes

The book proper begins with a chapter from the late Monica Hill, who sadly passed away before seeing the volume completed, and to whom the study is dedicated. Monica carefully unpacks the six Old Testament references to Issachar, the ninth child of Jacob. (These are found in Genesis 30:9-21, 49:14-15; Deuteronomy 33:18-19; 1 Chronicles 12:32; Joshua 19:17-23 and Judges 5:15.)

The various topics discussed are diverse and intriguing – each chapter written with passion and expertise. 

Next, the Rev Dr Campbell Campbell-Jack offers some valuable insights into the history of persecution of Christians globally; his section on the ‘polite persecution’ increasingly faced by Christians in the West (mainly by way of discrimination and opposition) is particularly applicable to this study.

Steve Beegoo, Head of Education at Christian Concern and CEO of the Christian Schools’ Trust, provides the biblical case for the ‘Christian education’ of children. Concerned that threats to traditional Christian gatherings are growing apace, former Prophecy Today managing editor Frances Robinson (Rabbitts) looks at how families might best raise their children and grandchildren to live fruitful lives for the Lord in a future in which ‘church’ as we have long known it may no longer be possible.

Other subjects tackled by the various authors include:

• Contending with secular culture and the need to instil a Christian worldview in our children;
• How to ‘feast on Scripture’ through Bible memorisation and meditation;
• Preparing for the ‘dark days’ ahead while continuing to trust in God.

Common threads

• The importance of standing on God’s Word;
• The importance of grounding our children in a biblical worldview;
• The essence of our children acquiring a personal relationship with the Lord;
• The need of a strong community spirit;
• The importance of our homes in the discipleship of our children.

The book is full of encouragement – the authors clearly well aware that “Christ is the captain of our ship, as well as Lord of the storm, and Sovereign over the earth” 

Four helpful appendices conclude this most useful of studies.

Remarkable and relevant

Despite the book looking ahead to “potential challenges and hostilities as yet unknown”, this, somehow, is not depressing reading. The book, rather, is full of encouragement – the authors clearly well aware that “Christ is the captain of our ship, as well as Lord of the storm, and Sovereign over the earth” (p. 14).

Well written and thoughtfully compiled, ‘Issachar Eyes’ is a remarkable work, and unquestionably, of enormous relevance to the heady times in which we live and which are only likely to increase. For this and a number of other reasons – many outlined above – I highly commend it.

‘Issachar Eyes’ (194 pages) is published by Crea8ion Studios Ltd and is available via the Issachar Eyes website for £13.00 (including p&p).