Why Issachar's Wagons and Torah Wisdom Won the Second Day

Another interpretation: "And it came to pass on the day that Moses finished erecting the Tabernacle, and he anointed them, etc." (Numbers 7:1). When he anointed it, he went back and anointed its vessels, "and the princes of Israel brought offerings." They said: Behold, this is the hour that we should offer sacrifices in joy, for the Shekhinah has come to rest among them. And when they saw that the Tabernacle had been made and that nothing at all was [lacking] for them in it, they said: What is there for us to bring? They went and brought wagons, so that they might carry the Tabernacle upon them. And who gave them this counsel? The tribe of Issachar, who were wise and mighty in Torah, as it is said, "And of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times" (I Chronicles 12:32). Therefore they merited to offer on the second day, as it is said, "On the second day Nethanel ben Zuar, prince of Issachar, offered" (Numbers 7:18). Why is it that of all the princes it says "his offering," but here it says "he offered his offering" (ibid. 7:19)? For he offered by the word [of God]. For the other tribes, who were greater than he, sought to offer [first], but Heaven decided against them, and the tribe of Issachar was commanded to draw near with the offering of the altar and to offer his offering. Know for yourself that so it is written, "he offered" lacking a yod, for he had been far off and was brought near to come. And why all this? Because they were knowledgeable in Torah, as it is said, "And of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times [etc.], and all their kinsmen were at their command" (I Chronicles 12:32) — to teach you that they all affirm the halakhah by their word.