He saw that a resting place was good: resting place refers to the Canaanite area into which Issachar had migrated. Some translate it “country.” See Revised English Bible “settled home.” Anchor Bible restructures to say “when he saw that…” and makes the final two lines a consequence.

So he bowed his shoulder to bear: shoulder may need to be expressed as “neck” or “back” in this expression. The figure is that of the willing donkey lowering its back to be loaded with a heavy burden (by the Canaanites). See Good News Translation.

And became a slave at forced labor: this same expression is used in Josh 16.10. See also Josh 17.13, where it applies to the Canaanites who are forced to work for the Israelites. The line is well expressed by Good News Translation. Translators who are using “you” must make the appropriate adjustments.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .