“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.”
My Notes
What Does 1 Chronicles 12:32 Mean?
The men of Issachar receive one of the most intriguing descriptions in the Bible: they "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." This isn't military prowess or physical strength — it's discernment. They understood the current moment and knew how to respond to it. Two hundred leaders, with all their kinsmen following their direction.
The phrase "understanding of the times" has been interpreted in various ways — some suggest astronomical and calendrical knowledge (knowing seasons and festivals), others political acumen (discerning the right moment to support David), and still others a more general wisdom about reading circumstances. The Chronicler likely intends all of these: the men of Issachar were perceptive people who could read the situation and act wisely.
What's distinctive is the connection between understanding and action: they knew the times in order to know "what Israel ought to do." Their wisdom wasn't academic or theoretical. It was practical — it led to decisions. They didn't just analyze; they advised. Knowledge without action recommendation wasn't considered wisdom in ancient Israel.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Who in your life has 'understanding of the times' — the ability to read a situation and know what to do?
- 2.What's the difference between consuming information about what's happening and actually understanding it? How do you cultivate the deeper kind?
- 3.In your current season, what do you think 'the times' are calling for from you specifically?
- 4.How do you develop the Issachar quality — connecting insight about the moment to clear, practical action?
Devotional
Two hundred men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do. In a list dominated by warriors and their weapons — thousands of fighters, shield-bearers, archers — the men of Issachar are defined by their wisdom. They didn't carry swords. They carried insight.
Every generation needs Issachar people. Not just warriors who fight, or builders who construct, but discerners who can read the moment and say: this is what we should do now. Not what worked last year or what seems obvious or what everyone else is doing — but what this particular moment actually requires.
This kind of wisdom is rare because it requires two things simultaneously: deep understanding and practical clarity. Plenty of people can analyze. Plenty of people can act. Few can do both — read the situation accurately and translate that reading into clear direction. The men of Issachar could.
Are you developing understanding of your times? Not just consuming information — actually discerning what's happening beneath the surface and what it demands of you? And are you connecting that understanding to action? Wisdom that doesn't lead to "what ought we to do" isn't finished yet.
Who are the Issachar voices in your life — the people who can read the moment and give you wise counsel about what to do next?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Men that had understanding of the times - This is best interpreted politically. Compare the marginal reference
Children of Issachar - According to the Targum they were all astronomers and astrologers: "and the sons of Issachar, who…
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting the settlement of David upon the throne, after the death…
which were men] R.V. men (simply).
that had understanding of the times Cp. Est 1:13, "which knew the times." "Times" are…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture