Sons of Issachar

 

Of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; 

-1 Chronicles 12:32 

Sons of Issachar

-Men sage in discernment for the times, critical junctures. (Charles Ellicott)

-They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. (Joseph Benson)

-To know what, not only their own tribe, but all Israel ought to do. (Matthew Poole)

-Men of good experience, who knew at all times what was to be done. (Geneva Study Bible)

-Practical life is the great sphere of wisdom. The text alludes to present necessities. Issachar had "understanding of the times." True wisdom does not lie in comprehending past states of society, so much as in realizing the characteristics and needs of our own days. The text alludes also to action. Historical and scientific and speculative knowledge are all good. But knowledge reduced to practice is wisdom. What Israel ought to do; this was what the wise men of this tribe were competent to decide. We may set aside all the explanations of this passage which represent the men of Issachar as versed in astronomy, chronology, or other studies. There can be no doubt the reference is to political sagacity, military promptness, and practical habits. (J.R. Thomson)

-They were men that had insight, who could see beneath the surface, who could look on beyond the events of the hour - men of sagacity and penetration. Such men are always needed. (W. Clarkson)

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Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, 1 Chronicles 12

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, 1 Chronicles 12

Geneva Study Bible, 1 Chronicles 12

Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible, 1 Chronicles 12

The Pulpit Commentary, 1 Chronicles 12; W. Clarkson and J.R. Thomson