1 Chronicles 12 32

1 Chronicles 12:32 kjv

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.

1 Chronicles 12:32 nkjv

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 niv

from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do?200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command;

1 Chronicles 12:32 esv

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.

1 Chronicles 12:32 nlt

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

1 Chronicles 12 verses

1 Chronicles 12 32 Meaning

First Chronicles 12:32 highlights the distinguished characteristic of the men of Issachar who joined David at Hebron. They possessed a profound understanding of the times, discerning Israel's necessary course of action. This discerning wisdom allowed them to provide proper guidance to their brethren, ensuring unity and effective strategy. Their brothers respected their insight and followed their counsel.

1 Chronicles 12 32 Context

First Chronicles chapter 12 details the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag, Hebron, and other locations, showing their growing allegiance as David transitioned from a fugitive to king of all Israel. This chapter is a roster of those who "came to David to help him in battle" (v.1). These were not ordinary soldiers, but valiant men, described by their prowess and dedication. The verses leading up to verse 32 describe the contingents from other tribes, highlighting their various strengths—skill with weapons, swiftness, undivided loyalty, and readiness for battle. Verse 32 specifically mentions Issachar within the larger narrative of tribal allegiances solidifying around David at a pivotal moment in Israel's history – the transition of kingship from Saul's line to David's. The people of Issachar were not necessarily renowned for their martial prowess like some other tribes listed but for a distinct intellectual and spiritual strength critical for nation-building and strategic leadership. The wider context of 1 Chronicles emphasizes God's sovereign plan for the Davidic dynasty and the unification of Israel, highlighting the diverse contributions required for divine purposes.

1 Chronicles 12 32 Word analysis

• Of Issachar: (Hebrew: Yissachar - יששכר). This tribe, stemming from Jacob's fifth son with Leah, is often associated with the land's bounty and scholarly pursuits. While prophecies (Gen 49:14-15; Deut 33:18-19) describe them as hardworking and perhaps agricultural, this verse uniquely portrays them with exceptional intellectual and spiritual insight, a divergence from prior descriptions which indicates a special grace or development within the tribe.
• men who had understanding: (Hebrew: bîněy Issākhār yodəʿê bîna - בני יששכר יודעי בינה). Bina (בינה) denotes intelligence, insight, discernment, and prudence. It implies a deep capacity for grasping the essence of a situation, distinguishing between right and wrong, and comprehending cause and effect. It's more than just knowledge; it's the ability to apply knowledge wisely. This suggests not mere factual knowledge but spiritual and practical wisdom for decision-making.
• of the times: (Hebrew: lāʿiṭtîm - לעתים). Ittim (עתים) means "times" or "seasons," but it carries a significant nuance of specific, appointed, or appropriate times, often related to God's providence or divine purpose. It signifies an awareness of kairos (the opportune or "God's timing") rather than mere chronos (linear time). It implies a discerning understanding of current events, trends, and the political/spiritual climate in relation to God's will and plan for His people.
• to know what Israel ought to do: (Hebrew: lā-daʿat maḥ-yiśrāʾēl yaʿaśe - לדעת מה ישראל יעשה). Lada'at (לדעת) means "to know" in a comprehensive sense, encompassing experiential knowledge and practical understanding. Ya'ase (יעשה) "ought to do" or "should do," suggests a clear moral and strategic imperative. Their understanding wasn't theoretical but profoundly practical, leading to actionable wisdom that guided national policy and decision-making for the whole nation.
• their chiefs were two hundred: This implies a core leadership group from the tribe that collectively possessed this insight. While only 200 are specified as "chiefs," it hints that these men represented and influenced the entire tribe, perhaps signifying the extent of the tribe's unity and wisdom.
• all their kinsmen were at their command: (Hebrew: wĕḵol-’aḥêhem ʿal-pîhem - וכל אחיהם על פיהם). Al-pihem literally means "at their mouth" or "by their word," signifying obedience and respect. This highlights the trust and authority these wise men held among their own people. It underscores the practical impact of their discernment; their wisdom was not merely recognized but acted upon, leading to unified action.

1 Chronicles 12 32 Bonus section

The Hebrew word for "understanding" (bina) is related to the verb bin (to understand), which can also mean "to separate," "to distinguish," or "to discern." This implies a faculty for sharp, analytical thought, capable of differentiating between various factors and implications to arrive at a clear perception. This ability to separate and distinguish allowed them to see not just what was happening, but what was significant in light of God's plans.

The specific reference to "times" (ittim) hints at a cyclical or divinely ordained sequence, not just arbitrary periods. This aligns with biblical wisdom literature (like Ecclesiastes 3), which emphasizes that there is an opportune time for everything under heaven. The Issacharites possessed a unique spiritual intelligence to perceive these divine opportunities and seasons. Some interpretations suggest that because of their focus on study and perhaps calendrical calculations (a skill traditionally associated with some ancient priestly/wise figures, though not explicitly linked here to Issachar elsewhere), they may have been exceptionally attuned to prophetic timings or historical patterns from God's covenant dealings. Their insight served as a strategic compass, aligning Israel's political and military efforts with God's unfolding will for David and the kingdom.

1 Chronicles 12 32 Commentary

First Chronicles 12:32 paints a portrait of ideal spiritual and political leadership through the tribe of Issachar. Their distinctiveness lies not in physical strength or martial prowess, but in their intellectual and spiritual sagacity—"understanding of the times." This refers to their capacity to perceive God's working in history and in the present, discerning the divinely appointed moments and what action was consequently required of God's people. This "understanding of the times" transcended mere observation of current events; it involved interpreting events through a divine lens, much like prophets interpreted God's messages. It was wisdom rooted in spiritual perception and knowledge of God's overarching covenant purposes.

Their wisdom was eminently practical: "to know what Israel ought to do." This discerning insight empowered them to offer clear, effective guidance during a crucial transition—the establishment of David's kingdom. Their counsel prevented disunity and provided direction, ensuring that Israel's actions aligned with God's will. The fact that "all their kinsmen were at their command" speaks volumes about the profound trust placed in them. This trust was born from the reliability and accuracy of their insights, underscoring that true leadership often flows from credible wisdom. In a broader sense, this verse teaches that godly wisdom, particularly the discernment of "the times" and God's leading, is indispensable for effective leadership in any context, guiding believers to act in alignment with God's will amidst changing circumstances.

Practical usage could include:

• Praying for spiritual discernment to understand God's will in contemporary events.
• Seeking counsel from mature believers who exhibit biblical wisdom and discernment.
• Applying biblical principles to interpret cultural trends and societal shifts, informing faithful responses.