This chapter relates to the time of David's struggle against King Saul, at which time the various tribes & others dedicated themselves to David to fight against Saul.
Of the Tribe of Issachar, we read that the two hundred chiefs of Issachar who were faithful to David, are described as those who "understood the times & knew what Israel should do". There are various interpretations to this. 1. these men were politically knowledgeable knowing how to discern & use current events to their advantage. 2. that they were known for their understanding of astronomy & physical science. 3. as men of wisdom, prudence & religious scholarship, they knew that the time had come for David to take over kingship.
It is my opinion that given the background of these remarks about the chiefs of Issachar, it seems likely that their skills in understanding the political situation, with the resources of armed men available to David & knowledge of the Scriptures, these chiefs were able to offer guidance to David concerning the next steps that he should take. One of the first matters of discussion was the returning of the Ark of God, for which Issachar may have taken a lead role.
For us today, as Christians we have the Spirit of Christ in us to give us wisdom & guidance in matters of life, both physical & spiritual. When we read & study God's Word as well, we understand what the Mind & Will of God is. Using this knowledge & help, we are expected to keep abreast with what is going on around us, discerning the times we live in thus being careful in our lives & offer guidance to those without knowledge & seeking. Issachar was ready to advise David - we too should be full of God's Word, ready to share the Truth to others in light of the world's events. Jesus spoke of this in Luke 12:54-57, about those who could accurately forecast the weather, but their knowledge didn't extend to a proper understanding of the Scriptures/Prophets about the coming Messiah.
Of the Tribe of Issachar, we read that the two hundred chiefs of Issachar who were faithful to David, are described as those who "understood the times & knew what Israel should do". There are various interpretations to this. 1. these men were politically knowledgeable knowing how to discern & use current events to their advantage. 2. that they were known for their understanding of astronomy & physical science. 3. as men of wisdom, prudence & religious scholarship, they knew that the time had come for David to take over kingship.
It is my opinion that given the background of these remarks about the chiefs of Issachar, it seems likely that their skills in understanding the political situation, with the resources of armed men available to David & knowledge of the Scriptures, these chiefs were able to offer guidance to David concerning the next steps that he should take. One of the first matters of discussion was the returning of the Ark of God, for which Issachar may have taken a lead role.
For us today, as Christians we have the Spirit of Christ in us to give us wisdom & guidance in matters of life, both physical & spiritual. When we read & study God's Word as well, we understand what the Mind & Will of God is. Using this knowledge & help, we are expected to keep abreast with what is going on around us, discerning the times we live in thus being careful in our lives & offer guidance to those without knowledge & seeking. Issachar was ready to advise David - we too should be full of God's Word, ready to share the Truth to others in light of the world's events. Jesus spoke of this in Luke 12:54-57, about those who could accurately forecast the weather, but their knowledge didn't extend to a proper understanding of the Scriptures/Prophets about the coming Messiah.
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