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;
Parallel translations
- WEB Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their heads were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their command.
- 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.
- BSB From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
- NASB From the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.
- 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Issachar provided 200 leaders who 'understood the times' and knew what Israel ought to do. They represent wise, discerning leadership rather than mere military might.
Overview
The men of Issachar are famously praised for discernment, knowing both the times and the right course of action, with their kinsmen following their lead. Their value lay not in numbers but in wisdom to recognize that the hour for David's kingship had come. This verse commends godly discernment that reads providence rightly and acts accordingly, a virtue prized throughout Scripture.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 12
- Eph 5:17Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
- Esth 1:13Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for it was the king’s custom to consult those who knew law and judgment;
- Luke 12:56–57You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don’t interpret this time?
- Prov 14:8The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
- Isa 33:6There will be stability in your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of Yahweh is your treasure.
- Matt 16:3In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can’t discern the signs of the times!
- Eccl 7:19Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
- Isa 22:12–14In that day, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, called to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to dressing in sackcloth:
- Gen 49:14“Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.
- Prov 24:5A wise man has great power; and a knowledgeable man increases strength;
- Eccl 9:18Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.
- Mic 6:9Yahweh’s voice calls to the city, and wisdom sees your name: “Listen to the rod, and he who appointed it.
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Christ at the center
The genealogies and the everlasting covenant with David trace the single thread of promise running through the generations straight to the Christ in whom the line reaches its goal.
How 1 Chronicles 12:32 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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