Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 12:32
From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Chronicler's running tally of contingencies arriving at Hebron to anoint David king over all Israel (12:1–22). Issachar's entry is distinguished by a qualitative description rather than a bare headcount.
The words — בִינָה (binah) carries the sense of discernment or understanding, and לַעִתִּים (la'ittim) means "of the times"; together they form the clause "understanding of the times," the only trait the text assigns to this group.
The thread — The phrase "knew the times" recurs in Esther 1:13, where the king consults "wise men who knew the times" on a matter of policy. The underlying demand—discern what the moment requires—echoes in Luke 12:56 and Ephesians 5:17.
Why it lands — The text values Issachar not for size but for the capacity to judge what should be done, implying that a community's contribution is measured by its discernment, not merely its numbers.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- Esther 1:13 Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.
- Luke 12:56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time?
- Proverbs 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them.
- Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.
- Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
- Matthew 16:3 and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times.
- Isaiah 22:12 On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth.
- Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the sheepfolds.
- Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.