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 12:32KJV
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1 Chronicles 12:32 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:32 mean?

1 Chronicles 12:32 describes the descendants of Issachar as men who had special insight into the times and knew what Israel should do, with two hundred leaders and all their relatives following their direction. This verse highlights their wisdom and leadership during a critical moment for the nation.

The verse is part of a list describing the different groups who joined David at Hebron as he became king. The men from Issachar are singled out not for their military strength, but for their understanding and ability to discern the right course of action for Israel. Their leadership and unity set them apart among the tribes gathered to support David.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 12:32

  • "Understanding" (בִּינָה, binah): This word means insight or discernment, suggesting that the men of Issachar were wise and able to interpret events or situations.
  • "Times" (עֵת, ‘et): This word refers to specific periods or circumstances, indicating that their understanding was not just general wisdom but an ability to grasp what was happening in their era.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada‘): This verb means to know or to perceive, showing that their wisdom led to practical knowledge about what Israel should do.

Why 1 Chronicles 12:32 matters

  • The verse clarifies that not all valuable contributions to Israel were military; wisdom and discernment were just as important as strength.
  • It emphasizes the role of Issachar’s leaders in guiding the nation, showing that leadership can come from understanding and insight, not just authority or numbers.
  • The passage connects to the broader theme of 1 Chronicles 12, which highlights the diverse gifts and strengths different tribes brought to David’s cause, underlining the importance of unity and complementary roles.

Where else these words appear

“understanding” Hebrew H998 · used in 38 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.
  • Job 39:26 Doth the hawk fly by thy wisdom, and stretch her wings toward the south?
  • Proverbs 23:4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.

“Issachar” Hebrew H3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 30:18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
  • Numbers 26:25 These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.
  • 1 Kings 15:27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.