1 Chronicles 12:32

New International Version (NIV)

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

For Meditation

King Saul was dead (1 Chron. 10:4). The men of Judah anointed David as king over the tribe of Judah (2 Sam. 2:4). But now all Israel came to David at Hebron to submit to his God-ordained kingship (1 Chron. 11:1-3). Listing the number of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn over Saul’s kingdom over to him, the Chronicler stopped to make an interesting comment on the delegation from the Tribe of Issachar (12:32).

The men of Issachar had assessed the political condition of the time and understood what God was doing. Not only that. They knew exactly what to do – to be part of God’s agenda and offer their God-given gift of wisdom to help David establish his rule over Israel.

1. How about you? Do you know the times we are in now and the current dispensation in terms of Biblical prophesy?
2. Do you understand what’s happening around you? Do you have a firm grip on current world events and their spiritual implications?
3. Do you understand the eschatological relevance of the increasing number of earthquakes, fires, storms, poverty, and the world-wide imbalances in the distribution of wealth? How about the political tension of our day?
4. Have you thought carefully through the gradual breakdown in morals, social norms, and civility? Do you understand why, in the name of freedom and liberty, every behavior must be accepted, and that if a red flag is raised, the bearer is branded ancient or a religious bigot? Do you understand the sexual revolution sweeping across the world, breakdown of marriages and the family? How about why technology has captured the minds of people to isolate them in the “I and me” culture?
5. Do you know what to do as a child of God in the midst of all these happenings? Are you any wiser because of your relationship with the Lord? Have you been instructed by the word of God? Do you have the courage to stand for the Lord and His righteous kingdom? Are you bringing your children up to know Christ and live for Him? Have you taken time to study Bible prophecy?

I pray you will be like the “men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what to Israel should do” and brought the relatives with them to be part of what was to become an everlasting legacy through Christ Jesus.

May you devote time to study world events and be informed according to Bible prophecy, so you will know how to live in preparation of the coming of the Lord. The fulfillment is upon us, so live wisely.

Shalom