Be Like the Sons of Issachar

1 Chronicles 12:32

“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.

Sometimes there are some tiny passages in the Bible which are easy to overlook but which can open up a wealth of meaning. One such passage is a little verse in 1 Chronicles 12. In verse 32, we read:

Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.

This verse is part of a section discussing David’s Mighty Men, focusing on their skills in battle. It seems a little different, then, when those from the tribe of Issachar are labeled as those who “know what Israel ought to do”. However, this is surely a very important attribute in battle – and especially in spiritual battle. The reason they knew what to do was because they “had understanding of the times”.

I would suggest that this verse has application to an apologetics ministry like this. We are to apply the truths of creation and Genesis, and in order to do so, we need to have understanding of the times.

In these Creation Moments broadcasts, we often relate our teaching to the society that we live in. To do this, we must understand the times. To understand the times, we need to read, to watch, and, most especially, to pray. Let’s be like those sons of Issachar in our apologetic work and become mighty men and women for Great David’s Greater Son as we proclaim His truth.

Author: Paul F. Taylor

 We want to be effectual witnesses, Lord God. Help us to proclaim Your truth with boldness by understanding the times we live in and speaking into those circumstances the truth of God’s word. Amen.

Ref: Teaching People to Understand the Times, < https://answersingenesis.org/ministry-news/core-ministry/teaching-people-to-understand-the-times/ >, accessed 9/30/2018. Image: Adobe Stock images, licensed to author.