This is a famous verse. It tells us a little about a relatively unknown tribe of Israel; the tribe of Issachar. Those who came to declare their allegiance to David were enumerated by tribe. Most were described as men dressed out for war, or mighty men of valor, or valiant warriors. But when it came to the men of Issachar it says, “…men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…”
The men of Issachar understood that the time of division and fighting and maneuvering for personal advantage was over. That was what it was like under Saul. Now it was time to bring the nation together in unity under David. It’s time to stop fighting each other and to occupy the land flowing with milk and honey in unity with a common sense of mission and purpose.
I expect the Apostle Paul may have been referring to this trait of the sons of Issachar when he exhorts us Christians in the book of Romans. In 13:11 he says, “…you know the time, that the hour has come for you ?to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” It’s time for us to unite in our common bond with our Savior and live the kingdom life God has called us to. Verse 14 of the same chapter explains. Instead of selfish living it’s time to “…put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
Do you know what time it is?
Chuck
“He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” Titus 2:14