The Sons Of Issachar
After the death of King Saul, Ish-bosheth, his son, was made king by all but one tribe of Israel. Judah, however, recognized David as their king and he set up his residence in Hebron. Even before the death of King Saul, David had been anointed king by the prophet Samuel. David received a prophetic word for his destiny as king over all Israel, was an anointed worshipper and the Holy Spirit worked through him, yet he did not have the support of the government. For seven years, David reigned in Hebron, while Ish-bosheth ruled in Jerusalem. Upon his death, all of Israel, tribe by tribe, person by person, had to decide whether to follow the house of David or the house of Saul. I am sure this was not an easy time for the nation as many had to let go of their former loyalties and allegiances to accept David as their king.
In I Chronicles, chapter 11, David enters Jerusalem and the tribes gather together to receive him as their king. The leaders of each tribe, along with their mighty men, presented themselves, one by one, to David. They said these words: “We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers! For your God helps you.” (12.18) As they came before the king, one tribe stands out, and that was the tribe of Issachar. In chapter 12, verse 32, it says: “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, fairly insignificant tribe, has much to teach us today. First, they understood the times. They had prophetic insight into what God was doing and were ready to make the changes necessary to flow with God’s purposes. In the time of the judges, it was Issachar that aligned with Deborah to fight against the Canaanites. I am sure it was difficult to submit to the leadership of a woman, especially in the culture of that day, yet it was the tribe of Issachar that recognized what God was doing through this mighty woman of God. The Lord needs people today who will look beyond their reason, culture and their past to see His intention and purpose.
The sons of Issachar were also noted as a people who knew what to do. They did not just know truth, but had the wisdom to know how to apply truth for the benefit of the whole nation. This characteristic was so needed in the establishment of David’s kingdom. These men would stand by David to help in the consolidation of a wounded and divided nation. They recognized God’s choice and added their gifts and callings to aid in the integration of the tribes under David’s authority.
Another noted quality of the sons of Issachar was that fact that they were united under their chiefs. The Bible says that all Issachar’s kinsmen were under their command. (I Chron. 12.32) Being aligned under authority brings sustained unity. It is easy to lead a people when all are listening to one voice. With a prophetic vision and practical wisdom, this tribe was able to walk together as one and serve the king, without dissension.
These sons of Issachar hold a special place in the history of Israel, and provide an example for all of us throughout the ages. It is so necessary to understand the times, to know what to do and to be in unity under God’s ordained authority.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I Chron. 12.32; Daniel 2.21-23; Judges 5.15; I Cor. 2.8-12; Luke 7.1-10