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1 Chronicles 12:32

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Chronicles 12:32 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And of the children of Issachar, 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And of the children of Issachar, 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 12:32 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Chronicles 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
29And of the children of Benjamin, the brethren of Saul, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saul.
30And of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of valor, famous men in their fathers` houses.
31And of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name, to come and make David king.
32And of the children of Issachar, 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.
33Of Zebulun, such as were able to go out in the host, that could set the battle in array, with all manner of instruments of war, fifty thousand, and that could order [the battle array, and were] not of double heart.
34And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand.
35And of the Danites that could set the battle in array, twenty and eight thousand and six hundred.
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“children of Issachar, . . . that had understanding of the times, &c.--Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military, and had declared for David.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Men that had understanding of the times - This is best interpreted politically. Compare the marginal reference return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The times - They understood public affairs, the temper of the nation, and the tendencies of the present events. And they shewed their wisdom at this time; for as they had adhered to Saul while he lived, as knowing the time was not yet come for David to take possession of the kingdom: and as they could not join David, while Abner lived, and had the command of the other tribes wherewith they were encompassed, so as soon as he was dead, and they had opportunity to declare themselves, they owned David for their king. 1 Chronicles 12:33”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“understanding of the times: That is, as the following words indicate, intelligent men, who understood the signs of the times, well versed in political affairs, and knew what was proper to be done in all the exigencies of human life; and who now perceived that it was both the duty and political interest of Israel to advance David to the throne. Gen 49:14; Est 1:13; Isa 22:12-14, Isa 33:6; Mic 6:9; Mat 16:3; Luk 12:56, Luk 12:57 to know: Pro 14:8; Eph 5:17 all their: Pro 24:5; Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:18 1 Chronicles 12:33”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification