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… Such was the character ascribed to the children of Issachar, at a remarkably interesting crisis in the circumstances of the nation to which they belonged. The period was that, when, by the death of Saul and his more worthy son in battle, the minds of the Jewish people were divided on the question whether the royalty was to be continued in the family of the departed monarch, or was to be transferred to the hands of the anointed David. The historian enumerates the individuals and the classes who were induced to announce their adherence to the latter; and amongst them are mentioned the persons whose names are recorded in our text. It may be considered as the duty of men, as the subjects of civil government, always to cherish an accurate acquaintance with the characteristics of the times in which they live, in order accurately to fulfil their ordinary duties, and those duties of a more peculiar nature, which the occurrence of seasons of exigency may sometimes impose upon them. We propose — I. TO STATE SOME OF THE CHARACTERISTICS BY WHICH THE PRESENT TIMES APPEAR TO BE PROMINENTLY DISTINGUISHED. 1. Flagrant indulgence of iniquity on the part of ungodly men. 2. A heavy and extended pressure of national distress and perplexity. 3. A wide diffusion of the influence of knowledge and of freedom. 4. Extraordinary and delightful facilities for the dissemination of the gospel of Christ. 5. An awakened and an increasing concern among the people of the Saviour as to the progress and final triumphs of His cause. II. THE DUTIES WHICH THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRESENT TIMES IMPOSE UPON PROFESSING CHRISTIANS. 1. Distinctly and always to recognise the providence of God. 2. To compare all that is apparent with the predictions of Divine truth. 3. To cultivate uncompromising decision in the exemplification of personal religion. 4. Diligently to labour in all the spheres of exertion by which they may advance the gospel of Christ. 5. To engage in fervent and continued prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (James Parsons.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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