1 Chronicles 12 is a list of the men from the 12 tribes of Israel who supported David as king instead of Saul. The total number is about 350,000. In 1 Chronicles 12.32 we read:
“Of the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their kinsmen were at their command.”
What stands out is the character of these 200 chiefs who “understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do”. We know from Scripture that Saul had disobeyed God. His disobedience led to a promise that his kingdom would not endure c.f. 1 Samuel 13.13-14.
David on the other hand was obedient to God and eventually became God’s man for the job. The lesson is obedience. When a ruler is obedient to God, he seeks what is righteous according to the word of God. No man is sinless. But the man and especially the ruler who diligently seeks the wise counsel of God is in line with the will of God.
Recall that Israelite kings were to be intimately acquainted and follow the law of Moses c.f. Deuteronomy 29.23-28, 31.17-18. Those kings who followed the law were blessed. Those kings who did not follow the law were cursed.
Fast forward to today. As Christians, we are not commanded to follow the law of Moses. That was for a different dispensation. But we are to follow the mandates of the NT. In Romans 13.1-7 we see the model of a God honoring government. Those in power who seek the righteous ways of God as laid out in His word will be blessed.
Those men in power today who do not seek the righteous ways of God will at some point face judgment. One only has to look at the policies of the current US administration and see the rampant evil. Those men in power who openly practice, promote, and make policy that which is against the Word of God are literally playing with the fire of the judgment of God.
So, what of the men of Issachar? I for one will be one of those men. I seek to “understand the times” and support those candidates that strive to honor God. As the saying goes, elections have consequences.
As far as the big picture, all I can do is cast one vote. But I have on my side the God of the universe. Therefore, I will do my civic duty and vote for those people who align with Biblical principles. I can do nothing about rigged elections or turncoats or people who say one thing and do another. I have no power over that. But I know the One who judges rightly and knows the motives of all men.
I rest in that fact. All things will occur according to God’s timetable and purpose. Seek to be a man of Issachar; with discretion and Biblical insight stand for what is good, holy, and righteous and leave the results up to God.