Living In The Times: The Issachar Anointing

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Narrative of the present Israel-Iran war. Narrative of the condition of the American church and what we must do. Discerning the times, knowing what to do and then taking action!

INTRODUCTION: We live in a time of uncertainty—wars, disasters, moral decay, and trials seem to be on all sides. Living in unpredictable times where change seems constant, and uncertainties might weigh on our spirit.

However, as believers, God has equipped us with the wisdom and strength to live faithfully in every season, trusting Him.

The Bible often highlights individuals and groups who exhibit extraordinary wisdom and insight, providing a model for us to follow. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the men of Issachar stand out because they "understood the times" and "knew what Israel should do." At a time when the nation was grappling with change and uncertainty, they provided clarity and leadership.

For us, "living in the times" means navigating an ever-changing world that presents us with countless challenges and opportunities. From cultural shifts to technological advancements, from economic struggles to spiritual questions — our ability to understand the times and discern God’s will is more critical than ever.

THE CONTEXT: This chapter is part of a larger narrative in 1 Chronicles that recounts how various tribes of Israel rallied to support David at Hebron. Saul, Israel’s first king, had died, and the nation was in a state of political uncertainty. Some tribes still supported Saul’s house, while others recognized that God had chosen David to lead.

Two hundred chiefs from the tribe of Issachar, with all their kinsmen, went to form part of the army that protected David and crowned him. These men are referred to as the Sons of Issachar or the Children of Issachar, and many of them also became active followers of David and were recognized as some of his mighty men.

The tribe of Issachar wasn’t the largest or most militarily powerful, but they were known for their wisdom and discernment. The phrase “understood the times” likely refers to their ability to read the political and spiritual climate and make decisions aligned with God’s purposes. Their decision to support David showed not only political savvy but spiritual alignment with God’s anointed. They weren’t just reacting—they were discerning.

The Chronicler—writing during or after the Babylonian exile—was reflecting on Israel’s past to encourage spiritual renewal and national identity. His focus was on the Davidic covenant and the temple, both central to Israel’s hope and worship.

OUR MODERN PARALLEL: In our age, we are bombarded with information, facing complex social, political, and spiritual challenges. Like the sons of Issachar, we must cultivate the ability to read the signs of the times—not merely to understand the world around us but to comprehend God's calling on His people in the midst of these circumstances.

HOW TO LIVE IN THESE TIMES?

So, what is the anointing of the Sons of Issachar (or just the Issachar Anointing, in short), what are they referring to, and what does it mean for today’s church?

1. UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES

One aspect that stands out is that the Bible says the Sons of Issachar had an “understanding of the times.” They looked at the circumstances in Israel and noticed a few things:

• Saul was no longer serving God and was leading God’s people in the wrong direction.

• Saul’s rule was coming to an end in a destruction that he brought upon himself through disobedience.

• Saul’s line was ended; his son would not sit on the throne of Israel.

• This would create a power vacuum that many might try to fill.

• David was the logical choice to be the next king, as the prophet anointed him, and God was clearly with him, as demonstrated through his tremendous victories, like his conquest of Jebus (Jerusalem).

The sons of Issachar were not just wise—they were discerning. They read the political, social, and spiritual climate of their day. Saul’s reign was ending, David’s anointing was rising, and Israel stood at a crossroads. Today, we need believers who don’t just consume headlines but interpret them through the lens of God’s Word.

Understanding the times means recognizing the spiritual battles behind cultural shifts and knowing when to speak, when to act, and when to pray.

The sons of Issachar didn’t just observe events—they interpreted them through God’s lens. In our world of nonstop news and shifting values, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or misled. Ask God for wisdom to see beyond the surface and understand what’s really going on spiritually, culturally, and morally. Their insight didn’t come from instinct alone—it was grounded in God’s truth. Regular time in Scripture sharpens your ability to discern what aligns with God’s heart and what doesn’t. It’s how you train your spiritual senses to recognize the times.

The sons of Issachar had a God-given ability to see beyond the surface and discern the deeper implications of what was happening.