The Men of Issachar, an Example to British Citizens
Dawson Burns, D. D. 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… These were men who knew what it was best for the nation to carry out in the great crisis which had now arisen. It was important that Israel should wisely decide what ruler to select; it is of equal importance that we as a country should decide under what rule — whether that of strong drink, or that of unqualified temperance — we should abide. There are certain things that are needful in order to a good result in this matter. I. THERE SHOULD RE A RIGHT UNDERSTANDING OF OUR OWN TIMES. Our own times are — 1. Times of much evil from strong drink. 2. Times of much good. (1) A spirit of investigation has gone abroad and done splendid service. We are much indebted to physiologists, moral philosophers, political economists, and statisticians, for the light they have thrown on this subject. (2) Our times are times of agitation for the application of remedial measures. (3) There has also been a great reformation resulting from all this. 3. Times of much hopefulness. II. A right understanding of our own times OUGHT TO LEAD TO PROPER ACTION. They understood the times, to know what Israel ought to do. Right action must — 1. Be directed by intelligence. 2. Be inspired by Christian philanthropy. 3. Be embodied in practical forms. 4. Be animated by a self-denying enthusiasm. III. IN ORDER THAT THIS RIGHT ACTION MAY FULLY ACCOMPLISH ITS ENDS THERE ARE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS. 1. Individualisation. God invites us one by one, saying to each of us, "Do the work I give thee to do." 2. Organisation. Combination multiplies force. In the moral world, one and one make a good deal more than two; they often make four, and three and three often make thirty. 3. Consecration. (Dawson Burns, D. D.) 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. WEB: Of the children of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brothers were at their commandment.