The Men Of Issachar

by W.E.A. Thomson, Aberdeen | Category: General | Sept 1972

The outstanding feature of these men was that they "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; ... and all their brethren were at their commandment" (1 Chron. 12:32). Such understanding and perception were invaluable in those days, for the matter of leadership was in question (vv.16-18). In verse 21 we read that there were "bands of rovers" ravaging the country and endangering life.

Events such as these may speak to us of much that is happening in the world today; thus we, too, need men who have understanding of the times. The Lord Jesus upbraided the Pharisees for their failure to discern the signs of the times. He gave them credit for their ability to discern the face of the heavens. This would enable them to take precautions to protect their goods and property. But being unable to discern the signs of the times they failed to give to the Lord Jesus the honour which belonged to Him.

We live in momentous days. There' are on every hand events and signs that we should be able to read, and in the light of them take measures to secure ourselves against evils which surround us.

Young people are growing up surrounded by evil practices and habits. Their environment tends to undermine their resistance until such things become 'natural' to them. Nevertheless, they need to be counselled and advised of the dangers these practices and habits bring. The world teaches that those who adopt them are sophisticated and mature. But in all such matters we should maintain the simplicity and the purity which is toward Christ.

We refer to just a few particular matters. Men and women in extremely scant attire are seen in many public places. This trend is having evil effects on the minds and emotions of people. Pornographic literature is flooding the news stands. Filthy language is all too common and the danger is that it becomes assimilated into everyday speech. The drinking of alcoholic liquors is widespread. This is the 'done' thing and those refraining are considered to be 'square'. Illicit drug taking is becoming commonplace. And even school children are shown films on matters once regarded as sacred to the marriage state. It would seem that every emotion needs to be exploited and sensationalized.

We are living in days of calculated wickedness. Men are holding down the truth in unrighteousness in the guise of humanitarianism and many other 'isms'. But we need not be deceived by plausible empty words, for "because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience" (Eph.5:6).

Perhaps we have said enough about such tendencies and their attendant dangers. It is for men of understanding to warn their brethren and sisters (especially the young) about them. It would be good if the response was as in Issachar's case "all their brethren were at their commandment". Parents have a particular responsibility to their own children who are growing up in this polluted environment. By godly example in the home and instruction in the way of the Lord in early days they can fortify them for the temptations that lie ahead.

What is written of the men of Issachar in Deut. 33:18,19 is sound advice: "They shall call the peoples unto the mountain; there shall they offer sacrifices of righteousness". What better to do as an antidote to the evils around than to call God's people to His dwelling place?

The men of Issachar are also commended in Gen. 49:14,15,

"Issachar is a strong ass,

Couching down between the sheepfolds:

And he saw a resting place that it was good,

And the land that it was pleasant;

And he bowed his shoulder to bear,

And became a servant under taskwork."

Here is a true picture of the faithful overseer - a man who can evaluate the resting place of God, bow his shoulder to the burden, and be prepared to undertake any task. Elders know only too well that advice and counsel is not always readily accepted, but nevertheless it is a task that has to be discharged faithfully in the fear of the Lord. They are responsible to judge God's house and to keep His courts (Zech. 3:7).

W.E.A. Thomson, Aberdeen | Sept 1972
General