The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 192

adhesion of devoted, fearless, and self-denying spirits. In every congregation may many come, day by day, to Christ, to help him in his kingdom and his warfare !-T. Ver. 32.~Men of understanding. The position of Issacho.r among the tribes was one central and desirable. Some of the richest land in Palestine fell to their lot, and they_ seem to have enjoyed material prosperity. 'l'he strong ass crouched between burdens 1s emblematical alike of plenty and of toil. How to connect Issachar's pros- perity in husbandry with the characteristics of the text is by no means easy, perhaps not possible. But it is high praise which the chronicler accords to this tribe, or to " the heads " or leaders among them-they were "men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." I. THE GIVER OF wrsooM IS Goo. He is "the Father of lights." "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God." From him alone counsel and guidance proceed. By hiij Spirit he enlightens men. Hence the reasonableness and the importance of prayer. II. THE MEANS OF GAINING WISDOM ARE WITHIN MEN'S REACH. No doubt there are certain natural qualifications ; yet these may either be left undeveloped, or may be cultivated. Observation, conversation with the learned, the wise, and the experienced, reading, practical conduct of a1fairs,-all these are means of acquiring wisdom. Nor must we overlook one potent agency-" Years, that bring the philosophic mind." III. PRACTICAL LIFE IS THE GREAT SPHERE OF WISDOM. The text alludes to present necessities. Issachar had "understanding of the times." True wisdom does not lie in comprehending past states of society, so much as in realizing the characteristics and needs of our own days. The text aUudes also to action. Historical and scientific and speculative knowledge are all good. But knowledge reduced to practice is wisdom. What Israel ought to do; this was what the wise men of this tribe were competent to decide. We may set aside all the explanations of this passage which represent the men of Issa.char as versed in astronomy, chronology, or other studies. There can be no doubt the reference is to political sagacity, military promptness, and practical habits. These men recognized in David a faculty for ruling, strongly, justly, antl religiously; and accordingly they were forward to give in their adhesion to the son of Jesse, to repair to Hebron, and take part in the election and installation of the new king. LESSONS. 1. Remember that we are made for action; knowledge is valuable as qualifying for practical life. 2. Wisdom, qualifying for the duties of our several stations, is within all men's reach. 3. Statesmen especially should make it their study to know what the nation ought to do.-T. Ver. 33.-" Singleness of heart." Several of the tribes who joiued in electing lJavid king are characterized by the chronicler in a few graphic words. It was good testimony which was borne to the warriors of Zebnlun, that" they were not of double heart." Not in war only, but in all the affairs of life, and especially in·religion, it is a weakness to be double-hearted; it is strength to have a single heart-to be, as in the Hebrew, "without a heart and heart." I. DESCRIDE THE CHARACTER AND POSITION OP THE DOUBLE-HEARTED. 1. Those may be assigned to this class who are undecided whether to serve God or the world. As a matter of fact, those who are in such a state of mind are decided, for the present, against God. "He that is not with me is against me." It is a pitiable, weak, unhappy condition, and none should remain in it for a 11ingle day. "If the Lord be God serve him· but if Baal then serve him." 2. Those also may be termed double- hea;ted who ar; attempting 'to serve both God and the world. There are misguided persons who flatter themselves that they can rank with both the opposing forces. Christ has spoken very plainly upon this matter, saying," Ye cannot serve God and mammon ·" "No man can serve two masters for ... he will love the one and hate the other." 3'_ There are those who profess to se;ve God, but, in reality and in their hea:t of hearts, are serving the world. These profess a single eye to God's glory; but 1n truth they are ever seeking, as the great aim of their life, their own glory, or wealth, o_r pleasure, or ease. These aro hypocrites; against such the censure and condemna- tion of Christ are stern and unmistakable. II. DE8Cl!IBE 1'11E GUIil!' AND MISCIIIEI' 01' DOUBLE-JIEARTEDNES8. 1. It is dis- lwn.U'Urin9 tC> God, who haij a jllllt claim upon a perfect allegiauce antl service, lly ctt. xn. 1-40.J THE FIRST BOOK OF TI1E CHRONICLES. 185