Interestingly, Issachar and Zebulun receive the fullest comment in the list of tribes (1 Chronicles 12:32–33). Wisdom is attributed to the men of Issachar: they had understanding of the times,
The phrase means men of experience, having knowledge of the world.
1 The nature of the wisdom is vague, but the point is clear, that they recognized the divine election not of Ish-bosheth but of David as king over Israel, and that Israel was to submit to him. More broadly, the note refers to their discernment of God’s will for their own day,2 which implies that they had something of the perception and insight of Solomon (2 Chronicles 2:12). The same epithet is used of the wise men in the Persian court (Esther 1:13).3 It is thought by some that they were astrologers, but there is no hint of this whatsoever.
The huge number of 50,000 for Zebulun, the largest in the list, once again underlines the northern tribes’ recognition and support of the divine choice of David. The large numbers certainly indicate the vast size of David’s army compared with the few who sided with him earlier and show that those furthest away were more eager in their support of David than those closer to him. This again emphasises Israel’s united military strength under David. It would have especially encouraged those in the postexilic period, particularly those who were not of the dominant tribes, to become wholeheartedly involved in working for the future of the Judean province.4
32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.