From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do: 200 chiefs with all their kinsmen at their command.
We have here an account of those who were active in perfecting the settlement of David upon the throne, after the death of Ishbosheth. We read (Ch1 11:1, and before Sa2 5:1) that all the tribes of Israel came, either themselves or by their representatives, to Hebron, to make David king; now here we have an account of the quota which every tribe brought in...
Commenting on 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
THE ARMIES THAT CAME TO HIM AT HEBRON. (1Ch. 12:23-40) these are the numbers of the bands . . . that came to David to Hebron--after the death of Ish-bosheth (see on Sa2 5:1). to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord-- (Ch1 10:14; Ch1 11:3, Ch1 11:10).
Commenting on 1 Chronicles 12:23-40
children of Issachar, . . . that had understanding of the times, &c.--Jewish writers say that the people of this tribe were eminent for their acquirements in astronomical and physical science; and the object of the remark was probably to show that the intelligent and learned classes were united with the military, and had declared for David.