1 Chronicles 12:32 seems to present the children of Issachar as a tribe that had understanding of the times.
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. (ESV)
What is the possible interpretation of this scripture? What was it that only the children of Issachar knew that Israel ought to do at those times and what were those times that they had understanding of?
The passage in 1 Chron 12:23-40 describes the series of events that transferred military power to David at Hebron after the death of King Saul at Gibeon. The tribes are listed in succession - each contributing mostly soldiers in the infantry. The numbers tell the story - each tribe contributed between 6800 (minimum) to 120000 (max) consisting of spearmen, swordsmen, etc.
However, a few tribes contributed officers and those presumably skilled in battle tactics. The family of Zadok (v26) contributed 22 officers (possibly commanders); the tribe of Issachar (v32) contributed 200 chiefs who were skilled in battle planning and tactics; the tribe of Naphtali contributed 1000 officers (presumably commanders).
That is, each tribe had identifiable skills that were valued and necessary for a functioning army. Issachar had 200 brilliant tacticians who acted as intelligence officers - indispensable for any warfare.
I believe that the children of Issachar had understanding of prophecies and the occurrences at any time to know what point they were on in the plan of God for their nation. All Israel was aware that David was anointed as king of Israel but could not mount the throne because Saul was still on the throne. On seeing the events that had occurred in the country in those times, they realized that it was time for the Lord's choice of king to be enthroned. While the rest of Israel was in confusion as on what to do next, they understood that it was time for Israel to acknowledge and make David their king.
