understanding of the times: That is, as the following words indicate, intelligent men, who understood the signs of the times, well versed in political affairs, and knew what was proper to be done in all the exigencies of human life; and who now perceived that it was both the duty and political interest of Israel to advance David to the throne. Gen 49:14; Est 1:13; Isa 22:12-14, Isa 33:6; Mic 6:9; Mat 16:3; Luk 12:56-57