1 Chronicles Chapter 5

Descendants of Reuben

1Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. 2For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph's:) 3The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5Micah his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son, 6Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. 7And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baalmeon: 9And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east land of Gilead.

Descendants of Gad

11And the children of Gad dwelt over against them, in the land of Bashan unto Salchah: 12Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and Jaanai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 13And their brethren of the house of their fathers were, Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven. 14These are the children of Abihail the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz; 15Ahi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of the house of their fathers. 16And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, upon their borders. 17All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

Victory over the Hagarites

18The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. 19And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. 20And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him. 21And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. 22For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.

The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

23And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon. 24And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers.

25And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 26And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Descendants of Reuben

1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn; but, because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. 2 For Judah prevailed above his brothers, and of him came the prince; but the birthright was Joseph’s:) 3 the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4 The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. 7 His brothers by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8 and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon: 9 and eastward he lived even to the entrance of the wilderness from the river Euphrates, because their livestock were multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10 In the days of Saul, they made war with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand; and they lived in their tents throughout all the land east of Gilead.

The Descendants of Gad

11 The sons of Gad lived over against them, in the land of Bashan to Salecah: 12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the second, and Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 13 Their brothers of their fathers’ houses: Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven. 14 These were the sons of Abihail, the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz; 15 Ahi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief of their fathers’ houses. 16 They lived in Gilead in Bashan, and in its towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, as far as their borders. 17 All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war, were forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty, that were able to go forth to war. 19 They made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab. 20 They were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them; for they cried to God in the battle, and he was entreated of them, because they put their trust in him. 21 They took away their livestock; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred fifty thousand, and of donkeys two thousand, and of men one hundred thousand. 22 For there fell many slain, because the war was of God. They lived in their place until the captivity.

The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

23 The children of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land: they increased from Bashan to Baal Hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon. 24 These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valor, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses.

25 They trespassed against the God of their fathers, and played the prostitute after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 26 The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to this day.

The Descendants of Reuben

1 These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. 2 And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. 3 The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel:

Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

4 The descendants of Joel:

Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 and Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileser a king of Assyria carried into exile.

Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites. 7 His relatives by their clans are recorded in their genealogy:

Jeiel the chief, Zechariah, 8 and Bela son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel. They settled in Aroer and as far as Nebo and Baal-meon. 9 They also settled in the east as far as the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in the land of Gilead.

10 During the days of Saul they waged war against the Hagrites, who were defeated at their hands, and they occupied the homes of the Hagrites throughout the region east of Gilead.

The Descendants of Gad

11 The descendants of Gad lived next to the Reubenites in the land of Bashan, as far as Salecah:

12 Joel was the chief, Shapham the second, then Jaanai and Shaphat, who lived in Bashan.

13 Their kinsmen by families were Michael, Meshullam, Sheba, Jorai, Jacan, Zia, and Eber—seven in all. 14 These were the sons of Abihail son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz. 15 Ahi son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was head of their family.

16 They lived in Gilead, in Bashan and its towns, and throughout the pasturelands of Sharon. 17 All of them were reckoned in the genealogies during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel.

18 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab.

20 And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. 21 They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys. They also took 100,000 captives, 22 and many others fell slain, because the battle belonged to God. And they occupied the land until the exile.

The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

23 Now the people of the half-tribe of Manasseh were numerous. They settled in the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon (that is, Senir, also known as Mount Hermon). b 24 These were the heads of their families:

Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel.

They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families. 25 But they were unfaithful to the God of their fathers, and they prostituted themselves with the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them.

26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria) to take the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. And he brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day.

Footnotes:

6 a Hebrew Tilgath-pilneser , a variant spelling of Tiglath-pileser ; also in verse 26
23 b Literally from Bashan to Baal-hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon.

Descendants of Reuben

1As to sons of Reuben, first-born of Israel -- for he is the first-born, and on account of his profaning the couch of his father hath his birthright been given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, and he is not to be reckoned by genealogy for the birthright, 2for Judah hath been mighty over his brother, and for leader above him, and the birthright is to Joseph. 3Sons of Reuben, first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4Sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6Beerah his son, whom Tilgath-Pilneser king of Asshur removed; he is prince of the Reubenite. 7And his brethren, by their families, in the genealogy of their generations, are heads: Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel -- he is dwelling in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baal-Meon; 9and at the east he dwelt even unto the entering in of the wilderness, even from the river Phrat, for their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10And in the days of Saul they have made war with the Hagarites, who fall by their hand, and they dwell in their tents over all the face of the east of Gilead.

Descendants of Gad

11And the sons of Gad, over-against them have dwelt in the land of Bashan unto Salcah, 12Joel the head, and Shapham the second, and Jaanai and Shaphat in Bashan; 13and their brethren of the house of their fathers are Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jachan, and Zia, and Heber, seven. 14These are sons of Abihail son of Huri, son of Jaroah, son of Gilead, son of Michael, son of Jeshishai, son of Jahdo, son of Buz; 15Ahi son of Abdiel, son of Guni, is head of the house of their fathers; 16and they dwell in Gilead in Bashan, and in her small towns, and in all suburbs of Sharon, upon their outskirts; 17all of them reckoned themselves by genealogy in the days of Jotham king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel.

Victory over the Hagarites

18Sons of Reuben, and the Gadite, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, of sons of valour, men bearing shield and sword, and treading bow, and taught in battle, are forty and four thousand and seven hundred and sixty, going out to the host. 19And they make war with the Hagarites, and Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab, 20and they are helped against them, and the Hagarites are given into their hand, and all who are with them, for they cried to God in battle, and He was entreated of them, because they trusted in Him. 21And they take captive their cattle, of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of human beings a hundred thousand; 22for many have fallen pierced, for of God is the battle; and they dwell in their stead till the removal.

The Half-Tribe of Manasseh

23And the sons of the half of the tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land, from Bashan unto Baal-Hermon, and Senir, and mount Hermon, they have multiplied. 24And these are heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, men mighty in valour, men of name, heads to the house of their fathers.

25And they trespass against the God of their fathers, and go a-whoring after the gods of the peoples of the land whom God destroyed from their presence; 26and stir up doth the God of Israel the spirit of Pul king of Asshur, and the spirit of Tilgath-Pilneser king of Asshur, and he removeth them -- even the Reubenite, and the Gadite, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh -- and bringeth them in to Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and the river of Gozan unto this day.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 5?

1.1Introduction to 1 Chronicles 5

1.2Context of 1 Chronicles 5

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.51 Chronicles 5 Unique Insights

1.61 Chronicles 5 Connections to Yeshua

1.71 Chronicles 5 Scriptural Echoes

1.81 Chronicles 5 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 5?

Introduction to 1 Chronicles 5

1 Chronicles 5 presents a fascinating genealogical record focusing on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. While genealogies might seem dry to modern readers, this chapter pulses with divine purpose, revealing how God works through human choices and their consequences. The chapter not only traces lineages but also provides crucial historical insights into the settlement and ultimate fate of the Transjordan tribes.

This chapter stands as a powerful testament to both divine justice and mercy. It demonstrates how Reuben’s misconduct led to his firstborn rights being transferred, while simultaneously showing God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises despite human failings. The military victories and eventual exile of these tribes serve as sobering reminders of both divine blessing and judgment.

Context of 1 Chronicles 5

Within the immediate context of 1 Chronicles, chapter 5 forms part of the larger genealogical section (1 Chronicles 1-9) that establishes Israel’s identity and legitimacy in the post-exilic period. This chapter specifically addresses the tribes that settled east of the Jordan River, providing crucial information about their territory, military prowess, and ultimate fate.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter bridges several important themes. It connects to the earlier narrative of Genesis 49:3-4, where Jacob pronounces judgment on Reuben, and to Deuteronomy 33:6, where Moses blesses the tribe. The chapter’s conclusion, describing the exile of these tribes, links to the larger historical narrative found in 2 Kings 15:29 and 2 Kings 17:6.

The placement of this genealogy serves a vital purpose in post-exilic Israel’s understanding of their identity and calling. It reminds the returned exiles of both God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and the serious consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness, providing crucial lessons for their own time and circumstances.

Ancient Key Word Study

בְּכוֹר (bekhor) – “firstborn”: This term carries significant weight in Hebrew culture, representing not just birth order but legal status and inheritance rights. Its use in describing Reuben emphasizes the magnitude of what was lost through his transgression.
יְצוּעֵי (yetzuei) – “bed”: This euphemistic term for Reuben’s sin with Bilhah carries deep shame, emphasizing the gravity of moral failure and its generational consequences.
נָגִיד (nagid) – “leader”: Used in reference to Judah, this term signifies more than just political leadership, implying divine appointment and spiritual authority.
בַּעַל פְּעוֹר (Baal Peor) – Referenced in the context of unfaithfulness, this term recalls the tragic episode of Israel’s idolatry, serving as a warning about spiritual compromise.
גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל (gibborei chayil) – “mighty men of valor”: This military terminology describes not just physical prowess but also moral character and leadership capability.
אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵיהֶם (Elohei avoteihem) – “God of their fathers”: This phrase emphasizes covenant relationship and generational faith, contrasting with their later unfaithfulness.
וַיִּגְלֵם (vayiglem) – “carried them away”: This term for exile carries theological significance, indicating divine judgment while maintaining hope for future restoration.
הַר חֶרְמוֹן (Har Chermon) – “Mount Hermon”: This geographical marker carries symbolic significance, representing the northern boundary of Israel’s inheritance and God’s provision.
מִלְחָמָה (milchamah) – “war”: The frequent use of this term highlights the martial prowess of these tribes while also emphasizing their role in defending Israel’s borders.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1: The phrase “he was the firstborn” (כִּי הוּא הַבְּכוֹר) was chosen over simpler alternatives to emphasize the gravity of Reuben’s lost birthright. The construction emphasizes both the reality of his natural position and the tragedy of its loss.
Verse 2: The statement “Judah prevailed over his brothers” (כִּי יְהוּדָה גָּבַר בְּאֶחָיו) uses military terminology (גָּבַר) rather than civil leadership terms, pointing to Judah’s destiny as the tribe of the warrior-king David.
Verse 6: The mention of Tiglath-pileser (תִּלְּגַת פִּלְנְאֶסֶר) by his Assyrian name rather than his throne name demonstrates the Chronicler’s historical accuracy and accessibility to official records.
Verse 9: The geographical description “as far as the entrance of the wilderness” employs specific boundary terminology that would have been meaningful to the original audience while establishing legal land claims.
Verse 20: The phrase “they cried out to God” (וַיִּזְעֲקוּ) was chosen over simpler prayer terminology to emphasize the desperate nature of their appeal and God’s covenant faithfulness.
Verse 25: The term “prostituted themselves” (וַיִּזְנוּ) after other gods uses intentionally harsh language to emphasize the spiritual nature of their unfaithfulness rather than just political allegiance.

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1 Chronicles 5 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several layers of profound theological significance often overlooked by casual readers. The transfer of Reuben’s birthright presents a fascinating study in divine sovereignty and human responsibility. According to the Midrash Rabbah, Reuben’s loss of the birthright was not just punishment but also protection – preventing the possibility of unworthy leadership over Israel.

The military accounts of the Transjordan tribes reveal a pattern of divine intervention that rabbinical sources connect to the concept of זְכוּת אָבוֹת (merit of the fathers). The Targum Jonathan elaborates on verse 20, suggesting that the tribes’ victory came specifically through invoking the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This understanding adds depth to their later exile, showing how departure from covenant faithfulness leads to loss of covenant protection.

The geographical descriptions in the chapter contain subtle allusions to Eden-like imagery, particularly in the descriptions of Gilead’s pastoral abundance. Early Christian writers like Origen saw in this a type of the spiritual inheritance available in the Messiah, while rabbinic sources connected it to the future Messianic kingdom’s abundance.

The pattern of blessing and judgment in the chapter reflects the deeper spiritual principle of מִדָּה כְּנֶגֶד מִדָּה (measure for measure). The same strength that brought military victory became the source of their downfall when misused in service of false gods, demonstrating God’s perfect justice.

1 Chronicles 5 Connections to Yeshua

The theme of the transferred birthright in this chapter powerfully foreshadows the Messiah’s work. Just as Reuben’s birthright was divided among his brothers, Yeshua’s work enables the sharing of the divine inheritance among all believers. The apostle Paul develops this theme in Romans 8:15-17, where he speaks of adoption and joint-inheritance with the Messiah.

The military victories of the Transjordan tribes, achieved through faith and prayer, point to the spiritual victories available through the Messiah. Their experience of crying out to God in battle and receiving divine help prefigures the believer’s access to divine power through Yeshua, as outlined in Hebrews 4:16. The ultimate exile of these tribes due to unfaithfulness serves as a warning about the importance of maintaining faith in the Messiah, echoing the warnings in Hebrews 3:12-14.

1 Chronicles 5 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected themes. The loss of Reuben’s birthright echoes through Scripture, from Jacob’s prophecy in Genesis 49:3-4 to Paul’s teachings about spiritual inheritance in Galatians 4:1-7.

The military victories of the Transjordan tribes connect to Joshua’s conquests and David’s later battles, establishing a pattern of divine empowerment for those who trust in יהוה. Their eventual exile parallels the warnings in Deuteronomy 28:58-64 and finds its ultimate expression in the Babylonian exile.

The theme of divine faithfulness despite human failure echoes throughout Scripture, from Noah to David, finding its perfect fulfillment in the Messiah. The restoration promised to the exiled tribes connects to the prophetic hopes expressed in Ezekiel 37:15-28 and Jeremiah 31:1-14.

1 Chronicles 5 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own spiritual inheritance and faithfulness. Like Reuben, we may possess great spiritual privileges, but these require careful stewardship. The question isn’t just what we’ve received from God, but how we’re managing His gifts.

The military victories of the Transjordan tribes remind us that when we face battles in life, our success depends not on our own strength but on our relationship with God. Their example of crying out to God in battle encourages us to make prayer our first resort, not our last.

The tragic end of these tribes serves as a sobering warning about spiritual compromise. Their gradual drift into idolatry reminds us to guard our hearts and maintain our spiritual disciplines. Yet even in judgment, we see God’s mercy – the exile wasn’t the end of the story, as later prophets promised restoration.

Did You Know

The territory of these Transjordan tribes included some of the most fertile grazing land in the region, making them wealthy in livestock but also more vulnerable to attacks from desert raiders.
The phrase “mighty men of valor” used to describe these tribes indicates they maintained a permanent militia system, unlike the western tribes who typically mobilized only in times of war.
Archaeological evidence has confirmed the presence of Israelite settlements in the Transjordan region during this period, including distinctive four-room houses typical of Israelite architecture.
The reference to fighting the Hagrites connects to a larger pattern of conflict between settled and nomadic peoples in the region, a tension that continued for centuries.
The genealogical records preserved in this chapter helped establish land claims for returning exiles, making this more than just historical information.
The mention of specific geographical boundaries provides important historical verification of Israelite presence in these territories during the pre-exilic period.
The chapter’s description of tribal relations offers unique insights into the political organization of early Israel, showing both cooperation and independence among the tribes.
The reference to “God of their fathers” appears strategically throughout Chronicles, emphasizing the importance of maintaining covenant relationship across generations.
The military success of these tribes made them crucial to Israel’s defense against threats from the east, explaining why their exile significantly weakened the northern kingdom.

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