1 Chronicles 5
BSB1 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 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. 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. 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). 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.
Study Notes — 1 Chronicles 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Chronicles 5
- Themes from 1 Chronicles 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Chronicles 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by listing the descendants of Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, and explains why he did not receive the birthright (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). It then describes the genealogy and history of the tribes of Gad and half of Manasseh, including their struggles with neighboring nations and their ultimate victory with God's help (1 Chronicles 5:18-22). The chapter concludes by noting the faithfulness of these tribes and their obedience to God's commands. Key verses such as 1 Chronicles 5:20 and 1 Chronicles 5:22 highlight the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble.
Context for the Chapter
1 Chronicles 5 is part of the larger narrative of 1 Chronicles, which provides a historical account of the kingdom of Israel from the death of Saul to the reign of Solomon. The chapter fits into the broader context of the Old Testament, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and His faithfulness to them. The chapter also serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past, highlighting the significance of historical narrative in the biblical world.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages readers to trust in God and seek His help in times of trouble, demonstrating the power of faith and the importance of obedience to God's commands. As we reflect on the history of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we are reminded of the significance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity, and the importance of seeking God's help and guidance in our own lives.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the history of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. It tells us about their struggles and victories, and how God helped them because they trusted in Him. We can learn from their example by trusting in God and seeking His help in our own lives, just as they did in 1 Chronicles 5:20. By remembering and learning from the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's faithfulness and love for His people.
Voices from the Church
“The faithfulness of God is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, reminding us of His love and care for His people. As we read of the victories of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we are encouraged to trust in God and seek His help in our own struggles.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The chapter highlights the importance of genealogy and family lines in the biblical narrative, serving as a reminder of the significance of family and heritage in the biblical world. As we reflect on the history of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we are reminded of the importance of remembering and learning from the past.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Genealogy of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:1-3) — The chapter begins by listing the descendants of Reuben, highlighting the importance of genealogy and family lines in the biblical narrative.
- The History of the Tribes of Gad and Half of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:4-17) — The chapter describes the history of the tribes of Gad and half of Manasseh, including their struggles with neighboring nations and their ultimate victory with God's help.
- The Victory of the Tribes (1 Chronicles 5:18-22) — The chapter highlights the victory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh over their enemies, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His people.
- The Faithfulness of God (1 Chronicles 5:23-26) — The chapter concludes by noting the faithfulness of God to His people, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs.
- Conclusion (1 Chronicles 5:27-26) — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past, highlighting the significance of historical narrative in the biblical world.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs. This theme of God's sovereignty serves as a reminder of His power and control over all things.
- The Importance of Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were able to defeat their enemies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him. This theme of faith serves as a reminder of the significance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble.
- The Faithfulness of God
- The chapter highlights the faithfulness of God to His people, demonstrating how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs. This theme of God's faithfulness serves as a reminder of His love and care for His people.
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were blessed for their obedience to God's commands. This theme of obedience serves as a reminder of the significance of following God's will and seeking His guidance in our lives.
Lessons from 1 Chronicles 5
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble, just as the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh did in 1 Chronicles 5:20.
- The Significance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the significance of faithfulness to God, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were blessed for their obedience to God's commands.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the power of prayer, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were able to defeat their enemies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him.
- The Importance of Remembering the Past — The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past, highlighting the significance of historical narrative in the biblical world.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His people, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs.
Themes from 1 Chronicles 5
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter demonstrates the sovereignty of God, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs.
- The Importance of Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were able to defeat their enemies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter highlights the faithfulness of God to His people, demonstrating how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs.
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were blessed for their obedience to God's commands.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter highlights the power of prayer, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were able to defeat their enemies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the example of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh in 1 Chronicles 5:20?
- How does the chapter encourage us to trust in God and seek His help in times of trouble?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faithfulness to God?
- How does the chapter demonstrate the sovereignty of God?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Genealogy of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:1-3)
| 5:1 | The chapter begins by listing the descendants of Reuben, highlighting the importance of genealogy and family lines in the biblical narrative. |
| 5:2 | The verse explains why Reuben did not receive the birthright, highlighting the significance of his actions and their consequences. |
2. The History of the Tribes of Gad and Half of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:4-17)
| 5:4 | The verse describes the history of the tribes of Gad and half of Manasseh, including their struggles with neighboring nations. |
| 5:5 | The verse highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, demonstrating how the tribes of Gad and half of Manasseh were blessed for their obedience to God's commands. |
3. The Victory of the Tribes (1 Chronicles 5:18-22)
| 5:18 | The verse describes the victory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh over their enemies, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His people. |
| 5:20 | The verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were able to defeat their enemies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him. |
4. The Faithfulness of God (1 Chronicles 5:23-26)
| 5:23 | The verse concludes by noting the faithfulness of God to His people, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs. |
| 5:26 | The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and learning from the past, highlighting the significance of historical narrative in the biblical world. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the genealogy in 1 Chronicles 5?
The genealogy in 1 Chronicles 5 serves as a reminder of the importance of family and heritage in the biblical world. It highlights the descendants of Reuben and their significance in the biblical narrative, as seen in 1 Chronicles 5:1-3.
How did the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies?
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeated their enemies because they cried out to God and trusted in Him, as seen in 1 Chronicles 5:20. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble.
What does the chapter teach us about the faithfulness of God?
The chapter demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His people, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs, as seen in 1 Chronicles 5:23-26.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 5:1 → Genesis 29:32 | The verse in Genesis 29:32 explains why Reuben did not receive the birthright, highlighting the significance of his actions and their consequences. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 5:2 → Genesis 35:22 | The verse in Genesis 35:22 describes the actions of Reuben and their consequences, highlighting the significance of his actions in the biblical narrative. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 5:18 → Psalm 44:3 | The verse in Psalm 44:3 describes the victory of the tribes of Israel over their enemies, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His people. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 5:20 → Psalm 91:15 | The verse in Psalm 91:15 highlights the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble, demonstrating how God will help those who cry out to Him. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 5:23 → Deuteronomy 32:4 | The verse in Deuteronomy 32:4 describes the faithfulness of God to His people, highlighting how He will provide for their needs and protect them from harm. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 5:26 → Isaiah 46:10 | The verse in Isaiah 46:10 describes the sovereignty of God, highlighting how He will accomplish His purposes and fulfill His plans. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 5:1 → Matthew 1:2 | The verse in Matthew 1:2 describes the genealogy of Jesus Christ, highlighting the significance of the descendants of Reuben and their role in the biblical narrative. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 5:20 → John 14:13-14 | The verses in John 14:13-14 describe the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God, highlighting how God will help those who cry out to Him. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 5:23 → Romans 8:28 | The verse in Romans 8:28 describes the sovereignty of God, highlighting how He will work all things together for the good of those who love Him. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 5:26 → Hebrews 11:6 | The verse in Hebrews 11:6 describes the importance of faith, highlighting how God will reward those who seek Him and trust in His power. |
Sermons on 1 Chronicles 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer by Bob Jennings | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the small size of their congregation in the city of Beaumont and questioning the impact they can make. They pray for God's pres |
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Chronicles by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the significance of each name as a testament to God's love and purpose for humanity. He warns that while our liv |
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Daniel and His Times by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson delves into the life of the prophet Daniel, highlighting his unique role as a recipient of divine revelations rather than an inspired prophet. Daniel, living in |
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They Cried to God in the Battle, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God before entering the battles of life, suggesting that many neglect morning prayers and only cry out to God in the midst of strugg |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5
In 1 Chronicles 5, we see the genealogy of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, and their struggles with neighboring nations. The chapter highlights the importance of faithfulness to God, demonstrating how the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh were blessed for their obedience to God's commands. The verse in 1 Chronicles 5:20 is particularly notable, as it describes the victory of the tribes over their enemies and the importance of trusting in God. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter serves as a reminder of the significance of historical narrative in the biblical world, and the importance of learning from the past. The chapter also demonstrates the sovereignty of God, highlighting how He will accomplish His purposes and fulfill His plans. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God and seeking His help in times of trouble, and the significance of faithfulness to His commands. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Genealogy
The chapter begins by listing the descendants of Reuben, highlighting the importance of genealogy and family lines in the biblical narrative. This emphasis on genealogy serves as a reminder of the significance of family and heritage in the biblical world.
The Struggles of the Tribes
The chapter describes the struggles of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh with neighboring nations, highlighting the challenges and difficulties faced by God's people in the Old Testament. These struggles serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of adversity.
The Faithfulness of God
The chapter demonstrates the faithfulness of God to His people, highlighting how He helped the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh defeat their enemies and provided for their needs. This theme of God's faithfulness serves as a reminder of His love and care for His people.



