Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Chronicles 5

Chapter 5 lists the family histories for:

• Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:1–10; compare Genesis 46:9)

• Gad (1 Chronicles 5:11–17)

• Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:23–24)

These are the tribes of Israel that settled in Transjordan (the area east of the Jordan River).

Reuben was Israel's oldest son, but he lost his birthright because he had sexual relations with his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22). Jacob gave this right to Joseph by making Ephraim and Manasseh full members of the tribes (Genesis 48:5). This act gave Joseph the double portion usually meant for the firstborn (Deuteronomy 21:15–17). As Jacob predicted, Judah became more prominent than his brothers and was the ancestor of the ruling tribe (Genesis 49:8–10). However, Reuben is still listed first (1 Chronicles 2:1).

The sons of Reuben are also mentioned in Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:5–6.

We do not know how Joel's descendants are related to the rest of the Reuben tribe.

Tiglath-pileser was the king of Assyria from 744 to 727 BC. He attacked the tribes of Transjordan during King Pekah’s reign, which lasted from 752 to 732 BC. He took the people into captivity (see 1 Chronicles 5:25–26; 2 Kings 15:29).

The tribes of Transjordan, including the Reubenites, expanded their settlements north and east during their war with the Hagrites in Saul's time (see 1 Chronicles 5:18–22; Psalm 83:6). Later, some Hagrites joined David's men (see 1 Chronicles 11:38; 27:31).

The story of the war against the Hagrites expands on the elements introduced in 1 Chronicles 5:10. It was a conflict among shepherds over grazing land. All three tribes took part. The Chronicler describes their skills, military abilities, and numbers. With God fighting against the enemy, they won a great victory, gaining huge spoils and complete control of the territory.

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh went into permanent exile due to their unfaithfulness.