1 Chronicles 5

5:1-24 Chapter 5 records the genealogies for Reuben (5:1-10; cp. Gen 46:9), Gad (1 Chr 5:11-17), and Manasseh (5:23-24), the tribes of Israel that settled in Transjordan (the area east of the Jordan River).5:1-2 Although Reuben was the oldest son of Israel, he did not receive his birthright because he had sexual relations with his father’s concubine (Gen 35:22). Jacob transferred this right to Joseph when he elevated Ephraim and Manasseh to full membership among the tribes (Gen 48:5). This gave Joseph the double portion that traditionally belonged to the firstborn (Deut 21:15-17). As Jacob foresaw, Judah surpassed his brothers and became the forefather of the ruling tribe (Gen 49:8-10). However, Reuben is still listed first (1 Chr 2:1).

5:3 The sons of Reuben are also listed in Gen 46:9; Exod 6:14; Num 26:5-6.

5:4-8 The exact relationship between the descendants of Joel and the rest of the tribe of Reuben is unknown.

5:6 Tiglath-pileser was king of Assyria (744–727 BC); he attacked the tribes of Transjordan during King Pekah’s reign (752–732 BC), taking the people into captivity (see 5:25-26; 2 Kgs 15:29).

5:10 The tribes of Transjordan, including the Reubenites, expanded their settlements to the north and east in conjunction with their war with the Hagrites in the days of Saul (see 5:18-22; Ps 83:6). Later, the Hagrites were among David’s men (see 1 Chr 11:38; 27:31).

5:18-22 The account of the war against the Hagrites develops the elements introduced in 5:10. It was a struggle among shepherds over grazing territory. All three tribes were participants; the Chronicler details their prowess, military qualifications, and numbers. With God . . . fighting against the enemy, the victory resulted in enormous spoils and total possession of the territory.

5:25-26 The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh went into permanent exile because of unfaithfulness.