1 Chronicles 5:10

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the days {H3117} of Saul {H7586} they made {H6213} war {H4421} with the Hagarites {H1905}, who fell {H5307} by their hand {H3027}: and they dwelt {H3427} in their tents {H168} throughout {H6440} all the east {H4217} land of Gilead {H1568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the time of Sha'ul they went to war with the Hagri'im; after defeating them they occupied their tents throughout all the territory east of Gil'ad.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And in the days of Saul, they made war with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand; and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the land east of Gilead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:10 offers a pivotal, albeit concise, historical record embedded within the genealogies of Israel's tribes, specifically focusing on the Transjordanian tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This verse highlights a significant military victory they achieved over the Hagarites during the nascent period of the Israelite monarchy under King Saul, resulting in the expansion and secure establishment of their dwelling places across the fertile eastern lands of Gilead. It underscores God's active hand in granting success and securing the inheritance of His people, even in times of transition and amidst ongoing tribal activities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the extensive genealogical records that open the book of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9). The Chronicler meticulously traces the lineages of Israel, not merely for historical accuracy but to establish continuity with the past, legitimize the post-exilic community, and underscore God's covenant faithfulness. [1 Chronicles 5](/1_chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - The Tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh") specifically details the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who had settled east of the Jordan River. Following the account of Reuben's loss of primogeniture in [1 Chronicles 5:1-2](/1_chronicles/5-1 "1 Chronicles 5:1-2 - Reuben's Lost Birthright"), the chapter proceeds to list their descendants and, crucially, their territorial possessions and military exploits. Verse 10 serves as a significant historical interjection within this genealogical framework, demonstrating the active role and divine blessing experienced by these eastern tribes, thereby reinforcing their place within the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's ongoing work among His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "in the days of Saul" places this event squarely in the early period of the Israelite monarchy, approximately late 11th to early 10th century BCE. This was a time of significant transition for Israel, moving from a loose confederation of tribes to a unified kingdom, though tribal autonomy, especially for those east of the Jordan, remained strong. The "Hagarites" (also known as Hagrites or Hagarenes) were an Arabian nomadic people, likely a confederation of desert tribes, often hostile to Israel and known for their wealth in livestock. Their defeat by the Transjordanian tribes was a notable military achievement, securing vital pasturelands. "Gilead" refers to a fertile, strategically important region east of the Jordan River, characterized by its rich grazing lands and access to trade routes. The conflict reflects the ongoing struggle for land and security in ancient Israel, where the promise of territory from God ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - The Promise of the Land")) often necessitated military action against existing inhabitants. The ability of these tribes to expand their territory and dwell "in their tents" (implying a pastoral, semi-nomadic lifestyle even within settled areas) highlights their adaptation to the region's resources and the success granted by divine favor.

* **Key Themes:** The primary themes in [1 Chronicles 5:10](/1_chronicles/5-10 "1 Chronicles 5:10 - Victory Over the Hagarites") revolve around **Divine Providence and Military Success**. The victory over the Hagarites, explicitly stating they "fell by their hand," is presented not merely as human might but implicitly as God's enablement, a common theme in the Chronicler's theology where success is linked to obedience and divine favor ([2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer for Victory")). This success directly leads to **Territorial Expansion and Secure Inheritance**. The phrase "they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead" emphasizes the outcome: the tribes secured and expanded their dwelling places, fulfilling aspects of the land promise. This highlights the vital importance of land as an inheritance and a sign of God's blessing in ancient Israel. Finally, the inclusion of this specific event within a genealogical list underscores the **Chronicler's Theological History**. It demonstrates that even during the reign of Saul, who often struggled with his own battles, God was actively working through other parts of Israel to establish their inheritance and demonstrate His faithfulness to the covenant, providing a continuous narrative of God's interaction with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hagarites (Hebrew, _Hagrîm'_):** This refers to an Arabian people, descendants or associated tribes of Hagar, Abraham's concubine. They were known nomadic dwellers of the desert regions east of Gilead. Their defeat signifies a significant military achievement for the Transjordanian tribes, as these were formidable and often hostile adversaries.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gil'ād'_):** A prominent and fertile geographical region east of the Jordan River. It was highly valued for its pasturelands, making it a desirable territory for the pastoral tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The expansion "throughout all the east [land] of Gilead" indicates a substantial increase in their control and settlement in this rich area.
* **Saul (Hebrew, _Sha'ûl'_):** Israel's first king, whose reign marked the transition from a tribal confederacy to a monarchy. Mentioning his "days" anchors the event historically, placing it in the early period of the united kingdom. It also implicitly contrasts with Saul's own struggles, highlighting that God's favor and success were still evident among other tribes, even as the central monarchy faced challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the days of Saul":** This clause serves as a precise historical marker, dating the military engagement to the period of Israel's first king. It provides a chronological anchor for the event, placing it within the early monarchy, a time of significant national development and ongoing conflicts with surrounding peoples.
* **"they made war with the Hagarites":** "They" refers to the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—who were the subject of the preceding genealogies in [1 Chronicles 5:1-9](/1_chronicles/5-1 "1 Chronicles 5:1-9 - Genealogies of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh"). This indicates an active and aggressive military campaign initiated by these tribes against the nomadic Hagarites, likely for control of land and resources.
* **"who fell by their hand":** This phrase denotes a decisive victory. The Hagarites were utterly defeated, succumbing to the military might of the Transjordanian tribes. In biblical narrative, "by their hand" often implies not just human strength but divine enablement and blessing, suggesting God's favor was upon the Israelite tribes in this conflict.
* **"and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead":** This final clause describes the direct consequence and benefit of their victory. "They dwelt in their tents" signifies a secure and established presence, indicating permanent or semi-permanent settlement. The expansion "throughout all the east [land] of Gilead" highlights a significant territorial gain, allowing these tribes to expand their pasturelands and consolidate their control over a vast and fertile region, securing their inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 5:10 employs several literary devices to convey its significant historical and theological message with remarkable **Conciseness** and **Brevity**. The entire account of a major military engagement and its far-reaching consequences is condensed into a single, compact sentence. The phrase "in the days of Saul" functions as a crucial **Historical Marker**, immediately orienting the reader to the specific chronological context, even within a largely genealogical framework. The expression "fell by their hand" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "hand" represents the collective power, military might, and successful action of the Transjordanian tribes, implicitly hinting at divine empowerment. The verse also serves as a **Narrative Summary**, encapsulating a complex historical event—a war, a victory, and subsequent territorial expansion—into a succinct statement. Underlying these devices is a clear **Theological Implication**: the success of the tribes is presented as a testament to God's ongoing providence and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when not explicitly stated, aligning with the Chronicler's broader theological agenda.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:10, though a brief historical note, resonates with profound theological themes central to Israel's identity and God's character. It powerfully illustrates God's active involvement in the history of His people, particularly in securing their promised inheritance. The victory over the Hagarites is not merely a testament to the military prowess of the Transjordanian tribes but a demonstration of divine enablement and faithfulness. In a period of transition and nascent monarchy, God continued to fulfill His ancient promises of land and security, showing that His covenant commitments transcend specific leadership or political structures. This event underscores the principle that God empowers His people to overcome obstacles and claim what He has destined for them, whether it be physical territory in the Old Testament or spiritual inheritance in the New. It reinforces the Chronicler's overarching message that success and blessing are intrinsically linked to God's favor and His ongoing work in the lives of those who belong to Him.

* [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "God's Provision for Israel")
* [Joshua 1:3](/joshua/1-3 "Every Place Your Foot Treads")
* [Psalm 44:3](/psalm/44-3 "Not By Their Own Sword")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief account in 1 Chronicles 5:10 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in the midst of detailed historical records or seemingly mundane genealogies, God's active hand is at work, orchestrating events for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His promises. Just as the Transjordanian tribes secured their physical inheritance and expanded their territory through divine empowerment, we too are called to trust in God's ability to provide, protect, and prosper us in our spiritual inheritance. This verse encourages us to recognize that our "battles" – whether against spiritual opposition, personal struggles, or societal challenges – are not fought in our own strength but through God's enabling power. It speaks to the faithfulness of God to His covenant, assuring us that He remains committed to His promises for His church and for individual believers. Our task is to remain faithful, to engage with the "Hagarites" in our lives with courage, knowing that the victory ultimately belongs to the Lord, and that our "dwelling places" (our lives, our ministries, our families) can be expanded and secured by His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's active hand in historical events, like the victory over the Hagarites, strengthen our faith in His providence today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking "territorial expansion" or the securing of an "inheritance," and how can you trust God's empowerment in those endeavors?**
* **What "Hagarites" (challenges or opposition) might you be facing, and how does the example of the Transjordanian tribes encourage you to rely on divine strength?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Hagarites, and why were they significant in this context?**

Answer: The Hagarites (or Hagrites) were an Arabian nomadic people, likely a confederation of tribes associated with the lineage of Hagar, Abraham's concubine. They inhabited the desert regions east of Gilead and were known for their wealth in livestock and their frequent conflicts with settled peoples, including the Israelites. Their significance in [1 Chronicles 5:10](/1_chronicles/5-10 "Victory Over the Hagarites") lies in their defeat, which represents a major military achievement for the Transjordanian tribes. This victory not only secured their borders but also allowed them to expand into valuable pasturelands, demonstrating God's provision and enablement for His people to claim their promised inheritance.

**Why does the Chronicler include such a specific historical detail within a genealogical section?**

Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of this specific historical detail within a genealogy serves several important purposes. Firstly, it validates the tribal claims and territorial possessions of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, showing their active role in Israel's history and their right to the land. Secondly, it highlights God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the promise of land and victory, even in the early monarchy under Saul. The Chronicler often emphasizes divine providence and the blessings that come from obedience and reliance on God. This brief narrative interlude demonstrates that God was actively working through these tribes, securing their inheritance, even as the central monarchy was developing. It transforms a mere list of names into a dynamic record of God's interaction with His people.

**What is the significance of the phrase "in the days of Saul"?**

Answer: The phrase "in the days of Saul" provides a crucial historical anchor for the event, placing it within the early period of the Israelite monarchy (late 11th to early 10th century BCE). This is significant because it shows that even as Israel transitioned to a centralized kingdom, tribal autonomy and localized warfare continued, especially for the tribes east of the Jordan. While Saul's reign was often marked by his own struggles and conflicts, this verse indicates that God's favor and military success were still evident among other parts of Israel. It subtly contrasts with Saul's own often-troubled leadership, highlighting that God's work of securing the land and blessing His people was not solely dependent on the king in Jerusalem but extended to all the tribes of Israel, demonstrating a broader scope of divine activity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The victory of the Transjordanian tribes over the Hagarites and their subsequent territorial expansion, as recounted in [1 Chronicles 5:10](/1_chronicles/5-10 "Victory Over the Hagarites"), finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical land and inheritance secured by the tribes foreshadow the spiritual inheritance that believers receive in Christ, which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "An Inheritance Imperishable")). The military success and divine enablement granted to the tribes point to Christ's decisive victory over all the spiritual "Hagarites"—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—through His cross and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers"), [Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Christ's Victory Over Death")). Just as the tribes expanded their dwelling places, so too does Christ empower His church, not through physical conquest but through the spiritual expansion of His kingdom across the globe, as commanded in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18 "The Great Commission")). Believers, as part of Christ's body, are given authority and power by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses and to see His dominion extend, securing a spiritual inheritance that far surpasses any earthly territory ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Power to Be Witnesses")). Ultimately, Christ is the true King who secures our eternal dwelling place and ensures our ultimate triumph, establishing a kingdom that will never end ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Everlasting Dominion")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.