1 Chronicles 5:10

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

1 Chronicles 5:10 provides a concise but significant historical detail concerning the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—during the early monarchy of Israel. It highlights their military prowess and territorial expansion.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy genealogical section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which meticulously traces the lineage of Israel's tribes. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 5 focuses on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who settled east of the Jordan River. Verse 10 offers a snapshot of their activity and success, occurring "in the days of Saul," Israel's first king. This places the event in a period of transition for Israel, moving from a confederation of tribes to a unified monarchy, though the tribes often acted independently, especially those across the Jordan.

Key Themes

  • Military Success and Divine Favor: The victory over the Hagarites, where they "fell by their hand," signifies divine blessing and military strength given to these tribes. This success allowed them to secure and expand their territory.
  • Territorial Expansion: The phrase "they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead" emphasizes the outcome of their victory: the expansion of their dwelling places into fertile lands previously occupied by the Hagarites. This highlights the importance of land and inheritance in ancient Israel.
  • Historical Record: The Chronicler’s inclusion of this specific event, even within a genealogy, underscores its importance as a significant moment in the history of these eastern tribes, demonstrating their active role in Israel's early period.

Linguistic and Historical Insights

The term "Hagarites" refers to descendants of Hagar, Abraham's concubine, indicating an Arabian tribe often hostile to Israel. Their defeat by the Transjordanian tribes was a notable military achievement. "Gilead" is a well-known geographical region east of the Jordan River, historically fertile and strategically important. The mention of "the days of Saul" anchors this event within a specific historical timeframe, linking it to the beginning of the Israelite monarchy. While Saul himself was primarily active west of the Jordan, this verse shows that tribal activities, including warfare and settlement, continued across the entire land promised to Israel, often involving God's hand in their victories.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, reminds us of the importance of divine providence and the active role of God in the history of His people. Just as God enabled the Transjordanian tribes to secure their inheritance and expand their territory, He continues to empower His people today. It speaks to the idea that even in times of transition or amidst detailed historical records, God's faithfulness to His promises (like the promise of land) is evident. It can encourage believers to trust in God's ability to provide and to grant success in their endeavors, especially when facing opposition, remembering that strength often comes from Him.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 83:6

    The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

  • Genesis 25:12

    Now these [are] the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

  • Genesis 21:9

    ¶ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:18

    ¶ The 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.

  • 1 Chronicles 5:21

    And 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.
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