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 provides a concise yet profound historical snapshot within the extensive genealogies of Israel's Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It records a decisive military victory achieved by these tribes over the Hagarites during the early monarchy under King Saul, which resulted in the significant expansion and secure establishment of their dwelling places across the fertile eastern region of Gilead. This brief account underscores God's active hand in granting success and securing the promised inheritance for His people, even amidst periods of national transition and ongoing tribal conflicts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the opening genealogical sections of 1 Chronicles (chapters 1-9), which serve as the Chronicler's foundational narrative. Unlike the books of Samuel and Kings, which focus on the monarchy, the Chronicler emphasizes the continuity of Israel's identity through its tribal lineages and God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. [1 Chronicles 5](/1_chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - Genealogies 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/5-1-2 "Reuben's Lost Birthright and Joseph's Blessing"), the chapter proceeds to list their descendants, territorial possessions, and, significantly, their military exploits. Verse 10 functions as a crucial historical interjection within this primarily genealogical framework. It highlights the active role and divine blessing experienced by these eastern tribes, thereby reinforcing their integral place within the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's ongoing work among His people, demonstrating that God's hand was at work beyond the central monarchy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise dating "in the days of Saul" anchors this event to the formative period of the Israelite monarchy, roughly the late 11th to early 10th century BCE. This era was characterized by Israel's transition from a loose tribal confederacy to a more unified kingdom, though significant tribal autonomy, particularly for those east of the Jordan, persisted. The "Hagarites" (also known as Hagrites or Hagarenes) were a prominent Arabian nomadic people, likely a confederation of desert tribes, often hostile to Israel and renowned for their wealth in livestock. Their defeat by the Transjordanian tribes was a substantial military achievement, critical for securing vital pasturelands and trade routes. "Gilead" designates a fertile, strategically important region east of the Jordan River, celebrated for its rich grazing lands. The conflict described in [1 Chronicles 5:10](/1_chronicles/5-10 "Victory Over the Hagarites") reflects the perpetual struggle for land and security in ancient Israel, where the divine promise of territory ([Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "The Promise of the Land")) often necessitated military action. The ability of these tribes to expand their territory and dwell "in their tents" (suggesting a pastoral, semi-nomadic lifestyle even within settled areas) underscores their successful adaptation to the region's resources and the favor granted by divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes embedded within [1 Chronicles 5:10](/1_chronicles/5-10 "Victory Over the Hagarites") are **Divine Providence and Military Success**. The victory over the Hagarites, explicitly stating they "fell by their hand," is presented not merely as a result of human strength but implicitly as God's enablement. This aligns perfectly with the Chronicler's overarching theological perspective, where success and prosperity are consistently linked to divine favor and obedience ([2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "Asa's Prayer for Victory")). This military triumph directly leads to **Territorial Expansion and Secure Inheritance**. The phrase "they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead" emphasizes the tangible outcome: the tribes secured and expanded their dwelling places, thereby fulfilling aspects of the land promise given to Israel. This highlights the critical importance of land as both an inheritance and a visible sign of God's blessing in ancient Israel. Finally, the strategic inclusion of this specific historical event within a genealogical list underscores the **Chronicler's Theological History**. It demonstrates that even during the reign of Saul, a period often marked by his own struggles and God's judgment, God was actively working through other parts of Israel to establish their inheritance and demonstrate His unwavering faithfulness to the covenant, thereby providing a continuous narrative of God's interaction with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hagarites (Hebrew, _Hagrîy'_):** This term refers to an Arabian people, likely a confederation of nomadic tribes, possibly descended from or associated with Hagar, Abraham's concubine. They inhabited the desert regions to the east of Gilead. Their defeat by the Transjordanian tribes represents a significant military achievement, as these were formidable and often hostile adversaries, whose presence challenged Israelite control over eastern pasturelands.
* **Gilead (Hebrew, _Gilʻâd'_):** This designates a prominent and highly fertile geographical region located east of the Jordan River. It was particularly valued for its rich pasturelands, making it an ideal and 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 territorial control and settlement within this economically vital area.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** In the phrase "fell by their hand," the Hebrew word _yâd_ (hand) is used idiomatically to signify power, means, or effective action. Here, it denotes the decisive military might and successful execution of the battle by the Transjordanian tribes. In biblical contexts, when success is attributed to "their hand," it often carries the implicit understanding of divine enablement and blessing, suggesting that God empowered the tribes to achieve this victory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the days of Saul":** This opening clause functions as a precise chronological marker, situating the military engagement firmly within the reign of Saul, Israel's first king. This historical anchor places the event in the early period of the united monarchy, a time characterized by significant national development and ongoing conflicts with surrounding peoples for land and security.
* **"they made war with the Hagarites":** "They" refers collectively to the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—whose genealogies and initial settlements are detailed in the preceding verses of [1 Chronicles 5:1-9](/1_chronicles/5-1-9 "Genealogies of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh"). This indicates an active and deliberate military campaign initiated by these tribes against the nomadic Hagarites, primarily driven by the need to secure and expand their vital pasturelands and resources.
* **"who fell by their hand":** This phrase unequivocally declares a decisive and overwhelming victory for the Israelite tribes. The Hagarites were utterly defeated, succumbing to the military prowess and divine enablement of the Transjordanian forces. In biblical narrative, such a phrase often implies not just human strength but God's active involvement and favor, suggesting that the Lord granted success to His people in this conflict.
* **"and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east [land] of Gilead":** This concluding clause articulates the immediate and lasting consequence of their victory. "They dwelt in their tents" signifies a secure, established, and expanded presence, indicating either permanent or semi-permanent settlement. The phrase "throughout all the east [land] of Gilead" emphasizes a significant territorial gain, allowing these tribes to expand their grazing lands and consolidate their control over a vast and fertile region, thereby securing and enlarging their promised inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
1 Chronicles 5:10 is a masterclass in conveying significant historical and theological information with remarkable **Conciseness** and **Brevity**. The entire account of a major military engagement—its participants, outcome, and far-reaching consequences—is distilled into a single, compact sentence. The opening phrase "in the days of Saul" functions as a crucial **Historical Marker**, immediately orienting the reader to the specific chronological context within the early monarchy, even though the surrounding text is primarily genealogical. The expression "fell by their hand" employs **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "hand" represents the collective power, military might, and successful action of the Transjordanian tribes, subtly hinting at divine empowerment. The verse also serves as a potent **Narrative Summary**, encapsulating a complex historical event—a war, a decisive 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 perfectly with the Chronicler's broader theological agenda of highlighting God's active hand in Israel's history.

### 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 clear 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, reminding us that even within detailed historical records or seemingly mundane genealogies, God's active hand is perpetually 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 sovereign 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 profoundly 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 and strategic wisdom, knowing that the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, and that our "dwelling places" (our lives, our ministries, our families) can be expanded and secured by His grace and for His glory.

#### 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 and sovereign control over our lives today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking "territorial expansion" or the securing of an "inheritance" (e.g., spiritual growth, ministry impact, relational healing), and how can you trust God's empowerment in those endeavors?**
* **What "Hagarites" (significant challenges, persistent opposition, or spiritual strongholds) might you be facing currently, and how does the example of the Transjordanian tribes encourage you to rely on divine strength rather than solely your own?**

### 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 decisive 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 and faithfulness to the entire covenant community.

### 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 powerfully point to Christ's decisive victory over all the spiritual "Hagarites"—sin, death, and the powers of darkness—achieved through His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant 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 and secured their territory, so too does Christ empower His church, not through physical conquest but through the spiritual expansion of His eternal 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.

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.