TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
KJV (with Strong's)
The sons H1121 of Reuben H7205, and the Gadites H1425, and half H2677 the tribe H7626 of Manasseh H4519, of valiant men H2428, men H582 able to bear H5375 buckler H4043 and sword H2719, and to shoot H1869 with bow H7198, and skilful H3925 in war H4421, were four H702 and forty H705 thousand H505 seven H7651 hundred H3967 and threescore H8346, that went out H3318 to the war H6635.
Complete Jewish Bible
The descendants of Re'uven, the Gadi and the half-tribe of M'nasheh included 44,760 brave men who were available for warfare, able to take up shield and sword, shoot with the bow, or make use of other war skills.
Berean Standard Bible
The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors—valiant men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle.
American Standard Version
The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were forty and four thousand seven hundred and threescore, that were able to go forth to war.
World English Bible Messianic
The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war, were forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty, that were able to go out to war.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The sonnes of Reuben and of Gad, and of halfe the tribe of Manasseh of those that were viliant men, able to beare shield, and sworde, and to draw a bowe, exercised in warre, were foure and fourtie thousand, seuen hundreth and three score, that went out to the warre.
Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Reuben, and the Gadite, and the half of the tribe of Manasseh, of sons of valour, men bearing shield and sword, and treading bow, and taught in battle, are forty and four thousand and seven hundred and sixty, going out to the host.
Study This Verse
Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5 verses 18–26
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.
19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.
20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.
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.
22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.
23 And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelt in the land: they increased from Bashan unto Baalhermon and Senir, and unto mount Hermon.
24 And these were the heads of the house of their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers.
25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them.
26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points
The heads of the half-tribe of Manasseh, that were seated on the other side Jordan, are named here, Ch1 5:23, Ch1 5:24. Their lot, at first, was Bashan only; but afterwards they increased so much in wealth and power that they spread far north, even unto Hermon. Two things only are here recorded concerning these tribes on the other side Jordan, in which they were all concerned. They all shared,
I. In a glorious victory over the Hagarites, so the Ishmaelites were now called, to remind them that they were the sons of the bond-woman, that was cast out. We are not told when this victory was obtained: whether it be the same with that of the Reubenites (which is said Ch1 5:10 to be in the days of Saul), or whether that success of one of these tribes animated and excited the other two to join with them in another expedition, is not certain. It seems, though in Saul's time the common interests of the kingdom were weak and low, some of the tribes that acted separately did well for themselves. We are here told,
1.What a brave army these frontier-tribes brought into the field against the Hagarites, 44,000 men and upwards, all strong, and brave, and skilful in war, so many effective men, that knew how to manage their weapons, Ch1 5:18. How much more considerable might Israel have been than they were in the time of the judges if all the tribes had acted in conjunction!
2.What course they took to engage God for them: They cried to God, and put their trust in him, Ch1 5:20. Now they acted as Israelites indeed. (1.) As the seed of believing Abraham, they put their trust in God. Though they had a powerful army, they relied not on that, but on the divine power. They depended on the commission they had from God to wage war with their neighbours for the enlarging of their coasts, if there was occasion, even with those that were very far off, besides the devoted nations. See Deu 20:15. They depended on God's providence to give them success. (2.) As the seed of praying Jacob, they cried unto God, especially in the battle, when perhaps, at first, they were in danger of being overpowered. See the like done, Ch2 13:14. In distress, God expects we should cry to him; he distrains upon us for this tribute, this rent. In our spiritual conflicts, we must look up to heaven for strength; and it is the believing prayer that will be the prevailing prayer.
3.We are told what success they had: God was entreated of them, though need drove them to him; so ready is he to hear and answer prayer. They were helped against their enemies; for God never yet failed any that trusted in him. And then they routed the enemy's army, though far superior in number to theirs, slew many (Ch1 5:22), took 100,000 prisoners, enriched themselves greatly with the spoil, and settled themselves in their country (Ch1 5:21, Ch1 5:22), and all this because the war was of God, undertaken in his fear and carried on in a dependence upon him. If the battle be the Lord's, there is reason to hope it will be successful. Then we may expect to prosper in any enterprise, and then only, when we take God along with us.
II. They shared, at length, in an inglorious captivity. Had they kept close to God and their duty, they would have continued to enjoy both their ancient lot and their new conquests; but they transgressed against the God of their fathers, Ch1 5:25. They lay upon the borders, and conversed most with the neighbouring nations, by which means they learned their idolatrous usages and transmitted the infection to the other tribes; for this God had a controversy with them. He was a husband to them, and no marvel that his jealousy burnt like fire when they went a whoring after other gods. Justly is a bill of divorce given to the adulteress. God stirred up the spirit of the kings of Assyria, first one and then another, against them, served his own purposes by the designs of those ambitious monarchs, employed them to chastise these revolters first, and, when that humbled them not, then wholly to root them out, Ch1 5:26. These tribes were first placed, and they were first displaced. They would have the best land, not considering that it lay most exposed. But those who are governed more by sense than by reason or faith in their choices may expect to fare accordingly.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–26. Public domain.
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Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON FIRST CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The Chronicles also speak about the tabernacle because a temple of the Lord had not yet been built by either Samuel or David. The text also adds that that the holy services were held in the tabernacle. Worship was observed at that time according to the number of the days of the week. For it also says, “and their kindred who were in their villages were obliged to come in every seven days, in turn, to be with them.” With regard to the holy utensils it says, “Some of them had charge of the utensils of service, for they were required to count them when they were brought in and taken out. Others of them were appointed over the furniture, and over all the holy utensils, also over the choice flour, the wine, the oil, the incense and the spices.” And about the priests it says, “Others, of the sons of the priests, prepared the mixing of the spices.” With regard to the tomb of Saul the Chronicles gives us much information, and in the Book of Kings itself we read that his bones were gathered and buried in the land of Jabesh.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
There is abundant information in the books of Chronicles which were written to continue the books of the Kings and to preserve the memory of such important events. The first book begins with a genealogy that sets out to demonstrate how the human race came from a single man. Since it focuses only on the single kingdom of Judah, it can tell us about its cities and the villages, and from where they took their names. Here we come to know Nathan, from whom the blessed Luke constructed the beginning of his genealogy of our Lord and Savior, Son of David and Solomon’s brother4 on his mother’s side: “The following children were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimeah, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, that is, the four children he fathered with Bersabea, daughter of Ammiel.” And Rechab6 herself, who is mentioned in many books of Scripture, is said to have come from the tribe of Judah.It also clearly explains why Reuben lost his birthright and Joseph gained it and also, finally, the reason why the tribe of Judah obtained the highest honor: “The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. He was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, so that he is not enrolled in the genealogy according to the birthright; though Judah became prominent among his brothers and a ruler came from him, yet the birthright belonged to Joseph.” It also explains the reason why such a great honor was conceded to Joseph. By the will of God Judah had the dignity of receiving the Lord who was born from him according to the flesh. This is the sense tacitly expressed with the words “a leader from him.” Indeed the passage seems to assert that not only the kings of the earth derived from Judah, but also the eternal king himself who had no beginning and will never end.
It also describes the situation of the tribes beyond the Jordan, those of Reuben and Gad, and even the tribes of Manasseh which later were received into those of the Hagarites and the Itureans, and talks about the tribes of the Naphiseans, and all those peoples who entered into conflict with them. In addition the text relates how they fought and won, and made the Hagarites flee. And it also reports the reason for the victory: “When they received help against them, the Hagarites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried to God in the battle, and he granted their entreaty because they trusted in him.” It also describes the amount of the spoils of war: “They captured their livestock: 50, of their camels, 250, sheep, 2, donkeys and 100, captives. Many were slain because the war was from God. And they lived in their territory until the exile.”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
QUESTIONS ON 1 CHRONICLES, PROLOGUE
The genealogy of the priests and the Levites comes after this. It relates that Zadok, who was high priest at the time of David, had been the eleventh from Aaron; that Azariah, nephew of Zadok, had been the first to receive the priestly anointing in the temple built by Solomon. Among them there was also Jehozadak, who was brought to Babylon as a war prisoner. Jesus9 was his son, a high priest as well, who delivered the people from bondage together with Zerubbabel, and built a temple for the Lord. Here we also learn that Korah, who revolted against the great Moses, was a nephew of Isaar, son of Caath and brother of Amram, Aaron’s and Moses’ father. According to this lineage he was related to the first legislator. But he himself paid in the desert for his errors, although his children did not share the punishment of their father. From here Samuel13 came and then Aeman, who intoned Psalms and was a nephew of the prophet Samuel. In fact he was the son of Joel, son of Samuel. On the other hand, Asaph, one of the singers, came from the lineage of Gerson, son of Levi and brother of Caath. Aetham, who also belonged to the group of the singers, had Merari, the third son of Levi, as great-grandfather.The text also explains the difference between the priests and the Levites. It relates that the Levites were initiated into all the ministries of the holy altar of God: “But Aaron and his sons made offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense, doing all the work of the most holy place, to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.” It seems to me, in fact, that this book was written after the return from Babylon. For this reason it also talks about the bondage and explains its cause: “So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to live again in their possessions in their towns were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.” These accounts show that the book was begun after the captivity. Indeed no historian ever relates facts that happened afterwards, but what happened before or during his times. And actually only the prophets have the power to foretell the future. In addition it says that also those who had inhabited that land before them had been enslaved. And actually many of them still live with them: the Canaanites, Chettites, Jebusites, who had been their companions in such a misfortune. Also the priests and the Levites were brought into captivity with the Israelites. I believe that those who were called “the saints’ servants” were then called Nathinim. Many of them, in fact, consecrated themselves to the ministries of the priests and the Levites. There were among them also those who were entrusted with the carrying of the water, the gathering of wood and other necessary duties. Indeed, if it was imposed to the Gabaonites, who were foreigners, to follow Joshua in the praises and to perform some works as porters or carpenters, this task was even more the duty of the Israelites. As a proof of this I have found in the interpretation of Hebrew names that this name means “house of Iaō,” that is, “of the God who is.” The text, in fact, mentions the children of Israel and among them Judah and Benjamin, and Ephraim18 and Manasseh. It also mentions the priests and the Levites, who inhabited those cities. About the Korēnites it says that they derived from Korah. It also says that among them there had been the guardians of the temple of God as well, and it seems that this custom had been introduced by Samuel and David. “All these, who were chosen as gatekeepers at the thresholds, were two hundred twelve. They were enrolled by genealogies in their villages. David and the prophet Samuel established them in their office of trust. So they and their descendants were in charge of the gates of the house of the Lord, that is, the house of the tent, as guards. The gatekeepers were on the four sides, east, west, north, and south.”
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:18 offers a precise and powerful description of the military strength of the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh—highlighting their formidable numerical count of 44,760 valiant men. This verse meticulously details their combat readiness and exceptional expertise, portraying them as well-equipped warriors proficient in wielding bucklers, swords, and bows, and deeply skilled in the art of warfare, thus underscoring their critical role as a robust fighting force within ancient Israel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in 1 Chronicles 5:18 to vividly convey the formidable strength and unwavering readiness of the Transjordanian tribes. Enumeration is a prominent feature, as the verse explicitly lists the specific tribes, their diverse military skills (bearing buckler and sword, shooting with bow, being skillful in war), and their precise numerical strength. This meticulous listing creates a comprehensive and impactful portrayal of their military might. The deliberate use of Military Lexicon such as "buckler," "sword," "bow," and "war" immerses the reader directly into the context of ancient warfare, lending profound authenticity and gravitas to the description. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of Emphasis achieved through the accumulation of descriptive phrases detailing their abilities ("valiant men," "able to bear," "skilful"). This repeated and layered focus on their martial qualities powerfully reinforces the Chronicler's central message regarding their formidable nature and their indispensable importance to the nation's defense and security.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:18, while primarily detailing physical military strength, offers profound theological insights into God's providential care for His people and the enduring importance of readiness. The sheer number and demonstrated skill of these warriors reflect God's abundant blessing upon the tribes, empowering them to defend their inherited land and contribute significantly to the security of the broader nation. This passage powerfully illustrates the principle that God often works through human agency, equipping His people with the necessary abilities, resources, and courage for the tasks at hand, whether those be literal physical battles or the myriad spiritual challenges of life. The emphasis on being "valiant" and "skilful" serves as a timeless reminder to believers that diligence, disciplined training, and unwavering courage are absolutely vital for effectively fulfilling God's divine purposes. Just as these tribes were meticulously prepared for earthly warfare, God's people are called to be perpetually prepared for the spiritual battles of life, relying not on their own might, but on divine strength and wisdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous account of the Transjordanian tribes' military readiness in 1 Chronicles 5:18 serves as a profound and powerful metaphor for the spiritual preparedness required of every believer today. Just as these men were described as "valiant" and "skilful in war," equipped with buckler, sword, and bow, Christians are called to be courageous in their faith, spiritually discerning, and adept at wielding the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). This verse presents a compelling challenge for us to honestly assess our own readiness for the spiritual battles we inevitably face daily—battles against temptation, doubt, apathy, and the insidious forces of evil. Are we merely passive observers in the spiritual conflict, or are we actively training, diligently equipping ourselves with God's truth, consistently engaging in fervent prayer, and standing firm in unwavering faith? Our collective strength, mirroring that of these numerous tribes, is also vitally important; we are called to stand together as the unified body of Christ, supporting, encouraging, and interceding for one another in the spiritual fight, just as these tribes went "out to the war" together for the common good of Israel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does the Chronicler include such detailed military descriptions and numbers in his genealogies?
Answer: The Chronicler's inclusion of detailed military descriptions and specific numerical figures, as vividly seen in 1 Chronicles 5:18, serves several profound and interconnected purposes. Firstly, for a post-exilic audience who might have felt disheartened or diminished, these details powerfully emphasize the enduring strength, vitality, and divine favor upon Israel, instilling hope and confidence in God's continued blessing upon His covenant people. Secondly, these meticulous records underscore the faithful fulfillment of God's ancient promise of a numerous offspring and a land, demonstrating His unwavering commitment. Thirdly, the Chronicler often employs such details to highlight the paramount importance of unity, preparedness, and collective action. The combined strength of the tribes, even those geographically separated like the Transjordanian tribes, was absolutely crucial for national security and the success of military campaigns, thereby reinforcing the profound idea of a unified people operating under God's sovereign hand.
What is the significance of the Transjordanian tribes (Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh) in Israel's history?
Answer: The Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh—occupy a unique and profoundly significant place in Israel's historical narrative. Their story begins in Numbers 32, where they requested to settle east of the Jordan River due to the land's suitability for their extensive livestock. Moses granted their request on the crucial condition that their fighting men would cross the Jordan with the other tribes and actively participate in the conquest of Canaan before returning to their own inheritance. They faithfully fulfilled this solemn promise, as vividly recounted in Joshua 1:12-18 and Joshua 22. Their geographical position made them a vital frontier defense for the entire nation of Israel, often bearing the initial brunt of attacks from eastern peoples. The Chronicler's specific focus on their formidable military strength in 1 Chronicles 5:18 highlights their indispensable role in Israel's defense and their unwavering commitment to the covenant, despite their physical separation from the main body of Israel west of the Jordan.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:18 meticulously describes the physical prowess of ancient warriors, its profound themes of valiance, skill, and readiness find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ and His redeemed church. Jesus is the quintessential "valiant man," the true hero and mighty warrior who conquered sin, death, and the formidable powers of darkness, not with earthly sword and buckler, but through His perfect sacrificial love on the cross and His triumphant resurrection victory (Colossians 2:15). He is supremely "skilful in war," possessing perfect knowledge of the enemy's strategies and flawlessly executing God's eternal plan of salvation. Furthermore, Christ powerfully equips His followers, transforming them into "valiant men" and "skilful" spiritual warriors. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are divinely empowered to stand firm in the ongoing spiritual battle against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). We are called to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), wielding the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17), and fighting with spiritual weapons that possess divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Just as the tribes went out to war, believers are called to actively engage in the advancement of God's kingdom, knowing with absolute certainty that the Lamb will ultimately conquer and reign supreme (Revelation 17:14).