1 Chronicles 5:19

KJV

And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made {H6213} war {H4421} with the Hagarites {H1905}, with Jetur {H3195}, and Nephish {H5305}, and Nodab {H5114}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These made war with the Hagri'im, Y'tur, Nafish and Nodav.

Berean Standard Bible

They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab.

American Standard Version

And they made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Chronicles 5:19 meticulously records a significant military engagement involving the Israelite tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who were settled east of the Jordan River. This verse details their successful campaign against the Hagarites and their specific allied clans—Jetur, Nephish, and Nodab—nomadic groups inhabiting the desert regions bordering Israel's eastern territories. Far from being a mere historical skirmish, this conflict is presented by the Chronicler as a pivotal event underscoring the tribes' efforts to secure and expand their divinely promised inheritance, thereby setting the theological stage for the subsequent verses that explicitly attribute their decisive victory to God's direct intervention in response to their trust and fervent prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the extensive genealogical records of [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1-chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies of Israel"), a section that meticulously traces the lineage of Israel, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant people and their historical trajectory. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 5](/1-chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - The Tribes East of Jordan") focuses on the tribes dwelling east of the Jordan: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Verses 1-10 detail Reuben's lineage and the loss of his birthright, followed by Gad's descendants (vv. 11-17), and Manasseh's (vv. 18-26). Verse 19, therefore, is embedded within a description of the eastern Manassites, though the subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 5:20-22](/1-chronicles/5-20-22 "1 Chronicles 5:20-22 - Victory Over the Hagarites")) clarify that all three eastern tribes participated in this significant war. The Chronicler's deliberate placement of this military victory amidst genealogical lists highlights that even within the recording of ancestry, God's active involvement in the lives and territorial security of His people is paramount. The immediate follow-up in [1 Chronicles 5:20](/1-chronicles/5-20 "1 Chronicles 5:20 - God Grants Victory") explicitly attributes the victory to divine intervention, demonstrating the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda to emphasize God's faithfulness to those who seek Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hagarites (or Hagrites) were a prominent nomadic tribal confederation, frequently identified with the descendants of Hagar through Ishmael. Jetur, Nephish, and Nodab are explicitly listed as sons of Ishmael in [Genesis 25:15](/genesis/25-15 "Genesis 25:15 - Sons of Ishmael"), indicating a deep-seated, ancestral connection and a long-standing rivalry with the descendants of Isaac. These groups inhabited the desert fringes east of Gilead and Bashan, regions that bordered the Israelite territories east of the Jordan. They were known for engaging in raiding and territorial disputes with settled populations, making them a constant threat to the stability and security of the Israelite tribes. The period described likely pertains to the early settlement or monarchic eras, when Israel was still consolidating its hold on the promised land and securing its borders. The Chronicler, writing much later in the post-exilic period, uses this historical account to remind his audience of God's past faithfulness and Israel's ability to overcome formidable foes when they remained faithful and reliant upon Him. This narrative served as an encouragement for a community facing its own challenges of rebuilding and re-establishing their identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, especially when read in conjunction with the broader narrative of [1 Chronicles 5](/1-chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - The Eastern Tribes and Their Victory"), contributes significantly to several key themes central to the Chronicler's message. Firstly, it underscores **Territorial Inheritance and Security**, demonstrating the ongoing process of Israel settling and defending the land God had promised them, even extending their dominion into the eastern regions. This was a crucial aspect of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Secondly, it highlights the **Unity and Cooperation** of the eastern tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) in a common military endeavor, a theme often emphasized by the Chronicler for a post-exilic community needing to rebuild national unity and purpose. Most significantly, it sets the stage for the overarching theme of **Divine Assistance and Faithfulness**. While [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1-chronicles/5-19 "1 Chronicles 5:19 - War with the Hagarites") itself only records the initiation of war, the subsequent verses, particularly [1 Chronicles 5:20](/1-chronicles/5-20 "1 Chronicles 5:20 - God Grants Victory"), make it abundantly clear that God granted the Israelite tribes victory because they cried out to Him in battle and trusted in Him. This war, therefore, serves as a powerful example of God's active involvement in the history of His people, rewarding their reliance on Him and demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **made war (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh milchâmâh'_):** This phrase combines the verb H6213 (`ʻâsâh`), meaning "to do or make," with the noun H4421 (`milchâmâh`), meaning "battle" or "war." Together, they denote the active engagement in military conflict. The use of `ʻâsâh` here implies a deliberate, purposeful action on the part of the Israelite tribes to initiate or respond to hostilities. While "making war" can be a purely human endeavor, within the Chronicler's theological framework, even such actions are often presented as divinely sanctioned or influenced, particularly when viewed in light of the subsequent verses that emphasize the tribes' reliance on God for victory and the ultimate divine granting of success. This was not a random skirmish but a decisive military operation.
* **Hagarites (Hebrew, _Hagrîy'_):** H1905 (`Hagrîy`) refers to a member of a certain Arabian clan, specifically the descendants of Hagar, Abraham's concubine. These were a prominent nomadic people inhabiting the desert regions east of Gilead and Bashan, bordering Israelite territories. Their naming here underscores their identity as traditional adversaries of Israel, often representing the constant threat of border incursions and the ongoing struggle for control over the land. The Chronicler's specific mention of them highlights the historical and ancestral context of the conflict, linking it to the broader narrative of the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.
* **Nodab (Hebrew, _Nôwdâb'_):** H5114 (`Nôwdâb`) is identified as an Arab tribe, likely a son of Ishmael (though not explicitly listed in [Genesis 25:13-16](/genesis/25-13-16 "Genesis 25:13-16 - Sons of Ishmael") as directly as Jetur and Nephish). The name itself means "noble." The inclusion of Nodab, alongside Jetur and Nephish, serves to provide specific detail about the confederation of tribes allied with the Hagarites. This specificity lends historical credibility to the account and emphasizes the formidable nature of the combined forces Israel faced. It also reinforces the idea that Israel's adversaries were often their own distant relatives, adding a layer of complex historical and familial tension to the conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made war with the Hagarites":** This opening clause immediately establishes the military action. The pronoun "they" refers collectively to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, as clarified by the broader context of [1 Chronicles 5](/1-chronicles/5 "1 Chronicles 5 - The Eastern Tribes") and specifically [1 Chronicles 5:18](/1-chronicles/5-18 "1 Chronicles 5:18 - The Eastern Tribes Prepare for War"). The Hagarites are presented as the primary antagonists, a well-known nomadic group whose presence posed a direct and persistent threat to the stability and security of the Israelite territories east of the Jordan. This phrase sets the scene for a significant and decisive conflict, indicating that the Israelite tribes were not merely defending but actively engaging in offensive warfare to secure their borders and expand their dominion.
* **"with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab":** These names specify the allied clans or sub-tribes that fought alongside the Hagarites. Jetur and Nephish are explicitly listed among the sons of Ishmael in [Genesis 25:15](/genesis/25-15 "Ishmael's Descendants"), and Nodab is also understood to be an Ishmaelite tribe. By explicitly naming these specific groups, the Chronicler emphasizes the precise nature of the conflict and the identity of Israel's adversaries. This detail not only provides historical precision and verisimilitude but also reinforces the long-standing, often contentious, relationship between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history concerning the land and its inhabitants.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's narrative in [1 Chronicles 5:19](/1-chronicles/5-19 "1 Chronicles 5:19 - War with the Hagarites") employs several effective literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Historical Narration**, presenting a concise, factual account of a military engagement. This serves the Chronicler's broader purpose of meticulously recording Israel's history, particularly focusing on events that highlight God's interaction with His people and the fulfillment of His promises. There is also a strong element of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing** embedded in this verse; by itself, it simply states the initiation of war. However, within the Chronicler's theological framework, this statement immediately sets the stage for the subsequent verses ([1 Chronicles 5:20-22](/1-chronicles/5-20-22 "1 Chronicles 5:20-22 - God Grants Victory to the Eastern Tribes")) which reveal the divine intervention and the ultimate reason for Israel's victory. The naming of specific adversaries (Hagarites, Jetur, Nephish, Nodab) functions as **Specificity** and **Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical weight to the account. This precise naming also subtly invokes the broader narrative of Israel's struggles with its neighbors, often descendants of Abraham's other sons, for control of the promised land, thereby adding a layer of **Intertextuality** by referencing earlier biblical narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account in 1 Chronicles 5:19, while a historical record of warfare, carries profound theological weight within the Chronicler's overall message. It is not merely a chronicle of battles but an illustration of God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the security of His people. The willingness of the eastern tribes to engage in this conflict, and their subsequent divinely granted victory (as detailed in the following verses), serves as a powerful testament to the principle that God empowers His people when they act in faith and obedience to secure their inheritance. This narrative reinforces the idea that even in the face of formidable adversaries, divine assistance is readily available to those who trust in the Lord and cry out to Him. It underscores the active and sovereign role God plays in the historical unfolding of His redemptive plan, ensuring the preservation and prosperity of His chosen people in fulfillment of His sacred covenant.

* [1 Chronicles 5:20](/1-chronicles/5-20 "God Answers Prayer in Battle")
* [Psalm 44:5](/psalm/44-5 "Through God We Push Down Our Foes")
* [Joshua 23:10](/joshua/23-10 "One Man Chasing a Thousand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The historical account of the eastern tribes waging war against the Hagarites and their allies, culminating in a divinely granted victory, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. Life is often described as a spiritual battle, and like the tribes of Israel, we encounter various "Hagarites"—challenges, temptations, spiritual adversaries, and societal pressures that seek to undermine our faith, disrupt our peace, and hinder our walk with God. This verse, particularly when viewed in its broader context of divine intervention, reminds us that engaging with these challenges is an integral part of our spiritual journey. It calls us to active faith, not passive resignation, to confront what threatens our spiritual inheritance. The unity of the tribes in this common cause also speaks powerfully to the strength found in communal effort within the body of Christ. When we face formidable obstacles, whether personal or corporate, the principle remains: we are called to trust in God, to cry out to Him in fervent prayer, and to act in accordance with His revealed will. Our victories, like theirs, are ultimately attributed to His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness, not merely our strength, strategy, or wisdom. This account encourages a posture of humble dependence on God, reminding us that true security, lasting triumph, and the ability to advance in our spiritual inheritance come from Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Hagarites" or adversaries are you currently facing in your life, whether spiritual, emotional, relational, or practical, that seem to threaten your peace or progress?**
* **How does the unity of the eastern tribes in battle inspire your understanding of community, mutual support, and cooperation within the church or your personal relationships as you face challenges?**
* **Considering the broader context of God's intervention in this battle, how does this account encourage you to trust God more fully and cry out to Him when facing your own seemingly insurmountable challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Hagarites and why were they significant to the Israelite tribes?**

Answer: The Hagarites were a prominent nomadic people inhabiting the desert regions east of Israel, particularly bordering the territories of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. They are often identified as descendants of Hagar, Abraham's concubine, through Ishmael. Their significance lies in their historical role as frequent adversaries and raiders against the Israelite tribes, constantly posing a threat to their settled existence and territorial security. The mention of Jetur, Nephish, and Nodab, who are listed as sons of Ishmael in [Genesis 25:15](/genesis/25-15 "Genesis 25:15 - Sons of Ishmael"), reinforces this ancestral connection and highlights the long-standing tension between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael. For the Israelite tribes, engaging with and defeating the Hagarites was crucial for securing their borders, protecting their settlements, and maintaining control over the land that God had promised them, as highlighted in the broader narrative of [1 Chronicles 5:19-22](/1-chronicles/5-19-22 "1 Chronicles 5:19-22 - Victory Over the Hagarites"). This conflict was not merely a defensive act but an offensive action to expand and consolidate their God-given inheritance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 5:19 details a specific historical tribal war, its deeper significance, especially within the Chronicler's theological framework, powerfully points towards the ultimate victory and eternal inheritance secured in Christ. The eastern tribes' struggle to secure their physical land and their victory over formidable adversaries foreshadows the spiritual battle and the glorious, imperishable inheritance that believers receive through Jesus Christ. Just as God empowered His people to overcome their physical enemies and possess their promised land, so too does Christ, the true King of Israel and the ultimate Warrior, conquer the ultimate spiritual adversaries—sin, death, and the devil—and secure for His people a heavenly inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for them ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1-peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Inheritance")). The unity of the tribes in battle prefigures the essential unity of the church, the body of Christ, called to stand together against spiritual forces of evil, not against flesh and blood ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle is Not Against Flesh and Blood")). Ultimately, the Chronicler's emphasis on God granting victory when His people cried out and trusted Him finds its supreme fulfillment in Christ's decisive victory on the cross, where He disarmed the principalities and powers and triumphed over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Believers are now called to live in the reality of this already-won victory, inheriting every spiritual blessing in Christ ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")) and participating in His ongoing reign as they await the full consummation of His eternal kingdom.

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

Genesis 25:15

Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

1 Chronicles 1:31

Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.

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.