51 As to sons of Reuben, first-born of Israel—for he 'is' the first-born, and on account of his profaning the couch of his father hath his birthright been given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, and 'he is' not to be reckoned by genealogy for the birthright, 2 for Judah hath been mighty over his brother, and for leader above him, and the birthright 'is' to Joseph. 3 Sons of Reuben, first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4 Sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgath-Pilneser king of Asshur removed; he 'is' prince of the Reubenite. 7 And his brethren, by their families, in the genealogy of their generations, 'are' heads: Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8 and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel—he is dwelling in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baal-Meon; 9 and at the east he dwelt even unto the entering in of the wilderness, even from the river Phrat, for their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10 And in the days of Saul they have made war with the Hagarites, who fall by their hand, and they dwell in their tents over all the face of the east of Gilead.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:1-10
Chapter Contents
Genealogies.
This chapter gives some account of the two tribes and a half seated on the east side of Jordan. They were made captives by the king of Assyria, because they had forsaken the Lord. Only two things are here recorded concerning these tribes. 1. They all shared in a victory. Happy is that people who live in harmony together, who assist each other against the common enemies of their souls, trusting in the Lord, and calling upon him. 2. They shared in captivity. They would have the best land, not considering that it lay most exposed. The desire of earthly objects draws to a distance from God's ordinances, and prepares men for destruction.