I Chronicles Chapter 5

Please read:  I Chronicles 5 –

This chapter will reference the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh.  The opening verse tells us why the first-born son of Jacob was never listed first.  It was because his birthright was taken away for the sin of sleeping with his father’s concubine.  Concubine’s while they were a servant they were also considered to be a man’s wife.  When Jacob learned of his oldest son’s indiscretion, the birthright of the oldest son receiving the double portion of the inheritance was taken away and instead given to a younger son.

In verse 18 we see why the chronicler grouped these 3 sons or tribes together.  He says that all three, the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh were good warriors.  They were called valiant men.  But as we learned in our study of I and II Kings their downfall was the downfall of so many, they worshipped other gods.  These tribes were taken into captivity because of their sins.