1 Chronicles 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Chronicles 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The sons of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, include Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi (vv. 1-3). Reuben lost his birthright due to a serious offense, with the birthright given instead to Joseph's sons. The Reubenites' genealogy includes Joel and his descendants, with notable names like Shemaiah and Gog (vv. 4-6). They lived in Gilead and waged war against the Hagrites, achieving military success (vv. 10, 19-20). The sons of Gad resided in Bashan with their leaders being Joel and Shapham (vv. 11-13). They also experienced military success and relied on divine aid in battle (vv. 18-22). The half-tribe of Manasseh grew in numbers from Bashan to Baal Hermon, with several mighty leaders mentioned (vv. 23-24). Finally, the chapter notes that unfaithfulness led them to be carried away by the Assyrians (vv. 25-26).

Key verse

“So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to this day.”
1 Chronicles 5:26 (WEB)

Outline

1 Chronicles 5:1–2 Reuben's Birthright and Lineage
1 Chronicles 5:3–10 Genealogy of Reuben and Military Achievements
1 Chronicles 5:11–16 Gad's Lineage and Territory
1 Chronicles 5:17–22 Military Strength and Divine Aid
1 Chronicles 5:23–24 Half-Tribe of Manasseh's Growth
1 Chronicles 5:25–26 Consequences of Unfaithfulness

Discussion questions

In v6, who was carried away captive by Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria?
What does v20 say about what the Reubenites did in battle?
In v25, why does it say they 'played the prostitute' after other gods?
In v26, what is the implication of God stirring up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria?
When has trust in God guided you through a difficult situation like in v20?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Chronicles 5: 2 Kings 15, Genesis 49, Isaiah 26.

Before next time: read 1 Chronicles 6.