1 Chronicles 5:21
They seized the livestock of the Hagrites--50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, and 2,000 donkeys. They also took 100,000 captives,
They seized the livestock of the Hagrites
The phrase "They seized" indicates a victorious action taken by the Israelites, specifically the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The "Hagrites" were a nomadic tribe, likely descendants of Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. This historical context highlights the ongoing conflicts between the Israelites and surrounding peoples. The seizing of livestock was a common practice in ancient warfare, serving both as a means of survival and a demonstration of dominance.

fifty thousand camels
Camels were highly valued in the ancient Near East for their ability to travel long distances across arid regions. The mention of "fifty thousand camels" underscores the wealth and resources of the Hagrites, as well as the significant gain for the Israelites. In a spiritual sense, camels can symbolize endurance and the ability to carry burdens, reflecting the strength God provides His people in times of need.

two hundred fifty thousand sheep
Sheep were essential for their wool, meat, and milk, making them a vital resource for any community. The large number of "two hundred fifty thousand sheep" signifies the abundance of God's provision for the Israelites. Biblically, sheep often symbolize God's people, and this vast number can be seen as a reminder of God's promise to multiply and bless His chosen ones.

and two thousand donkeys
Donkeys were valuable for their role as beasts of burden, used in agriculture and transportation. The "two thousand donkeys" captured would have been a significant asset, enhancing the Israelites' ability to cultivate land and transport goods. In a broader sense, donkeys can represent humility and service, qualities that are esteemed in the Kingdom of God.

They also took one hundred thousand captives
The taking of "one hundred thousand captives" reflects the totality of the Israelites' victory over the Hagrites. In ancient times, captives were often integrated into the victors' society, contributing to its growth and development. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for God's ability to transform and redeem lives, bringing people from captivity to freedom in Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes of Israel were involved in the battle against the Hagrites. They were known for their valor and strength in battle.

2. The Hagrites
A nomadic tribe that lived east of the Jordan River. They were often in conflict with the Israelites.

3. Livestock and Captives
The spoils of war included a significant number of livestock and captives, indicating the scale of the victory and the wealth acquired.
Teaching Points
God's Provision in Battle
The victory over the Hagrites and the acquisition of livestock and captives demonstrate God's provision and faithfulness to His people in times of conflict.

The Consequences of Sin and Disobedience
The Hagrites, as descendants of Hagar, remind us of the consequences of Abraham and Sarah's decision to take matters into their own hands, leading to ongoing conflict.

Stewardship of God's Blessings
The vast amount of livestock and captives taken as spoils of war calls for responsible stewardship and a reminder that material wealth should be used for God's glory.

Unity and Cooperation Among God's People
The collaboration between the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people to achieve victory.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the victory over the Hagrites demonstrate God's faithfulness to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh?

2. In what ways can the account of the Hagrites remind us of the long-term consequences of decisions made outside of God's will?

3. How can we apply the principle of stewardship to the blessings and resources God has given us today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the unity and cooperation of the tribes involved in this battle, and how can we apply these lessons to our church communities?

5. How does the account of the Hagrites and the Israelites reflect the broader account of God's redemptive plan throughout the Bible?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 16
The Hagrites are descendants of Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, who bore Ishmael to Abraham. This connection highlights the long-standing tensions between the descendants of Ishmael and the Israelites.

1 Samuel 30
Similar to the spoils taken from the Hagrites, David recovered livestock and captives from the Amalekites, demonstrating God's provision and victory in battle.

Joshua 22
The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh were given land east of the Jordan, which contextualizes their proximity to the Hagrites and their involvement in this conflict.
Man's Power and God's Power in WarR. Tuck 1 Chronicles 5:18-22
Victors and VanquishedJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 5:18-22
Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh: Their ValourF. Whitfield 1 Chronicles 5:18-24
Devotion, Declension, and DoomW. Clarkson 1 Chronicles 5:18-26
On the Genealogical TablesR. Glover 1 Chronicles 1-6
GenealogiesJ.R. Thomson 1 Chronicles 1-9
People
Abdiel, Abihail, Ahi, Azaz, Azriel, Beerah, Bela, Buz, Carmi, Eber, Eliel, Enoch, Epher, Gad, Gadites, Gog, Guni, Hagarites, Hagrites, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Hodaviah, Huri, Ishi, Jaanai, Jachan, Jahdiel, Jahdo, Jaroah, Jeiel, Jeremiah, Jeroboam, Jeshishai, Jetur, Joel, Jorai, Joseph, Jotham, Manasseh, Meshullam, Micah, Michael, Naphish, Pallu, Phallu, Pul, Reaia, Reaiah, Reuben, Reubenites, Saul, Shapham, Shaphat, Shema, Shemaiah, Shimei, Tilgathpilneser, Zechariah, Zia
Places
Aroer, Assyria, Baal-hermon, Bashan, Beth-baal-meon, Euphrates River, Gilead, Gozan, Habor River, Halah, Hara, Jetur, Mount Hermon, Mount Seir, Naphish, Nebo, Nodab, Salecah, Senir, Sharon
Topics
2000, Asses, 100000, 250000, Beings, Camels, Captive, Carried, Cattle, Donkeys, Fifty, Hagrites, Human, Hundred, Livestock, Sheep, Souls, Thousand
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Chronicles 5:18-23

     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Conclusion
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth" (Rev. 19:6). In our Foreword to the Second Edition we acknowledge the need for preserving the balance of Truth. Two things are beyond dispute: God is Sovereign, man is responsible. In this book we have sought to expound the former; in our other works we have frequently pressed the latter. That there is real danger of over-emphasising the one and ignoring the other, we readily admit; yea, history furnishes numerous examples of cases of each. To emphasise
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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