1 Chronicles 5:26

So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria (that is, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria) to take the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. And he brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan, where they remain to this day.

Study Bible

So the God of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and active involvement of the God of Israel in the affairs of nations. The Hebrew term for God here is "Elohim," which denotes His power and majesty. Historically, this underscores the belief that God is not a distant deity but one who orchestrates events for His purposes, even using foreign kings to fulfill His will.

stirred the spirit
The Hebrew word for "stirred" is "ʿûr," which means to awaken or incite. This indicates that God can influence the inner motivations and decisions of individuals, including powerful rulers. It reflects the biblical theme that God can direct the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1), demonstrating His ultimate control over human history.

Pul king of Assyria, that is, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria
Pul and Tiglath-pileser are understood to be the same person, with Pul being a throne name. Tiglath-pileser III was a significant Assyrian ruler known for his military campaigns and expansion of the Assyrian Empire. Archaeological records, such as the annals of Tiglath-pileser, corroborate his conquests and interactions with Israel, providing historical context to the biblical narrative.

and he carried them away
This phrase refers to the exile of the tribes east of the Jordan River. The Hebrew verb "gālah" means to uncover or remove, often used in the context of exile. This event marks a significant moment of judgment and loss for these tribes, fulfilling prophetic warnings about the consequences of disobedience to God.

even the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
These tribes settled east of the Jordan River and were the first to be exiled due to their vulnerability and distance from the central worship in Jerusalem. Their removal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of remaining close to God and His covenant community.

and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river Gozan
These locations are in the region of Assyria, modern-day northern Iraq. The Assyrian policy of deportation aimed to prevent rebellion by displacing conquered peoples. This relocation fulfilled God's judgment but also set the stage for the eventual return and restoration of Israel, highlighting themes of judgment and hope.

to this day
This phrase indicates the enduring impact of the exile at the time of the Chronicler's writing. It serves as a reminder of the lasting consequences of turning away from God, yet also points to the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant and His promises of restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. God of Israel
The sovereign deity who orchestrates events according to His divine will.

2. Pul (King of Assyria)
Also known as Tiglath-pileser III, a powerful Assyrian king who played a significant role in the exile of the Israelites.

3. Tiglath-pileser (King of Assyria)
Another name for Pul, emphasizing his role in the Assyrian empire's expansion and the exile of the Israelites.

4. Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh
Tribes of Israel that settled east of the Jordan River and were taken into exile by the Assyrians.

5. Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river of Gozan
Locations in Assyria where the exiled Israelites were settled.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in History
God is in control of nations and their leaders, using them to fulfill His purposes.

Consequences of Disobedience
The exile of the tribes serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of turning away from God.

The Role of Prophecy
Prophetic warnings, like those in Amos and Deuteronomy, are fulfilled in these events, underscoring the reliability of God's word.

God's Discipline and Mercy
While God disciplines His people, His ultimate goal is restoration and repentance.

The Importance of Faithfulness
The account encourages believers to remain faithful to God, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and disobedience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the sovereignty of God, as seen in 1 Chronicles 5:26, provide comfort in today's uncertain world?

2. What lessons can we learn from the exile of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh about the consequences of disobedience?

3. How do the prophecies in Amos and Deuteronomy relate to the events described in 1 Chronicles 5:26, and what does this teach us about the nature of God's word?

4. In what ways can we see God's discipline as an act of love and mercy, rather than just punishment?

5. How can we apply the lessons of faithfulness from this passage to our daily walk with God, especially in the face of cultural pressures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 15:29
This passage provides a historical account of Tiglath-pileser's conquests, including the capture of Israelite territories.

2 Kings 17:6
Describes the Assyrian exile of the Israelites, providing context for the events in 1 Chronicles 5:26.

Amos 5:27
A prophetic warning about the exile, highlighting the consequences of Israel's disobedience.

Deuteronomy 28:36
A part of the blessings and curses, warning Israel of exile if they disobey God.

Isaiah 10:5-6
Describes Assyria as the rod of God's anger, used to discipline Israel.