1Ch 5:1-2 | KingComments | STEP | The three tribes, whose descendants are mentioned in this chapter, Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, live in the wilderness side of the Jordan. Reuben lost his birthright by an act of fornication ( ; ). That birthright went to Joseph. God’s choice goes beyond the natural. But Judah gets the most important place because through him the royal line runs and from his descendants the Leader, the Lord Jesus, will be born. Reuben has enlarged his area ( ). He was given permission to stay on the east side of the Jordan and was not compelled to live in the land ( ). He wanted to stay on the east side of the Jordan because of his many cattle. It is the side that speaks of the earthly blessings. What Reuben does present to us is the man who would like to possess more of the earthly blessings. For the Christian, it is dangerous to engage in the accumulation of earthly possessions as an end in itself. He will thereby pierce himself with many griefs ( ).

‏ 1 Chronicles 5:1-2

Introduction

The three tribes, whose descendants are mentioned in this chapter, Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, live in the wilderness side of the Jordan.

Descendants of Reuben

Reuben lost his birthright by an act of fornication (1Chr 5:1-2; Gen 35:22 ; Gen 49:3-4). That birthright went to Joseph. God’s choice goes beyond the natural. But Judah gets the most important place because through him the royal line runs and from his descendants the Leader, the Lord Jesus, will be born.

Reuben has enlarged his area (1Chr 5:9-10). He was given permission to stay on the east side of the Jordan and was not compelled to live in the land (Num 32:1-5 ; 33). He wanted to stay on the east side of the Jordan because of his many cattle. It is the side that speaks of the earthly blessings.

What Reuben does present to us is the man who would like to possess more of the earthly blessings. For the Christian, it is dangerous to engage in the accumulation of earthly possessions as an end in itself. He will thereby pierce himself with many griefs (1Tim 6:9-10 ; 17-19).