Read 1 Chronicles 5
Questions from the Scripture text: Which tribe do 1 Chronicles 5:1–10 cover? What had Reuben lost, and why/how (1 Chronicles 5:1)? Who would come from Judah (1 Chronicles 5:2)? What do 1 Chronicles 5:3-8a describe? What do 1 Chronicles 5:8-10 describe? How did they expand their land? Which tribe do 1 Chronicles 5:11-17 cover? What do 1 Chronicles 5:11-15 describe? What do 1 Chronicles 5:16-17 describe? What event is inserted here (1 Chronicles 5:18-22)? How did they win (1 Chronicles 5:20a)? In what manner did this help come (verse 20b)? Why? With what result (1 Chronicles 5:21-22)? Which tribe do 1 Chronicles 5:23-26 cover? What does 1 Chronicles 5:23 describe? What does 1 Chronicles 5:24 describe? What assessment does 1 Chronicles 5:25 make? Who responded to this in what way (1 Chronicles 5:26).
Of what do these forgotten tribes remind us? 1 Chronicles 5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that these forgotten tribes remind us of sin’s harm and God’s grace.
Like Simeon (cf. 1 Chronicles 4:24–43), the two-and-a-half tribes were easily forgotten. Not only were they across the Jordan, but they were also exiled several years before the rest of the northern kingdom. This comes across in each of the three accounts, as brief as they are: captivity (1 Chronicles 5:6), captivity (1 Chronicles 5:22), captivity (1 Chronicles 5:26). This is a cautionary tale that a few minutes of sin can have a thousand years of consequences (1 Chronicles 5:1), and that God takes faithfulness to Him in purity of worship extremely seriously (1 Chronicles 5:25).
But it is also a reminder that God is gracious to sinners. Reuben had lost the birthright to Joseph (who got a double portion, by being split into two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim), but from Judah would come a Rule Who would deliver His people (1 Chronicles 5:2). And the Lord had graciously given even Reuben success to expand his land (1 Chronicles 5:10), when the two-and-a-half tribes fought together, especially by crying out to God and putting their trust in Him (1 Chronicles 5:20). See how ready God is to hear and answer prayer!
As they returned to the land, they needed to remember both of these things: the severe consequences of fleeting sin and of unfaithfulness in worship, and also the graciousness of God to sinners who call upon His Name. And you need to be reminded of these two things too, dear reader.
For what fleeting enjoyments are you tempted to incur severe consequences? In what circumstances do you need to remember how ready God is to hear your prayers and help you?
Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us. For, like Reuben, we are often ready to harm ourselves and others long-term for a few moments of enjoyment. And, like half-Manasseh, we are often too ready to trust in what the people’s of the land trust, and worship what they worship, and serve what they serve. But, You have brought the Ruler from Judah, Who delivers us. And You are ready to heed our prayers, when we trust in You. For the sake of Christ, heed our prayers now, and forgive us, and cleanse us from our unrighteousness, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH456 “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners”
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