1 Chronicles 5 19

1 Chronicles 5:19 kjv

And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab.

1 Chronicles 5:19 nkjv

They made war with the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab.

1 Chronicles 5:19 niv

They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab.

1 Chronicles 5:19 esv

They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab.

1 Chronicles 5:19 nlt

They waged war against the Hagrites, the Jeturites, the Naphishites, and the Nodabites.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 19 Meaning

This verse details the specific enemies that the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh engaged in warfare. It highlights an act of conflict where these Transjordanian Israelite tribes launched an offensive against a coalition of desert tribes, specifically naming the Hagarites, Jetur, Nephish, and Nodab. The significance lies in the demonstration of their military strength and territorial expansion, underpinned by God's providence, which is further explained in the verses immediately following.

1 Chronicles 5 19 Context

1 Chronicles 5:19 is situated within the genealogies of the Transjordanian tribes—Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh—detailed in 1 Chronicles chapter 5. After listing their lineages and emphasizing their numerical growth and territorial occupation (vv. 1-10), the narrative shifts to describe a pivotal military conflict. Verses 18-22 specifically focus on a significant victory of these tribes. Verse 19 pinpoints the adversaries in this divinely-aided conflict. This historical account serves a crucial purpose for the Chronicler's post-exilic audience, reinforcing the concept that God's favor and protection were contingent upon faithfulness and reliance on Him, a principle clearly demonstrated by the successful outcome of this war (v. 20) and later by their eventual exile due to unfaithfulness (v. 25-26). The war against these desert tribes ensured their land was secured, contributing to their prosperity east of the Jordan.

1 Chronicles 5 19 Word analysis

• And they made war: The Hebrew phrase "וַיַּעֲשׂוּ עִמָּם מִלְחָמָה" (wayya‘ăśū ‘immām milḥāmāh) literally means "and they did with them war." It implies initiating and executing a military campaign, indicating an active, aggressive posture rather than just defense. This highlights the tribes' decisive action.
• with the Hagarites: (הַהַגְרִאִים - hahagərî’îm). These were an Arabian desert people, often associated with the descendants of Hagar through Ishmael. They were known nomadic groups dwelling to the east of Israel, particularly around the Gilead and Bashan regions. They are mentioned elsewhere (Psa 83:6) as among the enemies who conspired against Israel, indicating a long-standing antagonistic relationship. The Chronicler uses this broader term to refer to the primary confederation of enemies.
• with Jetur: (יְטוּר - yəṭūr). One of the twelve sons of Ishmael listed in Gen 25:15. This signifies a specific tribal entity within the Hagarite alliance. The name survives in the later region of Iturea, suggesting their traditional homeland was near Mount Hermon, north of Bashan. Its inclusion points to the specific geographical scope and composition of the enemy coalition.
• and Nephish: (נָפִישׁ - nāfîš). Also one of Ishmael's sons (Gen 25:15). Like Jetur, this refers to another distinct tribal group and demonstrates the detailed knowledge the Chronicler possessed about Israel's adversaries.
• and Nodab: (נוֹדָב - nôdāḇ). This name is not found among the direct sons of Ishmael in Genesis 25, leading scholars to believe it might be a significant clan, chieftain, or perhaps a lesser-known associate tribe that aligned with the Hagarites. Its inclusion emphasizes the multi-tribal, allied nature of the forces opposing Israel.

Words-group analysis

• "And they made war with the Hagarites": This initial phrase establishes the aggressive and offensive nature of the campaign undertaken by the Transjordanian tribes. It identifies the primary and overarching group against whom the Israelites fought, positioning the Hagarites as the leading force among the enemies.
• "with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab": This segment serves to enumerate the specific tribal or clan components within the Hagarite coalition. By listing these distinct entities, the Chronicler conveys the formidable nature of the combined opposition faced by Israel and highlights the completeness of their victory over not just one, but several confederated adversaries. This detailed naming also adds a historical specificity to the account, affirming the thoroughness of the biblical record.

1 Chronicles 5 19 Bonus section

• The Chronicler's Message: The book of Chronicles, written for a post-exilic Jewish audience, often highlights events that demonstrate God's faithfulness and covenant promises. This victory over the Hagarites served as a potent historical example that obedience and trust in God would lead to success, security, and prosperity for Israel, even when facing external threats.
• Geopolitical Significance: This victory established Israel's dominance over their eastern frontier. Control over these lands and their nomadic inhabitants was vital for trade routes and overall security for the tribes living east of the Jordan.
• Identity Through Conflict: Engaging and overcoming these specific "Ishmaelite" associated tribes also underscored Israel's unique identity as the chosen people, distinct from their broader Abrahamic relatives, yet still interacting with them, often in conflict.

1 Chronicles 5 19 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:19 precisely names the adversaries of the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in a significant military triumph. This verse serves as the immediate precursor to explaining why the Israelite tribes were victorious (1 Chron 5:20-22): because they trusted in God and cried out to Him. The Hagarites, Jetur, Nephish, and Nodab were primarily nomadic desert tribes, many of whom were descendants of Ishmael. Their inclusion highlights that Israel's territory was consistently threatened by these raiding groups from the east. The Chronicler's emphasis on this victory, amidst a genealogical record, underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. It is a powerful reminder that military strength, though present (1 Chron 5:18), was ultimately effective only when coupled with faith in the Lord. This historical precedent was invaluable for the post-exilic Jewish community, teaching them that their restoration and security in the land, even against seemingly powerful foes, depended on their faithful relationship with God.