1 Chronicles 5 21

1 Chronicles 5:21 kjv

And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.

1 Chronicles 5:21 nkjv

Then they took away their livestock?fifty thousand of their camels, two hundred and fifty thousand of their sheep, and two thousand of their donkeys?also one hundred thousand of their men;

1 Chronicles 5:21 niv

They seized the livestock of the Hagrites?fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand people captive,

1 Chronicles 5:21 esv

They carried off their livestock: 50,000 of their camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 men alive.

1 Chronicles 5:21 nlt

The plunder taken from the Hagrites included 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep and goats, 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 captives.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 21 Meaning

1 Chronicles 5:21 details the immense spoils of war obtained by the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh after their divinely-assisted victory over the Hagrites and their allies. The verse enumerates specific quantities of livestock – camels, sheep, and asses – alongside a vast number of human captives. This numerical specificity emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the conquest and the substantial blessing received, serving as tangible proof of God's favor and the effectiveness of their trust in Him during the battle.

1 Chronicles 5 21 Context

First Chronicles 5:21 is found within the genealogical section of the book of Chronicles, specifically detailing the tribes east of the Jordan: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. After tracing Reuben's lineage and mentioning his disqualification from birthright blessings due to his sin, the chapter turns to a significant historical event concerning these tribes (1 Chr 5:18-22). This event describes a massive victory achieved by these trans-Jordanian tribes against the Hagrites and their confederates. The Chronicler emphasizes that this success was not due to their own strength but because "they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their plea because they trusted in Him" (1 Chr 5:20). Verse 21 precisely details the overwhelming amount of spoil gathered, directly demonstrating the magnitude of the victory God granted. This episode contrasts with their later fate of being taken into exile (1 Chr 5:25-26), showing a clear theological pattern of divine blessing for obedience and faith, and subsequent judgment for unfaithfulness. Historically, this event likely took place during the early monarchic period, possibly even during Saul's reign, when such border skirmishes and larger conflicts were common between Israel and surrounding nomadic groups like the Hagrites, who often encroached on Israelite territory.

1 Chronicles 5 21 Word analysis

• And they took away (וַיִּשְׁבּוּ - vayyishbu): This Hebrew verb denotes "to take captive," "to make prisoner," or "to carry off as spoil." It signifies an act of total conquest and the right of the victors to appropriate the possessions and even people of the vanquished. This was a standard practice in ancient warfare and a clear indication of victory and domination.
• their cattle (מִקְנֵיהֶם - miqnehem): This refers to their livestock, encompassing a broad range of animals. In the ancient Near East, livestock represented primary wealth and sustenance, essential for agriculture, transport, and trade. The acquisition of large numbers of cattle directly augmented the economic power of the Israelite tribes.
• of their camels fifty thousand (גְּמַלֵּיהֶם חֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף - gemalleihem chamishim elef): "Camels" (gemallim) were valuable assets for desert-dwelling tribes like the Hagrites, serving as a primary means of transport across arid regions and sometimes used in warfare. A number of fifty thousand is exceptionally large, highlighting the incredible wealth and resources possessed by the Hagrites and the massive scale of Israel's victory.
• and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand (וְצֹאן מָאתַיִם וַחֲמִשִּׁים אֶלֶף - ve'tzon mataim vachamishim elef): "Sheep" (tzon) were fundamental to the ancient economy, providing meat, wool, milk, and animals for sacrifice. Two hundred and fifty thousand is a staggering figure, indicative of a very substantial pastoral wealth taken as spoil.
• and of asses two thousand (וַחֲמוֹרִים אַלְפַּיִם - vachamorim alpayim): "Asses" or donkeys (chamorim) were commonly used for transport of goods, riding, and agricultural work. Though fewer in number than sheep or camels, two thousand still represents a considerable asset for labor and mobility.
• and of men a hundred thousand (וְנֶפֶשׁ אָדָם מֵאָה אֶלֶף - venefesh adam me'ah elef): "Men" or, more accurately, "souls of man" (nefesh adam), refers to human captives. In ancient warfare, captives were often taken as slaves, servants, or as tribute. A hundred thousand indicates a truly enormous number of people subjugated. This aspect of the spoil speaks to the total rout of the Hagrites, dismantling their societal structure and workforce.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they took away their cattle... and of men": This phrase encapsulates the two main types of spoils in ancient warfare: material wealth (livestock, goods) and human resources (captives). The Chronicler emphasizes both the economic and social subjugation of the enemy, highlighting the completeness of God's victory.
• "of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand": The detailed enumeration of livestock underscores the vastness of the Hagrites' possessions and, consequently, the magnitude of the spoil. Such detailed accounting reinforces the factual nature of the record and also accentuates the blessing that was bestowed upon the victorious Israelite tribes, which directly enriched their economic base. This level of detail in counting is characteristic of Chronicles, emphasizing the tangibility of divine blessing and earthly rewards for faithfulness.

1 Chronicles 5 21 Bonus section

The Hagrites, often identified with the Ishmaelites, were an eastern nomadic people (Ps 83:6). Their significant wealth, especially in camels, highlights their successful adaptation to a nomadic lifestyle and trade across desert regions. The sheer scale of their possessions, as evidenced by the spoils taken, implies they were a powerful and well-established entity that posed a considerable threat to the trans-Jordanian tribes. The fact that the Israelite tribes, outnumbered and potentially less experienced in such desert warfare, could utterly defeat and plunder such a force reinforces the Chronicler's central message: God's power transcends human military might or strategic advantage. This particular account from the Chronicler stands as a historical lesson of divine enablement and warning. It is recorded to remind the post-exilic audience of Chronicles (for whom the book was written) that a strong, trusting relationship with Yahweh led to immense success, and conversely, idolatry and apostasy would inevitably lead to downfall and judgment, echoing their own historical experience of exile.

1 Chronicles 5 21 Commentary

First Chronicles 5:21 is not merely a quantitative list of war spoils; it is a profound theological statement woven into the historical fabric. Coming immediately after 1 Chr 5:20, which attributes the victory to the tribes crying out to God and trusting in Him, verse 21 serves as a tangible demonstration of God's faithful response. The enormous scale of the spoils – an unprecedented acquisition of camels, sheep, asses, and human captives – underscores that this was no ordinary victory, but a divinely engineered triumph. This passage affirms the biblical principle that obedience and faith in God yield significant blessings and empowerment, even against formidable adversaries. The detailed inventory serves to concretize God's providence, showing how He provides for and enriches His people when they align with His will. It implicitly contrasts this immense gain with the devastating losses and exile faced later by these very tribes (1 Chr 5:25-26) when they ceased to be faithful, highlighting the transient nature of earthly blessings apart from continued faithfulness to God. Practically, this verse illustrates how God's assistance can manifest in overwhelming, material ways, showcasing His abundant provision.