1 Chronicles 5 9

1 Chronicles 5:9 kjv

And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 5:9 nkjv

Eastward they settled as far as the entrance of the wilderness this side of the River Euphrates, because their cattle had multiplied in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 5:9 niv

To the east they occupied the land up to the edge of the desert that extends to the Euphrates River, because their livestock had increased in Gilead.

1 Chronicles 5:9 esv

He also lived to the east as far as the entrance of the desert this side of the Euphrates, because their livestock had multiplied in the land of Gilead.

1 Chronicles 5:9 nlt

And since they had so many livestock in the land of Gilead, they spread east toward the edge of the desert that stretches to the Euphrates River.

1 Chronicles 5 verses

1 Chronicles 5 9 Meaning

The verse 1 Chronicles 5:9 describes the significant eastward territorial expansion of the Gadite tribe, one of the Israelite tribes settled on the east side of the Jordan River. Their expansion reached the region of the wilderness near the great River Euphrates. The primary reason given for this extensive territorial growth was the substantial increase in their cattle and livestock within their assigned territory of Gilead, which necessitated them seeking more pasture lands. This expansion demonstrates God's blessing of fruitfulness and a measure of fulfillment of the ancient covenantal land promises to Abraham.

1 Chronicles 5 9 Context

1 Chronicles 5 primarily details the genealogies of the trans-Jordanic tribes: Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. Within this section, the chronicler recounts a pivotal historical period, often highlighting divine blessing, military success, and reasons for either prosperity or decline. Verse 9 falls within the description of the tribe of Gad. Chapter 5 begins by establishing the Reubenites, Gadites, and Manassites in their territory east of the Jordan River. It recounts their large numbers, their victories against the Hagrites, and the reason for these successes (1 Chr 5:19-20) – that they called on God in battle. The specific mention of their large cattle herds (1 Chr 5:9) directly links to the necessity and drive for their territorial expansion, portraying a period when the tribe was robust and under divine favor, able to push its boundaries towards the maximal extent of the promised land. This account also prefaces their later exile, making the flourishing state described in this verse a significant point of historical and theological reflection on God's prior blessing and the consequences of their subsequent unfaithfulness.

1 Chronicles 5 9 Word analysis

• And eastward: The Hebrew word for eastward is qā·ḏî·māh (קָ֠דִימָה), indicating the specific direction of their expansion. This points away from the central promised land, highlighting their frontier settlement. The Chronicler emphasizes their forward movement.

• He went: The verb "went" (הָלַךְ, hālak) here implies movement or progress. Though the subject "he" refers to "Gad" from verse 8 (meaning the tribe of Gad collectively), it portrays their determined action to secure new territories. This movement was proactive, driven by need and enabled by strength.

• To the entrance of the wilderness: The phrase "to the entrance of" (עַד־לְבוֹא, ‘aḏ-lə·ḇōw’) suggests a frontier or the very edge of a specific area. The word "wilderness" is miḏ·bār (מִדְבָּר). In a biblical context, "wilderness" doesn't always mean barren desert; it can also refer to open grazing lands or sparsely populated areas, which were often fertile and suitable for pasturage, making it attractive for a tribe with many livestock. It marks a transition into a less settled but viable territory.

• Even from the river Euphrates: The Hebrew reads ‘aḏ-pə·rāṯ (עַד־פְּרָת), "even to the Euphrates." This phrasing suggests their sphere of influence or range extended to, or approached, the River Euphrates, rather than them directly settling on its banks. The Euphrates (Perat) was a crucial geographical marker for the outer limit of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants (Gen 15:18, Deut 11:24, Josh 1:4). Reaching or operating in its vicinity signaled a remarkable fulfillment of God's covenantal promises and indicated a high point of Israelite dominion or influence in this region.

• Because their cattle were numerous: The word "because" (כִּי, kî) provides the direct stated reason for their expansion. "Cattle" is miq·neh (מִקְנֶה), a collective term for livestock. "Numerous" is rab (רָב), meaning abundant, great, or many. This directly links divine blessing (fruitfulness in livestock) to practical territorial expansion. Their prosperity was the catalyst for their outward movement, showing how God's provision for practical needs can lead to significant geopolitical shifts and the realization of larger divine purposes.

• In the land of Gilead: Gilead (גִּלְעָד, Gil‘aḏ) was the primary territory allotted to Gad (and Reuben and half-Manasseh) east of the Jordan River. This verse implies that Gilead had become insufficient for their burgeoning flocks, necessitating their push into surrounding "wilderness" areas further eastward towards the Euphrates.

• Words-Group analysis: "he went to the entrance of the wilderness, even from the river Euphrates": This phrase describes the significant scope and direction of Gadite expansion. Their movement into the "wilderness" was driven by practical need but simultaneously marked a strategic reach towards the covenantal boundary of the Promised Land, the Euphrates. This demonstrates a period of strength and territorial success, showing God enabling their increase and their reach into promised, albeit distant, areas.

• Words-Group analysis: "because their cattle were numerous in the land of Gilead": This phrase highlights the direct cause-and-effect relationship between prosperity (numerous cattle) and territorial expansion. It implies God's blessing upon the tribe led to practical abundance, which in turn spurred them to occupy more land. It is a testament to God's providence, meeting a practical need which concurrently moves them towards fulfilling a broader prophetic destiny of land possession.

1 Chronicles 5 9 Bonus section

The mention of the Euphrates as a boundary for the Gadites, even if describing a reach of influence rather than direct permanent settlement on its banks, is highly significant. Historically, under David and particularly Solomon (1 Ki 4:21), Israel did achieve control or suzerainty over regions extending to the Euphrates, thus realizing the Abrahamic covenant's full territorial promise. The Chronicler, in depicting the Gadites' expansion to this boundary, likely links their actions to this broader fulfillment, showcasing an early manifestation of the blessing of extensive land. This serves as a reminder that God’s promises can manifest through practical circumstances and the diligent efforts of His people responding to His blessing, transforming an abundance of cattle into a fulfilled boundary. This account also sets a theological precedent that numerical and material increase can be a sign of divine favor, prompting righteous expansion.

1 Chronicles 5 9 Commentary

1 Chronicles 5:9 encapsulates a moment of robust prosperity and expansive growth for the tribe of Gad. The stated reason—their numerous livestock—underscores a practical necessity that aligns with God's overarching plan for His people to multiply and inhabit the promised land. Their eastward push towards the Euphrates represents a significant achievement, reaching a boundary of influence that resonates with the maximum territorial extent promised to Abraham's descendants (Gen 15:18). This period illustrates God's faithfulness in enabling His people to thrive, even under what appear to be ordinary circumstances (like abundant cattle). The Chronicler emphasizes not just the event but also God's enabling hand behind their prosperity and successful ventures, implying that their expansion was ultimately divinely orchestrated.