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1 Chronicles Chapter 5 (ESV)
18 The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew the bow, expert in war, 44,760, able to go to war. 19 They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 20 And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him. 21 They carried off their livestock: 50,000 of their camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys, and 100,000 men alive. 22 For many fell, because the war was of God. And they lived in their place until the exile.
23 The members of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land. They were very numerous from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir, and Mount Hermon. 24 These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty warriors, famous men, heads of their fathers’ houses. 25 But they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God had destroyed before them. 26 So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, the spirit of Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and he took them into exile, namely, the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river Gozan, to this day.
REFLECTION:
- The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are heroic warriors because they relied on God. Although they had the qualities of a soldier and good at fighting, they still pray and seek for God’s guidance. God gave us inborn and acquired abilities for His service but that should not be a reason for us not to rely on Him. We will be proud and arrogant if we rely on our wisdom, talent, and strength instead of relying on God.
- When we face adversaries, we should seek for God’s will and ask for His guidance and strength. Psalms say “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Ps. 20:7) If those who are powerful still rely on God, why wouldn’t you?
- The people mention here who were exiled refer to the ten tribes of Israel who were exiled to Assyria in 722BC. They never returned to their homeland afterwards (2 Kings 15:29-17:41). The reason for their exile was because “they broke faith with the God of their fathers, and whored after the gods of the peoples of the land.” While God is loving He is also righteous. Have I broken faith with God with what I have done?
PRAYER:
Dedicate yourself to the almighty God that you will rely on Him in everything you do. Ask the loving and righteous God to examine your deeds, and forgive your sins and iniquities; pray to the holy God to cleanse your heart, consecrate you so that your daily life will be holy.
HYMN:
All My Boast Is in Jesus – youtu.be/Q3bV2TN7QHk?si=eH41AApV1NCch8TQ
