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1 Chronicles 5:1-2 What happened to Reuben? - Day 319

Good afternoon brothers and sisters,

People usually think of Numbers as the book with all the names in it.  But it is hard to top 1 Chronicles.  Heritage is a big deal in Jewish thought.  Author looks back about 500 years and lists names of people that lived way back then.  Some of us who are interested in genealogy might be able to go back that far, but I think is is pretty rare.  The sons of Israel are real historical figures, not just legends.

Blessings,

Jeff

From Reformation Study Bible notes: 

The majority of interpreters have dated Chronicles during or shortly after the ministries of Ezra and Nehemiah, in the latter half of the fifth century or the early decades of the fourth century B.C. It is reasonable to locate the book during the period from about the time of Zerubbabel to soon after the ministries of Ezra and Nehemiah. The major themes of the book fit well within these boundaries (between 515 and 400 B.C.).

So the beginnings of Jewish history in the Promised Land are written after the return from exile in Babylon.  The first beginning as it relates to the second beginning (repopulation of Judah and rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple).

The author knew the story of Reuben from 5 books of Moses.

The first born don't always turn out well in the OT.  But the first born of Mary and Joseph does.

The 2 1/2 tribes that settled east of Jordan and only entered the Promised Land to assist the other tribes gain their possession.

While the author is primarily interested in Judah and Benjamin since they do return, the fate of the other tribes gives perspective.  Explains why these other tribes didn't come back and only Judah survived.  I think that in terms of Genesis 3:15, author is showing why the promised seed does not come from these tribes.

 

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