1 Chronicles 5 records three tribes east of the Jordan - Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh - their genealogies, eastern settlements, and the battle where prayer changed the outcome.

Full sung version coming soon.

Lyrics

The sons of Reuben The firstborn of Israel Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi

For he was the firstborn But because he defiled his father’s couch His birthright was given to the sons of Joseph The genealogy is not to be listed according to the birthright For Judah prevailed above his brothers But the birthright was Joseph’s

The sons of Reuben The chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema The son of Joel, who lived in Aroer Even to Nebo and Baal Meon He lived eastward even to the entrance of the wilderness

The sons of Gad lived beside them In the land of Bashan to Salecah Joel the chief, Shapham the second Janai and Shaphat in Bashan

East of the river The settlements hold The inheritance given The tribes maintain

In the days of Saul they made war With the Hagrites who fell by their hand They lived in their tents throughout all the land East of Gilead Their livestock were multiplied in the land of Gilead

They were valiant men Men able to bear buckler and sword Able to shoot with bow Skilful in war Forty-four thousand and seven hundred and sixty That were able to go out to war

They cried to God in the battle And he answered them because they put their trust in him They took away their livestock Fifty thousand camels, two hundred and fifty thousand sheep Two thousand donkeys, one hundred thousand men For many fell slain, because the war was of God

East of Jordan The settlement holds The names remain The inheritance stands

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1 Chronicles 5 sung by Psalm Selah. The whole Bible, one chapter at a time.

Published 2026-05-22 · Last updated 2026-06-06
Written by Reid Wender, Editorial Director at Psalmody Press