Descendants of Reuben

I Chronicles Chapter 5

The oldest son of Israel (God's name for Jacob)Reuben, dishonored his family by sleeping with one of his father's concubines, so his birthright was given to the sons of his brother. For this reason, Reuben is not listed in the genealogy as the firstborn son.

The Reubenites lived in the area that stretches from Aroer to Nebo and Baalmeon and their cattle spread eastward toward the edge of the desert. During the reign of Saul, the Reubenites defeated the Hagrites in battle and then moved into the Hagrite settlements in eastern Gilead. Across from the Reubenites, lived the descendants of Gad. Joel was the leader in the land of Bashan. The Gadites lived in Bashan and its villages throughout the Sharon Plain.

There were 44,760 skilled warriors in the armies of Reuben, Gad and half-tribe of Manasseh. They cried out to God during the battle against the Hagrites, Jeturites, Naphishites and Nodabites, and God answered their prayer because they trusted him. The half-tribe of Manasseh spread through the land from Bashan to Baal-hermon, Senir and Mount Hermon. The leaders of their clans : Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jermiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel and all were great warriors. But they were unfaithful and violated the covenant with God of their ancestors. They worshiped the gods of the nation's God had destroyed. So God caused King Pul of Assyria to invade the land and lead away the people of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasseh as captives.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW:The purpose for recording the incest of Reuben was not to smear his name, but to show that the consequences of sin are ruined lives. His sin stripped away Reuben's right and privileges and destroyed his family.

The armies of Reuben, Gad and Mannasseh succeeded in battle because they trusted God. Later, they failed God by worshiping idols.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? It does not really matter how skilled we are, or how dependent we are on our own abilities. We must be dependent upon God and we should never try to replace our dependence on him. Even the armies of Reuben, Gad and Mannasseh learned to trust God. And God will always come through for us, just as he did for them. Just remember that if you try to measure up to society's standards for fame and success, you may neglect your true purpose which is to obey God. He alone examines our hearts and determines our final standing.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
My niece Suzanne who was in a terrible car accident and is in the hospital with many broken bones. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.