Topical Bible: the Tribe of Reuben: Took Land of the Hagarites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. As the firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence, but his actions led to a loss of his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4). Despite this, the tribe played a significant role in the early history of Israel, particularly in the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land.

Territorial Inheritance

The tribe's inheritance was located east of the Jordan River, in the region known as Gilead. This territory was well-suited for their large herds and flocks, as it was a land of rich pastures. The Reubenites, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested this land from Moses before the Israelites crossed the Jordan into Canaan. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan (Numbers 32:1-33).

Conquest of the Hagarites

The Reubenites, in alliance with the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, engaged in military campaigns to secure their territory. One significant conquest was against the Hagarites, a nomadic people who dwelt in the region. The biblical account in 1 Chronicles 5:18-22 describes this victory:

"The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had 44,760 warriors ready for battle—men who carried the shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for war. They waged war against the Hagrites, as well as Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to Him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him. They seized the livestock of the Hagrites—fifty thousand camels, two hundred fifty thousand sheep, and two thousand donkeys. They also took one hundred thousand captives, and many others fell slain, because the battle was of God. And they occupied the land until the exile."

This passage highlights the divine assistance the Reubenites received in their military endeavors. Their victory over the Hagarites was attributed to their reliance on God, who delivered their enemies into their hands. The spoils of war were substantial, including livestock and captives, which would have significantly bolstered the tribe's wealth and resources.

Spiritual and Historical Significance

The conquest of the Hagarites by the Tribe of Reuben is emblematic of the broader narrative of Israel's reliance on divine intervention for success. The Reubenites' victory serves as a testament to the power of faith and obedience to God's commands. Despite their initial loss of the birthright, the tribe's achievements in battle and their role in the settlement of the Transjordan region underscore their importance in the history of Israel.

The Reubenites' account is a reminder of the complexities of tribal dynamics in ancient Israel and the enduring theme of God's faithfulness to His people, even when they face formidable challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 5:10,18-22
And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelled in their tents throughout all the east land of Gilead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook