The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

1 CHRONICLES 5:18KJV
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1 Chronicles 5:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 5:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 5:18 describes how the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh were strong and skilled warriors, numbering 44,760 men who were equipped with shields, swords, and bows, and who were experienced in battle. This verse highlights the military strength and preparedness of these tribes as they went out to war.

The verse is part of a historical record written to the people of Israel, listing the tribes east of the Jordan River and emphasizing their ability to defend themselves. The focus is on their readiness and skill in warfare, which sets the stage for the following verses that describe their battles and victories.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 5:18

  • "Men" (אִישׁ, 'ish; H582) and "valiant men" (חַיִל, chayil; H2428): The word chayil often means strength, ability, or valor, emphasizing not just numbers but the quality and courage of these warriors.
  • "Buckler" (צִנָּה, tsinnah; H4043): This refers to a large shield, showing these men were equipped for close combat and defense.
  • "Skilful" (לָמַד, lamad; H3925): This word means trained or experienced, highlighting that these were not just able-bodied men, but those who had been taught and practiced in the art of war.

Why 1 Chronicles 5:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the tribes east of the Jordan were not isolated or weak, but had significant military power and organization.
  • The detailed count and description of their weapons and skills emphasize the seriousness with which these tribes prepared for conflict, which is important for understanding the events that follow in the chapter.
  • By listing these tribes together, the verse also shows their unity and shared purpose in defending their territory, setting a tone for the collective identity of Israel’s people in this region.

Where else these words appear

“Gadites” Hebrew H1425 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 34:14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance:
  • Joshua 1:12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying,
  • 2 Kings 10:33 From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

“threescore” Hebrew H8346 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared:
  • Numbers 31:34 And threescore and one thousand asses,
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

“shoot” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 11:2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.

“buckler” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:27 And Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honour: and he made himself treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of pleasant jewels;
  • Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.