1 Chronicles 5:6
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse might seem like just another genealogy, but notice it records Beerah's exile by name. This isn't just a historical note; it's a poignant reminder that even those in prominent positions among their tribes, like this chief of the Reubenites, were not immune to the devastating consequences of disobedience and exile. It powerfully underscores how deeply sin could impact even the most established families and leadership.
Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria carried away into exile; he was a chief of the Reubenites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a genealogy tracing the tribes east of the Jordan River, focusing on the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. It highlights their prowess in battle but also records the devastating Assyrian conquest under Tiglath-pileser, which scattered these tribes across the ancient Near East. This exile marks a significant turning point, effectively ending their distinct existence as communities east of the Jordan for a long period.
This verse names a specific exile event. What does this tell us about the widespread effect of larger empires on even seemingly distant people groups?
The mention of 'Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria' and Beerah being 'carried away into exile' points to a significant historical event. This wasn't just a localized raid; it was part of the Assyrian Empire's systematic policy of deportation to break up rebellious populations and consolidate their power.
For the Reubenites, this meant a disruption of their ancestral lands and tribal identity. It highlights how the geopolitical shifts of the ancient world directly impacted the lives and history of God's people, scattering them far from their inheritance.
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, yet this verse places him in a context of exile. What does this progression suggest about the tribe's faithfulness?
From the beginning, the tribe of Reuben faced challenges. Even though they settled east of the Jordan River, they are listed here in the context of exile, indicating a loss of prominence and territory.
This contrasts sharply with their early potential as the firstborn. Their story serves as a reminder that spiritual and national standing isn't guaranteed by birthright alone, but requires continued faithfulness. Their history, culminating in exile, underscores a pattern of waning influence for the tribe.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
galah · Hebrew Noun
A person forced to leave their native land or home, often due to political or military conquest, serving as a sign of divine judgment or historical displacement.
nasi' · Hebrew Noun
A leader, head, or prince; one who exercises authority or prominence over a tribe, family, or people.
This verse anchors Beerah's lineage within the turbulent geopolitical landscape of the 8th century BC, specifically during the Assyrian expansion that led to the exile of the Reubenites, highlighting the scattering of the Israelite tribes.
c. 745-727 BC
Reign of Tiglath-Pileser III
Tiglath-Pileser III, known as Pul in earlier inscriptions, ascended the Assyrian throne. He initiated significant military campaigns and administrative reforms, drastically expanding the Neo-Assyrian Empire.
c. 734-732 BC— this verse
Assyrian Campaigns in Israel
Tiglath-Pileser III campaigned extensively in the Levant, subjugating the northern kingdom of Israel (also known as Samaria) and its surrounding regions. This period saw the first major wave of Assyrian deportations.
c. 733 BC
Deportation of Reubenites
As part of his campaigns, Tiglath-Pileser III exiled populations east of the Jordan River, including the tribe of Reuben. This event, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:6, marks the displacement and dispersal of this Israelite tribe.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The northern kingdom of Israel was ultimately conquered by Assyria under Shalmaneser V and Sargon II, leading to the 'Ten Lost Tribes' being dispersed throughout the Assyrian Empire.
This passage directly parallels the exile mentioned, naming Tiglath-pileser as the king who conquered Gilead and exiled the Reubenites, confirming the historical context of Beerah's fate.
1 Chronicles 5:18-22This section describes the military prowess of the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of Manasseh, highlighting the strength of the tribes that would later be scattered through exile.
Amos 5:5-6The prophet Amos warns the northern tribes, including Reuben, about their impending judgment and scattering, echoing the ultimate consequence of the exile mentioned in 1 Chronicles.
Hosea 8:8-10Hosea also prophesies the scattering and exile of Israel, painting a picture of the spiritual and political decay that led to the Assyrian conquests and the dispersion of tribes like Reuben.
This verse might seem like just another genealogy, but notice it records Beerah's exile by name. This isn't just a historical note; it's a poignant reminder that even those in prominent positions among their tribes, like this chief of the Reubenites, were not immune to the devastating consequences of disobedience and exile. It powerfully underscores how deeply sin could impact even the most established families and leadership.
This passage is part of a genealogy tracing the tribes east of the Jordan River, focusing on the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. It highlights their prowess in battle but also records the devastating Assyrian conquest under Tiglath-pileser, which scattered these tribes across the ancient Near East. This exile marks a significant turning point, effectively ending their distinct existence as communities east of the Jordan for a long period.
This passage is part of a genealogy tracing the tribes east of the Jordan River, focusing on the Reubenites, Gadites, and half of the tribe of Manasseh. It highlights their prowess in battle but also records the devastating Assyrian conquest under Tiglath-pileser, which scattered these tribes across the ancient Near East. This exile marks a significant turning point, effectively ending their distinct existence as communities east of the Jordan for a long period.
"Beerah his son, whom Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria carried away into exile; he was a chief of the Reubenites." — This verse might seem like just another genealogy, but notice it records Beerah's exile by name. This isn't just a historical note; it's a poignant reminder that even those in prominent positions a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
