1 chronicles 5:9 - and he lived eastward even to the entrance of the wilderness from the river Euphrates, because their livestock were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

Generated Verse: 1 chronicles 5:9

What does "1 chronicles 5:9" mean?


This verse from 1 Chronicles 5:9 describes the territorial expansion and prosperity of a particular group of people, likely the descendants of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who were settled east of the Jordan River. Let's break it down:

"and he lived eastward": This indicates that the people being referred to were living to the east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead.

"even to the entrance of the wilderness": This specifies the easternmost boundary of their territory. The wilderness here would be the Syrian Desert, which bordered the cultivated lands of Gilead. So, they lived as far east as the edge of the desert.

"from the river Euphrates": This part has been interpreted in various ways:
Some suggest that they had some degree of control or influence over the lands west toward the Euphrates, at least in terms of trade or raiding.
More commonly, the phrase implies the vast territory involved by mentioning a major landmark far from Gilead to emphasize how far they expanded. It may be hyperbole, used to communicate that their territory extended a great distance eastward.
It's unlikely that they actually lived to the Euphrates in a settled way, as the Euphrates was well outside of the traditional territories occupied by the Israelite tribes east of the Jordan.

"because their livestock were multiplied in the land of Gilead": This explains the reason for their eastward expansion. Their livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.) increased greatly, requiring more pastureland. Gilead was a fertile region known for its grazing land, so their prosperity was tied to the increase in their herds.

In essence, the verse means that a group of people prospered with abundant livestock in the land of Gilead, leading them to expand their territory eastward as far as the edge of the Syrian Desert, and possibly exerting influence or control westward a considerable distance. It's a statement about territorial expansion, economic prosperity (measured by livestock), and geographical location. The mention of the Euphrates likely serves to emphasize the scale of their expansion and influence rather than indicating direct settlement that far west.

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