What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 5:22? Many Others Fell Slain 1 Chronicles 5:22 opens with, “and many others fell slain.” That sobering note points to the heavy cost of resisting God’s purposes. In context, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had gone to war against the Hagrites and their allies (1 Chronicles 5:18-21). Scripture notes their enemy “was delivered into their hand, for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their plea because they trusted in Him” (v. 20). • The verse does not minimize casualties; it stresses reality. • God’s people were outnumbered (v. 18 lists 44,760 warriors), yet “many” on the opposing side fell. • Similar Old Testament battles—Joshua at Ai (Joshua 8:24-25) or Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 7:22)—show that when God fights for His people, opposing forces suffer decisive defeat. Cross references underscore the principle: “For the LORD your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4); “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31). Because the Battle Belonged to God The heart of the verse explains the outcome: “because the battle belonged to God.” This short clause highlights divine ownership and initiative. • God is not a distant spectator; He takes charge of conflicts that involve His covenant people. See 1 Samuel 17:47—David tells Goliath, “the battle is the LORD’s”; 2 Chronicles 20:15—Jahaziel tells King Jehoshaphat, “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” • Dependence is key. Verse 20 records that the Israelite warriors “cried out to God,” and “He answered their plea.” Their victory flowed from reliance, not merely strategy or strength (Psalm 20:7, Psalm 44:3). • When God claims ownership of a battle, the result is certain. Isaiah 42:13 describes Him as “a mighty warrior” who “stirs up His zeal.” That assurance encourages believers to trust God in spiritual warfare today (Ephesians 6:10-12). They Occupied the Land Until the Exile The closing line says, “And they occupied the land until the exile.” God’s victory provided immediate blessing—territory to settle—but also hinted at future accountability. • The land east of the Jordan, once held by the Hagrites, became Israelite pasture and home (Numbers 32:33-42). • “Until the exile” points to the Assyrian deportation in 722 BC (2 Kings 17:6). God granted the land, yet later removed His people when they persisted in sin (2 Kings 17:7-18). • The statement balances triumph with warning. Possession is conditional on ongoing faithfulness (Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15, 63-64). • For believers today, victories entrusted by God—whether opportunities, ministries, or resources—must be stewarded faithfully, remembering that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:5-11). summary 1 Chronicles 5:22 describes a decisive victory where many enemies were slain “because the battle belonged to God,” leading to Israelite occupation of the land “until the exile.” The verse teaches that (1) opposing God’s purposes is futile, (2) true victory comes from trusting the Lord, and (3) blessings received through His power require continuing obedience. |
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