5:1 The sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn –
(Now he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s bed, 1 his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph, Israel’s son. So Reuben is not listed as firstborn in the genealogical records. 2 5:2 Though Judah was the strongest among his brothers and a leader descended from him, 3 the right of the firstborn belonged to Joseph.)
5:3 The sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn:
Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
5:4 The descendants of Joel:
His son Shemaiah, his son Gog, his son Shimei, 5:5 his son Micah, his son Reaiah, his son Baal, 5:6 and his son Beerah, whom King Tiglath-pileser 4 of Assyria carried into exile. Beerah 5 was the tribal leader of Reuben.
5:7 His brothers by their clans, as listed in their genealogical records:
The leader Jeiel, Zechariah, 5:8 and Bela son of Azaz, son of Shema, son of Joel.
They lived in Aroer as far as Nebo and Baal Meon. 5:9 In the east they settled as far as the entrance to the desert that stretches to the Euphrates River, for their cattle had increased in numbers in the land of Gilead. 5:10 During the time of Saul they attacked the Hagrites and defeated them. They took over their territory in the entire eastern region of Gilead. 6
1 sn The phrase when he defiled his father’s bed refers to Reuben having sexual relations with his father Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. This incident is recorded in Gen 35:22.
2 tn Heb “and not to be listed in the genealogical records as (having) the right of the firstborn.”
3 tn Heb “and [one] for a leader [was] from him.” This probably refers to the Davidic king.
4 tn Heb “Tilgath-pilneser,” a variant spelling of Tiglath-pileser (also in v. 26).
5 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Beerah) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
6 tn Heb “and in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagrites and they fell by their hand and they lived in their tents unto all the face of the east of Gilead.”