No pertinent connections were made in chapter 4, so we will move forward to chapter 5. This chapter covers the descendants of Reuben and Gad. Here are the connections I made from this chapter:
The chapter states that the birthright of Reuben, the first born of Israel, was given to his brother Joseph because Reuben dishonored Israel by sleeping with one of his father’s concubines. What’s important for us to understand first is that Israel’s name had been changed from Jacob back in the book of Genesis. So when it stated in 1 Chronicles 1:34, “Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac were Esau and Israel.”, it would have been nice if it had said “Esau and Jacob” because Israel’s birth name was Jacob before God changed his name in Genesis 35. Jacob (Israel), therefore, had the 12 sons which became the 12 tribes of Israel (Jacob).
The bible is confusing enough without all of these name changes. It would be nice if the Word reminded us of these kinds of changes periodically so we can connect those dots easier.
Now let’s go back to the connection related to the birthright given to Joseph. An important fact is that Joseph is not listed as one of the 12 tribes, even though he was one of Jacob's (Israel’s) 12 sons. Why is that? God divided the Promised Land between each of the 12 tribes (sons of Jacob/Israel). Why is Joseph not listed as one of those tribes, if he was given the birthright of Rueben and he is one of the 12 sons? Reuben is listed as a tribe and was given land, but not Joseph. What’s up with that?
Let’s connect the dots. Joseph was actually Jacob’s/Israel’s favorite son, and his brothers were all jealous of him, and as a result, plotted to kill him. If you are unfamiliar with this story, go back to Genesis 37 and read it. It is an awesome story and essential in understanding the 12 tribes. What you will learn, among other things, is that Joseph’s sons, Manasseh and Ephraim (Jacob’s/Israel’s grandsons), become two of the 12 tribes; therefore, representing Joseph’s legacy and birthright.
A question I have, however, is why did Joseph gain the birthright instead of the next oldest brother, Simeon? Joseph was actually the 11th born son out of the 12, so how did that happen? Was it simply favoritism?
As usual, if anyone knows, finds out, or has relevant information to share, please place a comment.
Something else to note is that God refers to himself as the "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" several times in the bible. It doesn't say, "Abraham, Isaac, and Israel", even though Jacob and Israel are the same person. This phrase is used so many times to solidify the same promise God made to Abraham, his son Isaac, and Isaac's son Jacob.
If any of you have made other connections, please share them as well.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for helping us make sense of your wonderful Word. Please continue to open our minds to your amazing truth! We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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