1 Chronicles 5:9

Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)

In Gilead het hulle vee só baie geword dat hulle al verder oos getrek het tot teen die woestyn wat tot aan die oewers van die Eufraatrivier strek.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes how a group of people lived eastward, near the Euphrates River, and into the wilderness because they had a lot of cattle and needed more space in the land of Gilead. No one is speaking directly; it's a descriptive passage.

Explained for Children

Imagine a family that raises lots of cows. As the family grows, they need more and more land for their cows. So, they move to a new place with lots of space, like moving to a big field from a small yard. This is what happened to some people who lived near a big river called the Euphrates.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Chronicles, written by the Chronicler, likely after the return from Babylonian exile. It was written around the 4th century BC for the post-exilic community to remind them of their history and heritage, particularly focusing on the tribes of Israel and their territories.

Living It Out Today

Just as these people needed to find more space for their growing herd, we may need to make changes in our lives to accommodate new responsibilities or opportunities. For example, if you suddenly have a lot of extra tasks at work, you might need to rearrange your schedule or ask for help to manage everything.

Topics

• history
• growth
• space
• cattle
• territory
• resource management

Related Verses

• Numbers 32:1-42
• Joshua 13:24-28
• Genesis 26:20
• Psalm 107:38
• Luke 12:16-21

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'entering in of the wilderness' mean?

It refers to the beginning of a desert or barren area where the people extended their settlement, likely because they needed more land for their livestock.

Why did they move to this area?

They moved eastward into the wilderness because they had a lot of cattle and needed more space to support their growing herd and community.

Who are 'they' in this verse?

'They' refers to the descendants of Reuben, a tribe of Israel, as mentioned in earlier parts of 1 Chronicles.

What does this verse tell us about the land of Gilead?

It tells us that the land of Gilead was rich enough to support a large number of cattle, but eventually, the people needed to expand their territory further eastward.