1 Chronicles 5:1-26
This ch. 5 concerns the sons of Reuben, of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. Being more anxious about their well-being than possession of the land of promise, these tribes were settled on this side of the Jordan. Their lack of faith and perseverance, and their materialistic outlook, are elsewhere clearly demonstrated. But here (except in v. 25 the inclusion of which is necessary to understand the story), it is touching to see again how the Word only recounts all the good things which it was possible to say of them. Their courage and their confidence are especially emphasized.
The heart of God is always the same. Speaking to His Father about His feeble disciples, who were going to forsake Him a few moments later, the Lord Jesus could say "They have kept thy word . . . they have believed that thou didst send me" (John 17:6-8). Such is the love of our dear Saviour! There, in the place where we see only ruin and misery, He discovers something which is pleasing to Him! Before pronouncing judgment, before uttering our criticism, let us remember the way in which the Lord speaks of His own in their absence. And let us imitate the perfect Example!