1 Chronicles 5:1

Reuben’s Descendants

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 

1 Chronicles 12:17

12:17 David went out to meet them and said, ³  “If you come to me in peace and want to help me, then I will make an alliance with you. ⁴  But if you come to betray me to my enemies when I have not harmed you, ⁵  may the God of our ancestors ⁶  take notice and judge!”

1 Chronicles 24:31

24:31 Just like their relatives, the descendants of Aaron, they also cast lots before King David, Zadok, Ahimelech, the leaders of families, the priests, and the Levites. The families of the oldest son cast lots along with the those of the youngest. ⁷ 

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 David went out before them and answered and said to them.”

⁴ tn Heb “there will be to me concerning you a heart for unity.”

⁵ tn Heb “with no violence in my hands.”

⁶ tn Heb “fathers.”

⁵ tn Heb “the fathers [i.e., families] of the head [i.e., oldest] just like his youngest brother.”