Old Testament
1 Chronicles 5:26
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, we see how God influenced the hearts of powerful kings to fulfill His plans.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of King Pul of Assyria and the spirit of King Tilgathpilneser of Assyria, who carried away the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. They were taken to Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river Gozan, where they remain to this day.
And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see how God influenced the hearts of powerful kings to fulfill His plans. King Pul and King Tilgath-pilneser of Assyria were moved by God to take the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. This was a significant event in Israel's history, as it marked a time of loss and displacement for these tribes. They were taken to various locations, including Halah and the river Gozan, where they remained for a long time. This exile was not just a political move; it was part of a larger divine plan. It reminds us that even in difficult circumstances, God is at work behind the scenes. His influence can reach the hearts of leaders and nations, shaping the course of history. The tribes' experience serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of staying faithful to Him, even in challenging times. God’s sovereignty is evident, showing that He can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, no matter how powerful they may seem.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Chronicles 5:26 to your life
Reflect on how God might be working in your life, even when circumstances seem difficult. Trust that He can influence situations and people for your good. Stay faithful to Him, knowing that His plans are often beyond our understanding and can lead to growth and transformation in our lives. Seek to remain connected to Him in all things, especially during trials. Be open to His guidance and direction in your life, trusting His timing.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Chronicles 5:26 mean?
1 Chronicles 5:26 describes how God influenced the kings of Assyria to take the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile. This event highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to use powerful leaders to fulfill His plans.
What is the significance of exile in 1 Chronicles 5:26?
The exile mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:26 signifies a time of loss and displacement for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness during challenging times.
Who were Pul and Tilgath-pilneser in 1 Chronicles 5:26?
Pul and Tilgath-pilneser were kings of Assyria mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:26. They were instrumental in the exile of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, demonstrating how God can influence even powerful rulers to achieve His purposes.
What locations are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 5:26?
1 Chronicles 5:26 mentions Halah, Habor, Hara, and the river Gozan as the places where the exiled tribes were taken. These locations represent the dispersion and loss experienced by the tribes of Israel during this period.

The Book of 1 Chronicles
Genealogies (Chs 1–9)
The record begins with the line from Adam to Noah and his sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. The descendants of Japheth are listed, followed by the descendants of Ham, which include Nimrod, a mighty one in the earth, and the ancestors of the Philistines. The line of Shem is traced down to Abram, who is Abraham. The sons of Abraham—Ishmael and Isaac—are named, along with the sons of Abraham’s concubine Keturah. The generations of Ishmael are listed, followed by the descendants of Isaac’s son Esau, including the dukes and early kings of Edom.
Unlock the full 1 Chronicles summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Chronicles — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 29 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Chronicles summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.