Definition: The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, [were] four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 5:18. It’s a really significant passage about a powerful group of soldiers being sent out to fight in battle. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Large Army is Being Prepared: The verse describes a huge group of soldiers – around 47,000 and 30 – being chosen and ready to go on a mission. They Were the Best: These soldiers were exceptionally skilled warriors. They were known for their bravery, strength, and ability to fight well with both swords and bows. Think of them as top-notch combatants. They Went Out to War: The crucial part is that they left a large group of these soldiers to go out and fight in battle. Let’s unpack it a little further: “The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites…” : This refers to two specific groups within the tribe of Reuben – the sons of Reuben (a powerful leader) and the Gadites (another group with significant influence). “…and half the tribe of Manasseh…” : This means they included a portion of the Manasseh tribe, which was a significant tribe in Israel. "...of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword..." : "Valiant men" means brave and courageous people. “Bear buckler” refers to a type of shield used for defense – it’s a large, sturdy shield with a raised point. "Sword" is the weapon they’d carry. "...and shoot with bow, and skilful in war..." : This highlights their proficiency with ranged weapons (bows) and their strategic thinking. “[Were] four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore…” : This tells us there were exactly 47,000 and 30 soldiers. Overall Meaning: The verse describes a massive group of highly trained warriors being chosen to fight in a significant battle. They were selected for their exceptional fighting skills – strength, bravery, proficiency with weapons, and strategic thinking. It’s a statement about a powerful and well-prepared army ready for a major conflict. Why is this important? This passage is often seen as a blessing or a sign of God's favor. It shows that He chose these individuals to protect His people and participate in a crucial event. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the context of this story in the Bible?