The chapter may be divided into five distinct sections:
The genealogy of Reuben (1 Chronicles 5:1–10)
The genealogy of Gad (1 Chronicles 5:11–17)
A historical note on the war against the Hagrites (1 Chronicles 5:18–22)
The genealogy of the half-tribe of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 5:23–24)
A summary statement of sin and exile (1 Chronicles 5:25–26)1
1 The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son;