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The Reuben list explains that Judah ranked above the firstborn because the tribe was strong and gave birth to a ruler (vv.1-2). The chronicler cites a tradition, unknown elsewhere in the OT, that the right of firstborn belonged to Joseph (v.2).
The chronicler discusses the military men of Gad, the half-tribe of Manasseh, and their Transjordanian neighbor, Reuben. He goes beyond simple enumeration and reveals the secret of their military success. They gain victory by trusting God’s ability and desire to make them successful in battle (v.20). As with Jabez, God answers the prayers of these mighty men. This is the first of many examples in which God blesses military actions based on faith and prayer (see 2Ch 13:13-19; 14:9-15; 18:31; 20:1-27; 26:7; 32:7-8, 20-22).
In contrast to the glowing report of trust in battle, the chronicler relates the unfortunate fate of the disobedient tribes (vv.23-26). Manasseh’s unfaithfulness is first reported, but the entire Transjordanian group is punished for apostasy (v.26). God uses Tiglath-Pileser III, king of Assyria, as the instrument of his wrath.