Topical Encyclopedia Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant place in biblical history as the progenitor of the tribe of Reuben. His lineage is detailed in various passages of the Bible, providing insight into the early generations of the Israelite tribes.Biblical Lineage and Descendants Reuben's children are listed in several genealogical records within the Scriptures. In Genesis 46:9, during the account of Jacob's family moving to Egypt, the sons of Reuben are named: "The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi." This enumeration is echoed in other genealogical listings, such as Exodus 6:14 and 1 Chronicles 5:3, affirming the consistency of the biblical record. 1. Hanoch: The first son of Reuben, Hanoch, is the eponymous ancestor of the Hanochites, a clan within the tribe of Reuben. His name is sometimes spelled "Henoch" in various translations, but the Berean Standard Bible maintains the spelling "Hanoch." 2. Pallu: Pallu is the second son of Reuben. His descendants, known as the Palluites, are mentioned in the census of the tribes of Israel. Numbers 26:5-7 records the family of Pallu as part of the larger enumeration of the Reubenites. 3. Hezron: Hezron, the third son, is also a significant figure in the genealogical records. His lineage is further expanded in the Chronicles, where his descendants are noted for their roles in the tribal structure of Israel. 4. Carmi: The fourth son, Carmi, rounds out the list of Reuben's immediate offspring. Like his brothers, Carmi's descendants formed a distinct clan within the tribe, contributing to the overall population and military strength of Reuben. Tribal Significance and Historical Context The tribe of Reuben, descended from these four sons, played a notable role in the early history of Israel. Despite Reuben's status as the firstborn, his tribe did not achieve the preeminence that might have been expected. This is attributed to Reuben's transgression against his father Jacob, as recorded in Genesis 35:22, which led to the loss of his birthright (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). In the wilderness period, the tribe of Reuben was counted among the twelve tribes of Israel, participating in the Exodus and the subsequent wanderings. Numbers 1:20-21 records the census of the Reubenites, numbering 46,500 men of fighting age, indicating their substantial size and potential influence. Settlement and Legacy Upon entering the Promised Land, the tribe of Reuben chose to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. This decision, made in conjunction with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, is detailed in Numbers 32. The Reubenites' choice of territory reflected their pastoral lifestyle and desire for fertile grazing lands. Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Reuben faced various challenges, including conflicts with neighboring peoples and internal struggles. Despite these difficulties, the descendants of Reuben maintained their identity as one of the tribes of Israel, contributing to the nation's complex tapestry. The legacy of Reuben and his children is preserved in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to the enduring nature of God's covenant with the descendants of Jacob. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:9And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 6:14 1 Chronicles 5:3-6 Numbers 16:1 Library The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts. Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren Man's Passions and God's Purpose Joseph --The Savior of his People. Joseph and his Brethren The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy. Joseph Sold as a Slave by his Brothers The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ... The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity. Resources What are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Numbers 32:23 mean when it says, “Be sure your sin will find you out”? | GotQuestions.org Who was Issachar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Patriotism: Lacking in The Tribes of Reuben, Asher, and Dan Reuben: Adroitly Seeks to Save Joseph from the Conspiracy of his Brothers Reuben: Brings Mandrakes (An Aphrodisiac) to his Mother Reuben: Jacob's Prophetic Benediction Upon the Tribe of Reuben: Assisted in Building the Altar of Witness Which offended The the Tribe of Reuben: Bounds of Their Inheritance the Tribe of Reuben: Carried Away by Tiglathpileser the Tribe of Reuben: Cities Built By the Tribe of Reuben: Descended from Jacob's First Son the Tribe of Reuben: did not Assist Against Sisera the Tribe of Reuben: Dismissed by Joshua After the Conquest of Canaan the Tribe of Reuben: Encamped With Its Standard South of the Tabernacle the Tribe of Reuben: Families of the Tribe of Reuben: Invaded and Conquered by Hazael King of Syria the Tribe of Reuben: Led the Second Division of Israel in Their Journey's the Tribe of Reuben: Obtained Inheritance East of Jordan on Condition of Helping the Tribe of Reuben: Offering of, at the Dedication the Tribe of Reuben: Officers Appointed Over, by David the Tribe of Reuben: On Ebal, Said Amen to the Curses the Tribe of Reuben: Persons Selected From: To Number the People the Tribe of Reuben: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land the Tribe of Reuben: Predictions Respecting the Tribe of Reuben: Remarkable Persons of Adina the Tribe of Reuben: Remarkable Persons of Dathan, Abiram, and On the Tribe of Reuben: some of, at David's Coronation the Tribe of Reuben: Strength of, at the Time of Receiving Their Inheritance the Tribe of Reuben: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt the Tribe of Reuben: Took Land of the Hagarites Related Terms |