Topical Encyclopedia Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant yet complex position in the biblical narrative. His life and actions are recorded primarily in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of both promise and failure.Birth and Family Background Reuben was born to Jacob and Leah, making him the eldest of Jacob's twelve sons (Genesis 29:32). Leah named him Reuben, meaning "See, a son," expressing her hope that Jacob would now love her, as she had borne him a son. Reuben's birthright as the firstborn son traditionally entitled him to a double portion of inheritance and leadership within the family. Character and Actions Reuben's character is marked by a mixture of good intentions and moral failings. One of his most notable actions was his attempt to save his brother Joseph from being killed by their other brothers. In Genesis 37:21-22 , Reuben intervened, suggesting they throw Joseph into a pit instead of shedding his blood, intending to rescue him later. Despite his efforts, Joseph was ultimately sold into slavery while Reuben was absent. Reuben's moral failings are highlighted in Genesis 35:22 , where he committed a grave sin by sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This act of defilement had severe consequences, as it cost him his birthright and the favor of his father, Jacob. In Genesis 49:3-4 , Jacob's blessing to Reuben reflects this loss: "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it." Tribe of Reuben Despite Reuben's personal failings, his descendants formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River, as recorded in Numbers 32:1-5 . They requested this land because it was suitable for their large herds and flocks. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. The tribe's history is marked by a gradual decline in prominence. In the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:15-16), Reuben is criticized for indecision during a time of conflict. This reflects a broader theme of instability and lack of leadership, consistent with Jacob's prophetic words. Legacy Reuben's legacy is a cautionary tale of squandered potential and the consequences of moral failure. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the impact of one's actions on future generations. Despite his shortcomings, Reuben's account is woven into the larger narrative of God's covenant with Israel, illustrating the complexities of human nature and divine grace. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 29:32And Leah conceived, and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD has looked on my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 2:1 Greek 4502. Rhouben -- Reuben, a son of Jacob, also a tribe of Isr. ... Rhouben. 4503 . Reuben, a son of Jacob, also a tribe of Isr. ... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Reuben Definition Reuben, a son of Jacob, also a tribe of Isr. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4502.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7205. Reuben -- "behold a son!" oldest son of Jacob, also his desc ...... NASB Word Usage Reuben (72). Reuben. From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob -- Reuben. see HEBREW ra'ah. see HEBREW ben. ... /hebrew/7205.htm - 6k Library The Testament of Issachar Concerning Simplicity. Chapter xxx Joseph Sold as a Slave by his Brothers Palestine under Pagan Kings. Laban had Two Daughters, Leah and Rachel; but Leah had Tender Eyes ... Man's Passions and God's Purpose The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety. A Statement of the Reason Why Matthew Enumerates one Succession of ... The Israelites The Testing of Joseph's Brothers Resources Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Gad? | GotQuestions.org What are the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs? | 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 |
    |