Topical Bible: Reubenites: Standard of

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The Reubenites, descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, hold a significant place among the tribes of Israel. As the firstborn, Reuben was initially entitled to the birthright, but due to his transgression with Bilhah, his father's concubine, this privilege was transferred to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). Despite this, the tribe of Reuben maintained a distinct identity and role within the Israelite community.

Standard of the Reubenites

In the organization of the Israelite camp during their wilderness journey, each tribe was assigned a specific position and standard, or banner, under which they encamped and marched. The standard of the Reubenites was one of the four primary banners around which the tribes were arranged. According to the biblical account in the Book of Numbers, the camp of Reuben was positioned on the south side of the Tabernacle, alongside the tribes of Simeon and Gad, forming the second division of the Israelite encampment (Numbers 2:10-16).

The standard of the Reubenites is traditionally associated with the symbol of a man, reflecting Reuben's name, which means "behold, a son" (Genesis 29:32). This emblem is thought to represent the human aspect of the divine order and the leadership role initially intended for Reuben as the firstborn.

Military Role and Leadership

The Reubenites, under their standard, played a crucial role in the military organization of Israel. As part of the southern camp, they were responsible for the defense and order of the nation during their travels. The leader of the tribe during the wilderness period was Elizur son of Shedeur (Numbers 2:10), who was tasked with overseeing the tribe's contributions to the collective efforts of the Israelites.

Inheritance and Settlement

Upon entering the Promised Land, the Reubenites, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, chose to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River. This decision was made due to the suitability of the land for their large herds and flocks (Numbers 32:1-5). Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan (Numbers 32:20-22).

The Reubenites' inheritance included territories such as Heshbon, Dibon, and Aroer, which were formerly part of the kingdom of Sihon, king of the Amorites (Joshua 13:15-23). Despite their geographical separation from the other tribes, the Reubenites remained an integral part of the Israelite confederation, bound by their shared heritage and covenant with God.

Spiritual and Historical Significance

The Reubenites' journey from the wilderness to their settlement east of the Jordan reflects the broader narrative of Israel's faithfulness and struggles. Their standard, symbolizing human leadership and responsibility, serves as a reminder of the potential and pitfalls of the firstborn's role. Throughout biblical history, the Reubenites exemplify the themes of redemption, responsibility, and the consequences of moral choices, as seen in their ancestor Reuben's life and the tribe's subsequent history.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 10:18
And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xxxiv
... This occurrence serves to illustrate the low standard of morals prevalent among
the ... 35:22 describes an old marriage custom of the Reubenites; v. Genesis 35:18 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... In the IXth century Mesha of Moab does not mention the Reubenites, and speaks of
the Gadites only as inhabiting the territory formerly occupied by them. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm