Topical Encyclopedia Reuben is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. His life and actions are recorded primarily in the Book of Genesis, and he is recognized as the progenitor of the Tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.Birth and Family Background Reuben was born to Jacob and Leah, as recorded in Genesis 29:32: "Leah conceived and bore a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, 'The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.'" His name, Reuben, is derived from the Hebrew words "ra'ah" (to see) and "ben" (son), reflecting Leah's hope that Jacob would now show her greater affection. Role in the Family As the firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence and responsibility within Jacob's family. However, his actions often undermined his status. One of the most notable incidents involving Reuben is his attempt to save his brother Joseph from being killed by his other brothers. In Genesis 37:21-22, Reuben intervenes, saying, "Let us not take his life. Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him." His intention was to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father. Moral Failings Reuben's moral failings are highlighted in Genesis 35:22, where he is said to have slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This act of defiance and disrespect had significant consequences for Reuben's standing in the family. Jacob, on his deathbed, addressed this transgression in Genesis 49:3-4: "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 The Tribe of Reuben settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as described in Numbers 32. They, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested this land because it was suitable for their livestock. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. Legacy Reuben's legacy is a complex one, marked by both his initial promise as the firstborn and his subsequent moral failings. His tribe played a role in the early history of Israel, though it did not achieve the prominence of some of the other tribes. Despite his shortcomings, Reuben's account serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of one's actions. Library Chapter xlix Joseph Attacked by the Archers Recreant Reuben The Book of Jubilees Chapter xliii Chapter xlvii Man's Passions and God's Purpose Chapter xxxvii The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; Thesaurus Reuben's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Reuben's (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 33:6 Let life not death be Reuben's, let not the number of his men be small. (BBE). ... /r/reuben's.htm - 6k Reuben (73 Occurrences) Reuel (14 Occurrences) Reubenites (37 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Reuben? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Reuben in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Reuben's (1 Occurrence)Deuteronomy 33:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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