Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Reuben, named after the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, was one of the twelve tribes of Israel. As the descendants of Reuben, this tribe played a significant role in the early history of Israel, particularly during the period of the conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The Reubenites were allocated land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, a region known for its pastoral richness, which was well-suited to their needs as a tribe with substantial livestock.Cities Built by the Tribe of Reuben The Reubenites, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested and received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan River. This territory included the land of Gilead and Bashan, which had been conquered from the Amorite kings Sihon and Og. The Reubenites were responsible for rebuilding and fortifying several cities in this region, as recorded in the Old Testament. 1. Heshbon: Originally the capital city of King Sihon of the Amorites, Heshbon was a significant city that the Reubenites rebuilt and fortified. It served as a central location in their territory. Numbers 32:37 states, "The Reubenites built up Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim." 2. Elealeh: Located near Heshbon, Elealeh was another city rebuilt by the Reubenites. Its proximity to Heshbon made it an important part of the Reubenite settlement. 3. Kiriathaim: This city was also rebuilt by the Reubenites. It is mentioned alongside Heshbon and Elealeh, indicating its significance in the region. 4. Nebo: The Reubenites rebuilt Nebo, a city that held religious significance due to its association with Mount Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. 5. Baal Meon: Also known as Beth Meon, this city was rebuilt by the Reubenites. It is mentioned in Numbers 32:38, "And Nebo and Baal Meon (their names being changed) and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities they rebuilt." 6. Sibmah: Known for its vineyards, Sibmah was another city rebuilt by the Reubenites. It was located near Heshbon and was part of the fertile land that supported their agricultural activities. The rebuilding of these cities by the Reubenites was not merely an act of construction but also a strategic move to establish their presence and secure their territory. The fortified cities provided protection against potential enemies and served as centers for administration and commerce. The Reubenites' choice to settle east of the Jordan, while initially met with concern by Moses, was ultimately approved with the condition that they assist the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan. This agreement is detailed in Numbers 32, where the Reubenites, along with the Gadites, pledged to join the Israelites in battle before returning to their allotted land. The cities built and rebuilt by the Tribe of Reuben reflect their adaptation to the land and their commitment to establishing a stable and secure home for their people. These cities played a crucial role in the history and development of the tribe as they settled into their God-given inheritance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 32:37,38And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them. Six Cities How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The Israelites The Nations of the South-East The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ... Chapter xxxv Chapter xxxiv Palestine under Pagan Kings. 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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