The Tribe of Reuben, named after the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant place in the history of Israel. As the first of the twelve tribes, Reuben's descendants played a crucial role in the early formation of the Israelite community. The genealogical records and historical accounts of the families within the Tribe of Reuben are primarily found in the Pentateuch and other Old Testament books.

Genealogy and Families

The genealogical lineage of Reuben is detailed in several passages of Scripture. In Genesis 46:9, the sons of Reuben are listed as Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. These sons became the heads of the families or clans within the tribe. The Book of Numbers further elaborates on these family divisions, providing a census of the tribe during the wilderness period.

Numbers 26:5-7 states: "Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: the Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben, and their registration numbered 43,730."

Historical Context

The Tribe of Reuben settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead, after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the desert. This territory was granted to them by Moses, as recorded in Numbers 32, when the Reubenites, along with the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested to settle in the fertile lands suitable for their livestock.

The Reubenites' decision to settle outside the Promised Land's western boundaries had lasting implications. While they were part of the larger Israelite confederation, their geographical separation sometimes led to a diminished role in the collective affairs of Israel. This is reflected in the Song of Deborah, where Reuben is noted for its indecision during a time of conflict (Judges 5:15-16).

Cultural and Religious Significance

Despite their geographical separation, the families of Reuben maintained their cultural and religious identity as part of the Israelite nation. They participated in the religious festivals and observances commanded by the Law of Moses. The tribe's history is marked by both faithfulness and failure, reflecting the broader narrative of Israel's relationship with God.

The Reubenites' legacy is also seen in their contributions to the military campaigns during the conquest of Canaan, as well as their involvement in various events throughout Israel's history. Their account serves as a testament to the complexities and challenges faced by the tribes of Israel as they sought to live in accordance with God's covenant.

Notable Descendants

Among the notable descendants of Reuben is Dathan, who, along with Abiram, participated in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recounted in Numbers 16. This incident highlights the internal struggles and challenges to leadership within the Israelite community.

The Tribe of Reuben, with its distinct families and historical experiences, remains an integral part of the biblical narrative, offering insights into the dynamics of tribal life and the unfolding of God's plan for His people.Numbers 26:5,6,8,9
Reuben, the oldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom comes the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... action was done by one of the tribe of Judah, he then again proposed the lot to
the several families thereto belonging ... Now when the tribe of Reuben, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Sedition of Corah and of the Multitude against Moses, and ...
... it on the eldest be, that of Reuben might have ... with discourse to those of his own
tribe; when these ... the same common ancestor, has made our families equal: nay ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 the sedition of.htm

The Gospel of Matthew
... was that in Abraham "shall all the families of the earth ... that the birthright was
transferred from Reuben to Joseph ... is, Because Judah was the royal tribe, and it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of matthew.htm

Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken?
... 4. "These were they that were numbered of the families of the Kohathites ... And the
children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/iv were christ and the.htm

The Pentateuch.
... the notices contained in Genesis, we learn that the families of the ... the region beyond
Jordan to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... In this more favorable environment their families and their ... To a chief of a northern
tribe of Napthali ... distant tribes of Asher, Dan and Reuben were engrossed in ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Israelites
... and it may be that the name of the tribe of Benjamin ... They would have been "the sons"
of Reuben or Judah, of ... But they were all families within a single family. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Chapter xxxv
... thought ("in thy seed shall all the families of the ... of Jerusalem on old territory
of the tribe of Benjamin ... while Israel dwelt in that land that Reuben went and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... beyond the Jordan at the time that Gad and Reuben were in ... It is not certain that
all the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh took ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... thought ("in thy seed shall all the families of the ... of Jerusalem on old territory
of the tribe of Benjamin ... while Israel dwelt in that land that Reuben went and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

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