The Tribe of Reuben, named after the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant place in the history of Israel. As the firstborn, Reuben was expected to inherit a position of leadership and blessing. However, due to his transgression against his father Jacob (Genesis 35:22), the tribe's prominence was diminished, and the birthright was eventually given to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1-2).

Despite this, the Tribe of Reuben played an important role in the community of Israel, particularly during the dedication of the altar in the wilderness. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers, where the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel brought offerings for the dedication of the altar. Each tribe presented its offering on a separate day, beginning with the tribe of Judah and concluding with the tribe of Naphtali.

The offering of the Tribe of Reuben is detailed in Numbers 7:30-35. On the fourth day of the dedication, Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, brought the tribe's offering. The Berean Standard Bible records the offering as follows:

"On the fourth day Elizur son of Shedeur, the leader of the Reubenites, drew near. His offering was one silver platter weighing 130 shekels, one silver sprinkling bowl weighing 70 shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering; one gold dish weighing ten shekels, filled with incense; one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering; one male goat for a sin offering; and two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old, to present as a peace offering. This was the offering of Elizur son of Shedeur."

The offering of the Tribe of Reuben, like those of the other tribes, was significant in its symbolism and purpose. The silver and gold items represented wealth and dedication to the service of the Lord. The grain offering, burnt offering, sin offering, and peace offering each had specific meanings and functions within the sacrificial system, reflecting the tribe's desire for atonement, dedication, and fellowship with God.

The participation of the Tribe of Reuben in the dedication of the altar underscores their continued role within the covenant community of Israel, despite the earlier loss of the birthright. Their offering was a testament to their commitment to the worship and service of Yahweh, aligning with the broader narrative of Israel's journey and relationship with God.Numbers 7:30-35
On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nature of Covenanting.
... The children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh ... the
Lord, or if to offer thereon burnt-offering, or meat-offering, or if to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at the time that Gad and Reuben were in ... the families which constituted the half-tribe
of Manasseh ... their foes, expressed their gratitude by offering the crown ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... the blessing of Jacob, in which the tribe of Judah ... The position which Reuben occupies
specially points to Genesis 49 ... And he that offered his offering the first ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... time of Jehoshaphat, a member of the tribe of Judah ... is possible that, in Genesis
37:21, Reuben has been ... 16, where Ahaz is described as offering sacrifice and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

What are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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