The Tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. As the firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence, but his actions led to a loss of his birthright (Genesis 49:3-4). Despite this, the tribe played a significant role in the history of Israel.

During the reign of King David, the organization and administration of the tribes were crucial for maintaining order and ensuring effective governance. David, known for his military prowess and administrative skills, appointed officers over the tribes, including Reuben, to manage their affairs and contribute to the kingdom's stability.

In 1 Chronicles 27, the Bible provides a detailed account of the military divisions and officers appointed by David. Each tribe had a designated leader responsible for its administration and military readiness. For the Tribe of Reuben, the officer appointed was a man named Eliezer, the son of Zichri. The passage states:

"Over the Reubenites: Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeonites: Shephatiah son of Maacah;" (1 Chronicles 27:16).

Eliezer's appointment as the officer over the Reubenites highlights the structured approach David employed in managing the tribes. This organization ensured that each tribe had representation and leadership within the broader framework of the united monarchy. The officers were likely responsible for mobilizing the tribe for military service, collecting taxes, and maintaining order.

The appointment of officers over the tribes, including Reuben, reflects David's commitment to unifying the nation and establishing a centralized government. This structure allowed for efficient communication and coordination among the tribes, contributing to the strength and prosperity of Israel during David's reign.

The Tribe of Reuben, despite its early challenges, continued to play a role in the collective identity of Israel. The appointment of Eliezer as an officer under David's administration underscores the tribe's ongoing involvement in the nation's affairs and its integration into the united kingdom of Israel.1 Chronicles 26:32
And his brothers, men of valor, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 27:16
Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First vision "On Earth"
... officers of State), and the chief captains (the military officers), and the ... tribe
of Judah, twelve thousand sealed; Of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and pushed, sometimes, their skirmishing parties over hill and ... at the time that Gad
and Reuben were in ... families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... More than one of these officers had already turned against ... time of Jehoshaphat, a
member of the tribe of Judah ... to a king; next to Joseph comes Reuben, to whom ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... devote themselves sprang from the Magian tribe; the Avesta ... impoverished land, to
construct bridges over running water ... so many means of expiation appointed by the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... stars are types of the several saints and officers in this ... and how he at last shall,
all over the earth ... till thou leftest thy station, and place appointed of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Who was Reuben in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Reuben? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org

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