The Tribe of Reuben, named after the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, holds a significant place in biblical history and prophecy. As the firstborn, Reuben was initially entitled to the birthright, which included leadership and a double portion of inheritance. However, due to his transgression with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, these privileges were forfeited, and prophetic declarations concerning his descendants were made.

Jacob’s Prophecy:

In Genesis 49, Jacob, on his deathbed, gathers his sons to pronounce blessings and prophecies over them. Regarding Reuben, Jacob declares:

"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." (Genesis 49:3-4)

Jacob’s words highlight Reuben’s potential and strength as the firstborn but also underscore his instability and moral failure. The prophecy indicates that Reuben’s tribe would not excel or maintain preeminence among the tribes of Israel, a prediction that unfolds in the subsequent history of Israel.

Moses’ Blessing:

In Deuteronomy 33, Moses offers blessings to the tribes of Israel before his death. For Reuben, he prays:

"Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few." (Deuteronomy 33:6)

Moses’ blessing, while brief, is significant. It suggests a concern for the survival and continuity of Reuben’s descendants. The prayer for life and numbers implies that despite the earlier loss of preeminence, the tribe would endure and maintain a presence among the people of Israel.

Historical Fulfillment:

The historical record in the Old Testament reflects the fulfillment of these prophecies. The tribe of Reuben settled east of the Jordan River, in the land of Gilead, as recounted in Numbers 32. This location, while fertile, placed them on the periphery of the Promised Land, somewhat isolated from the other tribes.

Throughout Israel’s history, the tribe of Reuben played a less prominent role compared to other tribes such as Judah and Ephraim. The instability and lack of preeminence predicted by Jacob are evident in the tribe’s limited influence and leadership within the nation of Israel.

Role in Israel’s History:

Despite the diminished status, the tribe of Reuben participated in key events in Israel’s history. They joined the other tribes in the conquest of Canaan under Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 1:12-18). However, their geographical separation sometimes led to tensions and conflicts, as seen in the incident of the altar built by the Transjordan tribes (Joshua 22).

In the period of the Judges and the monarchy, Reuben’s role remained minor. The tribe is notably absent from the list of those who supported David during his rise to power (1 Chronicles 12:37). This absence further illustrates the fulfillment of Jacob’s prophecy regarding their lack of preeminence.

Conclusion:

The predictions concerning the tribe of Reuben, as articulated by Jacob and Moses, provide a profound insight into the tribe’s destiny. While Reuben’s initial promise as the firstborn was marred by personal failure, the tribe’s enduring presence in Israel’s history attests to the complexity and depth of biblical prophecy.Genesis 49:4
Unstable as water, you shall not excel; because you went up to your father's bed; then defiled you it: he went up to my couch.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:6
Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... have not here before us any special predictions, such as ... the front, Judah, as the
principal tribe, is encamped ... the camp, with the standard, of Reuben; and next ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... about female children that these prophets made predictions, and that ... her mother Ismeria
was of the tribe of Benjamin ... saw that one of the priests, Reuben [24] by ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

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