Topical Encyclopedia
Reuben is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. His life and actions are recorded primarily in the Book of Genesis, and he is recognized as the progenitor of the Tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Birth and Family BackgroundReuben was born to Jacob and Leah, as recorded in
Genesis 29:32: "Leah conceived and bore a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, 'The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.'" His name, Reuben, is derived from the Hebrew words "ra'ah" (to see) and "ben" (son), reflecting Leah's hope that Jacob would now show her greater affection.
Role in the FamilyAs the firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence and responsibility within Jacob's family. However, his actions often undermined his status. One of the most notable incidents involving Reuben is his attempt to save his brother Joseph from being killed by his other brothers. In
Genesis 37:21-22, Reuben intervenes, saying, "Let us not take his life. Do not shed his blood. Throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but do not lay a hand on him." His intention was to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father.
Moral FailingsReuben's moral failings are highlighted in
Genesis 35:22, where he is said to have slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This act of defiance and disrespect had significant consequences for Reuben's standing in the family. Jacob, on his deathbed, addressed this transgression in
Genesis 49:3-4: "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."
Tribe of ReubenThe Tribe of Reuben settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River, as described in
Numbers 32. They, along with the tribes of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh, requested this land because it was suitable for their livestock. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan.
LegacyReuben's legacy is a complex one, marked by both his initial promise as the firstborn and his subsequent moral failings. His tribe played a role in the early history of Israel, though it did not achieve the prominence of some of the other tribes. Despite his shortcomings, Reuben's account serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and the consequences of one's actions.
Library
Chapter xlix
...Reuben is censured (v. Genesis 49:4). Simeon's and Levi's anger is cursed (v. Genesis
49:7) not they themselves.... 3, 4.Reuben, thou art my first-born,....
Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... Looking upon his sonReuben, a tear was in his eye, for he recollectedReuben's
sin; he passed over Simeon and Levi, giving some slight rebuke; upon the others...
RecreantReuben
... THE BOOK OF JUDGES RECREANTREUBEN.... At the watercourses ofReuben there were
great searchings of heart.'"Judges 5:16 (RV). I. The fight....
The Book of Jubilees
... derived from the same source. The account ofReuben's crime agrees with
the narrative in the Jubilees. Other matters are, Levi's...
Chapter xliii
... The negative aspect of the case is this:Reuben had forfeited his pre-eminence by
incest (Genesis 35:22); Simeon was incarcerated; Levi had displayed cruel...
Chapter xlvii
... of Esau, was grieved by the rape of his daughter Dinah and by the murder perpetrated
by his sons, Simeon and Levi, was deeply pained byReuben's incest, and...
Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... Joseph into Egypt. AndReuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph
was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. And he returned...
Chapter xxxvii
... ForReuben had sacrificed his claim by incest.... 29, 30. AndReuben returned to the
cistern and, lo, Joseph was not in the cistern; and he rent his garments....
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... in the canon, we find the thought that by individual sinners we ought to understand
individual Satans." This idea occurs in the Testament ofReuben (chaps. ii....
The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Reuben's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Reuben's (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 33:6 Let life not
death be
Reuben's, let not the number of his men be small. (BBE).
...Reuben (73 Occurrences)
... After Jacob and his family went down into Egypt (46:8) no further mention is made
ofReuben beyond what is recorded in ch. 49:3,4.Reuben, Tribe of....
Reuel (14 Occurrences)
Reubenites (37 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia REUBENITES. roo'-ben-its (ha-re'ubheni; demoi
Rhouben): Members of the tribe ofReuben (Numbers 26:7, etc.)....
Resources
What can we learn from the tribe of Reuben? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Reuben in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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