Reuben
Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son through Leah, was originally positioned to receive the primary inheritance and leadership role among the tribes of Israel. His standing changed permanently after he committed adultery with Bilhah, his father's concubine, an act that prompted Jacob to transfer the birthright to Joseph instead. Reuben later showed restraint during the brothers' plot against Joseph by persuading them to abandon the idea of murder and place him in a pit, intending to rescue him later. These events illustrate the scriptural principle that moral failure carries generational consequences within God's covenant family while still recording moments of partial mercy.
Biography
- Occupation
- Patriarch of Tribe
- Tribe
- Reuben
- Father
- Jacob
- Mother
- Leah
- Children
- Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, Carmi
- Era
- Patriarchs
- Nationality
- Hebrew
Family
Did You Know?
Reuben convinced his brothers to cast Joseph into a pit instead of killing him immediately, intending to rescue the boy later upon returning from a planned errand, only to discover the sale to Midianite traders had already occurred in his absence.
Reuben forfeited the double-portion birthright after lying with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine, an act recorded in Genesis 35 that prompted Jacob to transfer the inheritance rights to Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh centuries later.
The tribe of Reuben, along with Gad, petitioned Moses for territory east of the Jordan due to their vast livestock holdings, receiving the Transjordanian plateau but thereby separating themselves geographically from the main body of Israel before the conquest.
Dathan and Abiram, prominent leaders from the tribe of Reuben, joined Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron in Numbers 16, resulting in the earth swallowing their households alive as divine judgment.
Jacob's deathbed oracle in Genesis 49 describes Reuben as 'unstable as water' and strips him of preeminence for defiling his father's couch, explaining why the tribe never produced a judge, king, or major prophet despite its firstborn status.
Key Passages
Reuben's Sin
Genesis 35:22
Reuben's failure shows how sin can fracture family trust and forfeit future blessings, urging us toward lives of integrity.
22nd it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his fatherโs concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Reuben Tries to Save Joseph
Genesis 37:21-22
This passage reveals Reuben's quiet courage in defending Joseph, showing how one person's stand for mercy can interrupt harm.
21nd Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him.
Jacob's Prophecy About Reuben
Genesis 49:3-4
This passage shows how moral failure can forfeit the leadership and blessings God intends, urging us toward faithful living.
3euben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: