The tribe of Reuben was one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn son, born to Leah (Genesis 29:32). As the firstborn, Reuben should have received the birthright and leadership of the tribes. However, he lost this privilege due to his sin of sleeping with Bilhah, one of his father’s concubines (Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4). Despite this, there are still valuable lessons we can learn from Reuben and his descendants.
Reuben’s Sin and Consequences
Reuben’s sin with Bilhah was a grievous offense against his father Jacob. It was an act of immorality and signified his lack of self-control. As a result, Reuben forfeited the privileges of the firstborn. Leadership passed to Judah and the double portion of inheritance went to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). This demonstrates the seriousness of sexual sin and the importance of self-control. Even though Reuben repented and was forgiven, the consequences of his actions were long-lasting.
Missed Opportunity and Warning
Reuben missed out on the blessings and responsibility of being the leader of the tribes and ancestor of the Messiah. This serves as a warning that our actions and choices have consequences, even after repentance. Reuben was still blessed as part of the covenant God made with Abraham, but he failed to obtain all that he could have. This shows the importance of living righteously and not squandering opportunities and blessings from the Lord due to sin (Hebrews 12:16-17).
Reuben’s Positive Traits
Although Reuben made some grave mistakes, he also displayed some admirable qualities at times. When his brothers wanted to kill Joseph, Reuben intervened and persuaded them to instead throw Joseph into a pit, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). This shows Reuben’s compassion and desire to do what was right. He also stayed with Jacob when some of the other brothers wanted to slay Shechem in retaliation (Genesis 34:25-30). This illustrates a reluctance to engage in unwarranted violence and vengeance.
Reuben’s Loyalty
Despite losing his birthright, Reuben remained loyal to his father Jacob and the nation of Israel. The tribe of Reuben faithfully answered Gideon’s call to fight the Midianites and Amalekites when they oppressed Israel (Judges 5:15-16). They assisted the other tribes in conquering the land of Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 1:12-18). Reuben’s loyalty illustrates redemption and commitment to God’s people despite past failures.
Reuben’s Regret
The severe consequences Reuben experienced as a result of his sin likely led to great regret on his part. Although Scripture does not state this directly, we can reasonably infer that Reuben wished he had made better choices. His example can encourage us to learn from past mistakes and not repeat the sins of which we’ve repented. Wise living considers future consequences, not just temporary pleasures.
Reuben’s Rebellion
At times, Reuben still displayed traces of rebellion and stubbornness. After the conquest of Canaan, Reuben joined with Gad and half of Manasseh in requesting land on the east side of the Jordan River, rather than taking their allotted inheritance in Canaan (Numbers 32:1-5). Although some of their motives were understandable, Moses still viewed this as rebellion reminiscent of the Israelites refusing to enter Canaan initially. This illustrates the importance of wholehearted obedience, not stubbornness.
Lessons for Us
What lessons can we learn from Reuben? First, guard against sexual immorality and lack of self-control. Second, learn from your mistakes and don’t repeat sins. Third, remain loyal to God’s people despite failures. Fourth, live wisely considering future consequences. Fifth, avoid stubbornness and rebellion when God’s will is clear. Sixth, intervene compassionately when others do wrong. And seventh, while forgiveness is abundant, earthly consequences of sin can be severe and long-lasting.
In summary, Reuben’s life illustrates the severity of sexual sin, the opportunities lost due to unrighteousness, the importance of loyalty and redemption after failure, the value of wise and compassionate living, and the tragic earthly consequences that can result from rebelliousness and lack of self-control. As we strive to follow Christ, Reuben provides an example both of how not to live at times, as well as positive traits to emulate. By God’s grace, we can overcome past failures to live rightly and leave a positive legacy for those who follow after us.
Reuben’s Census Numbers
The tribe of Reuben was one of the more numerous tribes of Israel. When Moses took a census of the Israelites after the Exodus, the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500 men twenty years old and above (Numbers 1:20-21). This demonstrates that they had experienced significant population growth despite being slaves in Egypt for several generations. In the second census before entering Canaan, the Reubenites numbered 43,730 men, showing they had weathered the wilderness wanderings fairly well (Numbers 26:7).
The Lands Allotted to Reuben
Although the birthright blessings went to Judah and Joseph, the tribe of Reuben still received a generous inheritance in the Promised Land. After conquering Transjordan, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh requested and received lands east of the Jordan River (Numbers 32:1-5, 33-42). The territory of Reuben stretched from the Arnon River in the south to the Jabbok River in the north. It bordered Moab and Ammon. Major cities included Heshbon and Bezer (Joshua 13:15-23). They possessed good grazing lands for their flocks and herds.
Interactions with Other Tribes and Nations
As one of the Transjordan tribes living outside the central land of Canaan, Reuben at times had significant interactions with other neighboring groups. They were among the tribes oppressed by King Eglon of Moab until he was defeated by Ehud (Judges 3:12-30). Towns originally in Reuben’s territory were rebuilt by the Gadites after the exile, showing cooperation between the tribes (1 Chronicles 5:11, 16-17). The Reubenites also joined the Gadites and Manassites in helping David fight some of his enemies (1 Chronicles 12:37). There seemed to be mutual support among these eastern tribes.
Reuben’s Prophetic Blessing
Although Reuben lost the extensive birthright blessings, Jacob still pronounced a prophetic blessing over him on his deathbed: “Reuben, you are my firstborn,…unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it” (Genesis 49:3-4). While reaffirming the consequences of his sin, Jacob’s blessing also acknowledged Reuben’s right as firstborn. This shows God’s mercy in still granting covenant blessings despite the seriousness of Reuben’s sin.
Notable Figures from Reuben
Although the tribe of Reuben did not produce many major Biblical figures, a few Reubenites are mentioned by name. Two of the twelve spies sent to scout out Canaan before the conquest were from Reuben – Shammua and Shaphat (Numbers 13:4-15). A Reubenite named Dathan joined Korah’s rebellion against Moses and Aaron, for which he was judged by God (Numbers 16:1-35). A leader of the Reubenites named Elizur assisted Moses and Aaron in taking a military census (Numbers 1:5-6). These men both positively and negatively impacted Israel’s history.
Reuben’s Faithfulness to God
Despite losing preeminence, the Bible records multiple instances of Reuben’s faithfulness to God. As previously mentioned, the Reubenites willingly answered Gideon’s call for help against Israel’s enemies (Judges 5:15-16). They also affirmed their commitment to follow Joshua and take possession of the Promised Land from Canaan’s inhabitants (Joshua 1:12-18). When the nation renewed their covenant during a religious reformation, some Reubenites were among those who separated from foreign wives (1 Chronicles 5:9-10). On the whole, they sought to follow the Lord.
Reuben’s Military Service
In addition to answering Gideon’s call, the Reubenites served Israel’s military interests in other campaigns. They aided Joshua in conquering southern Canaan, accompanying the other tribes as warriors (Joshua 4:12-13). Along with Gad, they provided 120,000 armed troops to establish David’s kingdom over all Israel (1 Chronicles 12:37). 44,760 Reubenite warriors assisted in making Solomon king and strengthening the kingdom (1 Chronicles 11:42). They faithfully performed their military duties to the nation.
Appraisal and Review
In reviewing the history and character of the tribe of Reuben, both positive and negative traits emerge. Reuben’s grievous sexual sin resulted in the loss of the birthright, illustrating the importance of righteousness and self-control. However, his descendants generally remained loyal to Israel, showing the possibilities of redemption after failure. The Reubenites displayed covenant faithfulness, military valor, and tribal cooperation at important junctures in Israel’s history. Yet traces of rebellion and poor decisions also periodically surfaced. On the whole, Reuben’s legacy is one of both warning and encouragement.
As the firstborn son of Jacob, Reuben is a complex, but instructive example. His life illustrates the severe earthly consequences for sexual sin, as well as the abundant mercy God shows in still granting blessings after repentance and forgiveness. Reuben sought to live righteously at times, being compassionate towards Joseph and loyal to Jacob. Yet his impetuous decision to sleep with Bilhah forfeited his rights as firstborn. Nonetheless, Reuben teaches that redemption is possible even after grievous mistakes. His ultimate loyalty can encourage our faithfulness despite failures. By God’s help and wisdom, may we live uprightly to leave a righteous legacy.