Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. His birth is recounted in Genesis 29:32: “Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, ‘Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.’”
Reuben’s name means “Behold, a son” in Hebrew. As the firstborn, Reuben had privileges and responsibilities as head of the family when Jacob died. However, Reuben lost this birthright through his sinful actions.
Here is an overview of Reuben’s story in the Bible:
Reuben’s Birth and Status as Firstborn
As mentioned, Reuben was the first son born to Jacob through Leah (Genesis 29:32). His birth order gave him an elevated status and certain benefits. For example, the firstborn son normally received a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). He would also become the leader and priest of the family after the father’s death.
However, Reuben’s status was insecure right from birth. This was because Jacob’s true love was Rachel rather than Leah. Leah hoped having a son would make Jacob love her, but it did not change his feelings (Genesis 29:31-32).
Reuben’s Sin with Bilhah
Reuben committed a grievous sexual sin that would change his life. Genesis 35:22 tells us: “While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine. And Israel heard of it.”
This incident occurred while Jacob’s household was living in Canaan. Bilhah had been Rachel’s maidservant, and she bore Jacob two sons – Dan and Naphtali (Genesis 30:1-8). By sleeping with his father’s concubine, Reuben was committing incest and adultery.
Jacob’s Anger at Reuben
Understandably, Jacob was furious when he learned what Reuben had done with Bilhah. This immoral act showed blatant disrespect toward his father.
Jacob expresses his anger in his final words to his sons on his deathbed:
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the firstfruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power. Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it – he went up to my couch!” (Genesis 49:3-4).
This scathing rebuke summarizes Jacob’s disappointment and grief. Reuben’s status as firstborn and “preeminent” was lost forever. His act demonstrated he was “unstable as water” and unfit to lead.
Reuben’s Loss of the Birthright
As a result of this sexual sin, Reuben forfeited the privileges of the firstborn. This included losing the double portion of inheritance and the right to become head of the household.
The birthright blessings were split between Joseph and Judah instead. Joseph received the double inheritance (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). And Judah is conferred status as leader, from whom King David and Jesus Christ would later descend (Genesis 49:8-12; Luke 3:33).
Reuben’s Role in Joseph’s Life
Reuben does receive some praise for his behavior toward his younger brother Joseph. When the other brothers wanted to kill Joseph, Reuben convinced them just to throw him into a pit instead (Genesis 37:21-22). Reuben intended to rescue Joseph later, but did not get the chance before Joseph was sold into slavery.
Years later, when Benjamin was detained in Egypt and the brothers feared for his life, Reuben offered to sacrifice his own sons if Benjamin was not returned safely. He said to their father Jacob:
“Kill my two sons if I do not bring him back to you. Put him in my hands, and I will bring him back to you.” (Genesis 42:37).
So while certainly flawed, Reuben showed some positive traits in wanting to protect his younger brothers.
Reuben’s Descendants
Reuben ended up fathering four sons, who became founders of tribes within Israel. Their names were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron and Carmi (Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14). The Tribe of Reuben settled east of the Jordan River.
Moses blessed the Tribe of Reuben before his death, praying:
“Let Reuben live, and not die, but let his men be few.” (Deuteronomy 33:6).
Unfortunately, Reuben did struggle mightily over time. They failed to drive out the Canaanites and steadily decreased in population and influence. However, they did assist the other tribes in conquering Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 1:12-18).
Lessons from Reuben’s Life
A few important lessons emerge from Reuben’s biography in Scripture:
– Birth order and privileges are not guarantees. Reuben was the firstborn son, but squandered his blessings through his sinful deed.
– Sin has consequences. Reuben’s incestuous act cost him his leadership role and inheritance in the family of Israel. Sin destroys our lives and legacies.
– God is merciful. Though Reuben lost his birthright, he did not lose his place in the family. He fathered his own tribe within the nation.
– Character matters more than achievement. Reuben is commended for protecting Joseph, not for status or accomplishment. Our integrity is most important.
In summary, Reuben represents a cautionary tale of how not to live. His life is an example of privileges wasted and opportunities lost due to lack of character. May we live in a way that does not repeat Reuben’s mistakes.
Reuben’s Place in Jesus’ Genealogy
Though passed over for the birthright blessings, Reuben still received mention in Jesus Christ’s lineage as recorded in Luke 3:
“Jesus…son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, son of Terah, son of Nahor, son of Serug, son of Reu, son of Peleg, son of Eber, son of Shelah, son of Cainan, son of Arphaxad, son of Shem, son of Noah, son of Lamech, son of Methuselah, son of Enoch, son of Jared, son of Mahalalel, son of Kenan, son of Enosh, son of Seth, son of Adam, son of God.” (Luke 3:23b-38).
So Reuben was still affirmed as an ancestor in Christ’s genealogy. This demonstrates God’s mercy extending through the generations. Even though Reuben committed grievous sexual sin, he was not excluded from the Messianic family line.
Instances Where Reuben is Mentioned in the Bible
Here is a list of key passages about Reuben in Scripture:
– Genesis 29:32 – Reuben’s birth
– Genesis 35:22 – Reuben’s sin with Bilhah
– Genesis 37:21-22 – Reuben saves Joseph from death
– Genesis 42:37 – Reuben’s pledge to protect Benjamin
– Genesis 46:8-9 – Reuben’s family goes to Egypt
– Genesis 49:3-4 – Jacob’s rebuke of Reuben
– Exodus 1:1-5 – Reuben as Jacob’s firstborn son
– Numbers 1:5-16 – Reuben counted in the census
– Numbers 26:5-11 – Reuben’s descendants
– Deuteronomy 11:6 – Reuben saw God’s judgment
– Deuteronomy 27:13 – Reuben’s participation in covenant renewal
– Deuteronomy 33:6 – Moses blesses the Tribe of Reuben
– Joshua 13:15-23 – Inheritance of Reuben
– 1 Chronicles 5:1-10 – Lineage and territory of Reuben
– 1 Chronicles 26:32 – Military leaders from Tribe of Reuben
So in summary, Reuben played a prominent role in many of the early stories of Genesis and the settlement of Canaan under Joshua. His influence faded over time, but he left an indelible mark as Jacob’s firstborn.
Examples of Reuben’s Sin Used as Warnings in Scripture
Reuben is held up a couple times in Scripture as a warning about the dangers of sexual sin:
1 Corinthians 5:1 – In reprimanding the church for tolerating a man’s adulterous relationship with his father’s wife, Paul says: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.”
1 Corinthians 10:11-12 – As a warning against desiring evil things and grumbling, Paul states: “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”
So Reuben’s sin provides a case study of how even God’s chosen people can fall into terrible sin when not on guard against temptation. May we learn from Reuben’s failure.
Reuben in Commentaries and Other Extra-Biblical Sources
Some additional insights on Reuben from Bible scholars and historians:
– Flavius Josephus (1st century AD Jewish historian) thought Reuben was born on the 14th day of the month of Tammuz.
– Jewish Midrash (Rabbinic commentaries) say that Reuben was persuaded to intervene to save Joseph from death at the hands of Simeon and Levi.
– John Calvin (16th century Swiss theologian) said Reuben was “destitute of all authority” and “degraded from his high rank” due to his offense against his father.
– Adam Clarke (18th century British Methodist theologian) wrote that Reuben’s sin was “most foul, most unnatural, and most abominable” committing incest with his father’s concubine.
– Some scholars theorize Reuben lost his birthright not just for his sin with Bilhah, but also for not defending Joseph more strongly from his other brothers.
So in writings outside Scripture, Reuben is portrayed as a deeply flawed person who made some efforts to help his family but fell into grievous sexual sin. His life stands as a warning about lust and immorality.
Reuben as a Reflection of Human Nature
On a psychological level, Reuben reflects the dual nature of human beings. He had moments of courage and morality, but also gave into destructive passions. This parallels our struggle with good and evil inclinations.
Reuben wanted to do right at times, seen in defending Joseph. But he could also commit terrible acts in the heat of desire like his sin with Bilhah. This mirrors our vacillation between wisdom and folly.
Reuben’s life represents how if we only rely on our own wisdom and strength, we are doomed to fail. We cannot conquer sin merely by human effort. His story points to our need for God’s mercy and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
While a flawed instrument, God still worked through Reuben and generations after him to bring redemption through Jesus Christ. In this way, Reuben gives us hope that God can use anyone and redeem anyone who trusts in Him.
Conclusions About Reuben from Scripture
Reflecting on Reuben’s complete story in the Bible, several concluding points emerge:
– Reuben had special privileges as firstborn but lost them through his detestable sexual sin.
– His act showed complete disregard for his father Jacob’s honor and authority.
– Sin always has consequences. Reuben’s legacy was tainted.
– However, Reuben did later try to protect some family members like Joseph and Benjamin.
– Though losing the birthright, he still fathered his own tribe within Israel.
– His name is mentioned in the lineage of Jesus, showing God’s mercy across generations.
– Reuben serves as a warning about how quickly sin can ruin lives. But also how God redeems sinners.
– All in all, Reuben represents a story of great potential and privilege destroyed by lack of sexual self-control and respect for his father.
Reuben’s life stands as a reminder that our earthly choices follow us for generations, but also that God alone can redeem our broken stories. May Reuben’s example teach us to honor our parents and flee from sexual temptation.