The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, whose impulsive nature cost him his birthright. Reuben slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, an act that led Jacob to strip him of his firstborn rights. Despite this, Reuben showed compassion by attempting to save Joseph from his brothers’ murderous plot, planning to return and rescue him from the pit. His tribe settled east of the Jordan River.
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”Genesis 29:32 · Berean Standard Bible
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”
The deceiver gets deceived. Jacob works seven years for Rachel, wakes up married to Leah, and learns what it feels like to be tricked.
While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it.
God calls Jacob back to where it all started. Rachel dies on the road. The promises continue through grief.
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.
Jacob speaks over each son with prophetic weight. Judah receives the scepter. The lion will come from his line.
Reuben doesn't appear in the direct line from Adam to Jesus, but stands one step from it through Jacob, who does. See the whole line.
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