Reuben’s Indulgence

“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it” (Genesis 49:3-4).

Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob, born to Leah, Laban’s eldest daughter and Jacob’s first wife. His name means “behold, a son.” Leah named him Reuben because Jacob favored his second wife, Rachel, but since Leah had given birth to Jacob’s first son, she hoped to win Jacob’s affection.

As Jacob’s firstborn, Reuben should have been the leader of his brothers and been responsible for their collective actions, but he failed to do so. Because of his “turbulent passion” (Genesis 49:4), he slept with his father’s concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22), and as a result, he lost his birthright.

The three main rights of an Israelite firstborn son—a double portion of the inheritance, leadership of the family, and the family priesthood—were inherited by Joseph, Judah, and the tribe of Levi, respectively.

(Compiled and edited based on the Chinese Union Version and a comprehensive biblical interpretation.)