Genesis 46:9
The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
The sons of Reuben:
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him the eldest of the twelve tribes of Israel. His birthright was significant, but he lost it due to his indiscretion with Bilhah, his father's concubine (Genesis 35:22). This act had long-lasting implications for his descendants, as the birthright was transferred to Joseph (1 Chronicles 5:1-2). Reuben's tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead, which was known for its pastoral lands.

Hanoch,
Hanoch is the first son of Reuben listed here. The name Hanoch means "dedicated" or "initiated." This name is also found in other parts of the Bible, such as in the genealogy of Cain (Genesis 4:17). The repetition of names across different genealogies highlights the common practice of naming children after ancestors or notable figures, reflecting cultural continuity and familial honor.

Pallu,
Pallu is the second son of Reuben. His name means "distinguished" or "separated." The descendants of Pallu, known as the Palluites, are mentioned in Numbers 26:5. This indicates the establishment of family clans within the tribe of Reuben, which was a common practice for organizing and maintaining tribal identity and inheritance.

Hezron,
Hezron is the third son of Reuben. His name means "enclosed" or "surrounded by a wall." Hezron is also a significant name in the lineage of Judah, as another Hezron is an ancestor of King David (Ruth 4:18-22). This highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and the importance of genealogies in tracing the fulfillment of God's promises, particularly the Messianic line.

and Carmi.
Carmi is the fourth son of Reuben. His name means "vineyard" or "garden." The mention of Carmi and his descendants, the Carmites, in Numbers 26:6, further emphasizes the structure of tribal and familial divisions within Israel. The agricultural connotation of his name reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where names often had meanings related to nature and livelihood.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Reuben
The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Reuben's actions and decisions throughout Genesis have significant implications for his family and descendants.

2. Hanoch
The first son of Reuben. His name means "dedicated" or "initiated" in Hebrew, indicating a possible role or expectation within the family lineage.

3. Pallu
The second son of Reuben. His name means "distinguished" or "separated," which may reflect his family's status or aspirations.

4. Hezron
The third son of Reuben. His name means "enclosed" or "surrounded by a wall," possibly symbolizing protection or strength.

5. Carmi
The fourth son of Reuben. His name means "vineyard" or "garden," suggesting fruitfulness or growth.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Legacy
Reuben's sons represent the continuation of his lineage. Our actions and decisions can have lasting impacts on future generations.

Names and Identity
The meanings of the names of Reuben's sons reflect characteristics or hopes. Consider how names and identities shape our understanding of ourselves and our roles.

Consequences of Actions
Reuben's account reminds us that our choices can affect not only our lives but also the lives of those who come after us. It's crucial to live with integrity and foresight.

God's Faithfulness
Despite human failings, God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob continue through their descendants. Trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem challenging.

Family Dynamics
The relationships and roles within Jacob's family illustrate the complexities of family life. Seek wisdom and grace in navigating family relationships.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Reuben's role as the firstborn influence his actions and decisions throughout Genesis, and what can we learn from his account about leadership and responsibility?

2. In what ways do the meanings of the names of Reuben's sons reflect their potential roles or characteristics within the family? How do names and identities influence our lives today?

3. How does the loss of Reuben's birthright, as described in 1 Chronicles 5:1-2, serve as a warning about the consequences of sin? What steps can we take to avoid similar pitfalls?

4. How does the continuation of Reuben's lineage in Numbers 26:5-9 demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? How can we trust in God's faithfulness in our own lives?

5. What lessons can we learn from the family dynamics of Jacob's family, and how can we apply these lessons to our own family relationships and interactions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29:32
This verse provides context for Reuben's birth and his mother's hope for Jacob's love, setting the stage for his role in the family.

Numbers 26:5-9
This passage lists the descendants of Reuben, showing the continuation of his lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding numerous descendants.

1 Chronicles 5:1-2
These verses explain the loss of Reuben's birthright due to his transgression, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the shift in family leadership.
The Three MeetingsW. Roberts Genesis 46:1-4; 46:28-30; 47:7-10
The Beginning of the NationR.A. Redford Genesis 46:8-27
The Catalogue of the Children of IsraelT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:8-27
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Carmi, Enoch, Hanoch, Hezron, Pallu, Phallu, Reuben, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:5-12

     7266   tribes of Israel

Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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