Topical Bible: Character: Instability: Reuben

◄ Character: Instability: Reuben ►

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Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, is a biblical figure whose life is marked by instability and missed potential. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where his actions and their consequences are recorded. Reuben's life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of instability and the loss of privilege due to unsteady character.

Birth and Early Life

Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob, making him the natural heir to the birthright and blessings associated with the firstborn son. His mother, Leah, named him Reuben, meaning "See, a son," expressing her hope that Jacob would love her now that she had borne him a son (Genesis 29:32). As the eldest, Reuben held a position of prominence among his brothers.

Instability and Sin

Despite his privileged position, Reuben's life is marred by instability and impulsive actions. The most significant incident highlighting his instability is his sin with Bilhah, his father's concubine. Genesis 35:22 records, "While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it." This act of defiance and immorality had severe consequences for Reuben, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for his father and a failure to uphold family honor.

Loss of Birthright

Reuben's instability and sin led to the forfeiture of his birthright. In Genesis 49:3-4 , Jacob addresses Reuben during his final blessings to his sons: "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's words underscore Reuben's potential and the tragic loss of his preeminence due to his unstable character.

Role in Joseph's Story

Reuben's instability is further illustrated in the narrative of Joseph. When Joseph's brothers plotted to kill him, Reuben intervened, suggesting they throw Joseph into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). However, his plan failed when the brothers sold Joseph into slavery while Reuben was absent. His inability to follow through on his intentions reflects his lack of decisive leadership.

Tribe of Reuben

The tribe of Reuben, descending from Reuben, settled on the east side of the Jordan River. Despite being the firstborn tribe, they did not achieve significant prominence in Israel's history. The tribe's choice to settle outside the Promised Land's main territory is sometimes seen as a reflection of Reuben's own instability and failure to claim his rightful inheritance.

Legacy

Reuben's life serves as a reminder of the consequences of instability and moral failure. His account is a testament to the importance of steadfastness and integrity, especially for those in positions of leadership and responsibility. Despite his potential, Reuben's lack of control and impulsive actions led to a diminished legacy, illustrating the biblical principle that character and faithfulness are essential for true greatness.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 49:3,4
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chapter xlix
... a man of Jacob's energy of mind and character should have ... it should be particularly
on its guard: Reuben against moral instability and licentiousness ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... For who but one whose mental optics are utterly purblind can fail to discern the
loose and unsubstantial character of the principle of their doctrine, and that ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm