Topical Encyclopedia The Reubenites, descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, are one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their inheritance was located east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. The tribe is often noted for its pastoral lifestyle, possessing large flocks and herds, which influenced their choice of territory (Numbers 32:1).In the period of the Judges, the Reubenites are notably mentioned in the Song of Deborah, a poetic passage found in Judges 5. This song celebrates the victory of Israelite forces, led by Deborah and Barak, over the Canaanite army commanded by Sisera. However, it also serves as a rebuke to certain tribes that failed to join the battle against the oppressors. Deborah's reproach of the Reubenites is found in Judges 5:15-16 : "In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart. Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the districts of Reuben there was much searching of heart." This passage highlights the indecision and inaction of the Reubenites during a critical moment of national crisis. While other tribes rallied to the call to arms, the Reubenites remained with their flocks, preoccupied with their pastoral duties. The "searching of heart" suggests an internal conflict within the tribe, torn between their responsibilities to their livestock and their duty to their fellow Israelites. This hesitation is portrayed as a failure to rise to the occasion, contrasting sharply with the valor of tribes like Zebulun and Naphtali, who "risked their lives on the heights of the field" (Judges 5:18). The reproach of the Reubenites by Deborah serves as a moral lesson within the narrative, emphasizing the importance of unity and decisive action in the face of common threats. It underscores the expectation that all tribes, regardless of their circumstances, should contribute to the collective defense and well-being of the nation of Israel. This episode in the Book of Judges reflects broader themes of faithfulness and responsibility, illustrating the consequences of prioritizing personal or tribal interests over communal obligations. The Reubenites' failure to act is remembered as a moment of missed opportunity, a cautionary tale for future generations. Nave's Topical Index Judges 5:15,16And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xxxiv The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org When and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reubenites: Assist the Other Tribes in Conquest of the Region West of the Jordan River Reubenites: Have Their Inheritance East of the Jordan River Reubenites: Military Enrollment of, at Mount Sinai Reubenites: Military Enrollment of, in Moab Reubenites: Place of, in Camping and Marching Reubenites: Reproached by Deborah Reubenites: Taken Captive Into Assyria Reubenites: Unite With the Other Tribes in Building a Monument Related Terms Tiglath-pileser (6 Occurrences) Tillegath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgathpilneser (3 Occurrences) Tilgath-pilneser (3 Occurrences) Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences) |
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