Reuben : Potential Alone Does Not Guarantee Greatness.

Reuben's Biblical Narrative Analysis

Reuben: Behold, a Son - Exploring the Complexities of Jacob's Firstborn

Reuben, the eldest of Jacob's twelve sons, holds a significant yet often overshadowed place in the biblical narrative. Born to Leah, his arrival marked the beginning of a large and influential family that would eventually form the twelve tribes of Israel. The very meaning of his name offers a starting point for understanding his life and the complexities of his character as depicted in the scriptures. This exploration will delve into the biblical accounts of Reuben, from his birth and early actions to his later transgressions and the prophetic pronouncements concerning his future and that of his tribe. By examining the key events and verses associated with Reuben, we can gain a deeper appreciation for his role in the unfolding story of the patriarchs and the early history of the Israelite nation.

The Significance of a Name: "Reuben" - Behold, a Son!

The name "Reuben" carries a profound meaning rooted in the Hebrew language. Derived from the Hebrew words re'u (ראו) meaning "behold" or "see" and ben (בן) meaning "son," the name translates directly to "behold, a son". This naming was not a casual act but rather a reflection of his mother Leah's emotional state and her hopes within her marriage to Jacob. The scriptures record Leah's words at his birth: "She named him Reuben, for she said, 'It is because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me'". This statement reveals Leah's feeling of being unloved by Jacob and her heartfelt desire that the birth of her firstborn son would finally win his affection. The name itself, therefore, becomes a poignant reminder of the circumstances surrounding his birth and the underlying tensions within Jacob's family from its very inception. Reuben's name, "behold, a son," serves as a foundational element for understanding his place as the firstborn and the expectations that came with it.

The Promise and Peril of Primogeniture

In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the position of the firstborn son held immense significance. The firstborn typically inherited a double portion of the father's estate and often assumed a leadership role within the family and among his siblings. This birthright carried with it both privileges and responsibilities, as the eldest son was expected to be a figure of strength, honor, and stability for the entire family. As Jacob's firstborn, Reuben naturally stood to inherit this esteemed position, with all its accompanying benefits and duties. Jacob himself acknowledged Reuben's initial standing, referring to him as "my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power". This recognition highlights the potential that Reuben possessed as the firstborn, a potential that, as the biblical narrative unfolds, would tragically be squandered due to one unwise step. The traditional expectations placed upon the firstborn underscore the gravity of Reuben's subsequent actions and the significance of his eventual loss of the birthright. Deuteronomy 21:17 explicitly states the right of the firstborn to a double portion, further emphasizing what Reuben stood to lose.

A Glimmer of Goodness: Reuben and the Plot Against Joseph

Despite his later act of thougtlessness, the early narrative of Reuben reveals moments of commendable behavior, particularly in the story of Joseph and his brothers. When Joseph's brothers, consumed by jealousy over their father's favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, plotted to kill him, Reuben stepped in to intervene. Hearing their murderous intentions, Reuben sought to save Joseph from their hands, saying, "Let us not kill him". His plan was to dissuade them from shedding blood and instead suggested casting Joseph into an empty pit in the wilderness. Reuben's intention, as the scripture clarifies, was to later return to the pit and rescue Joseph, bringing him back safely to their father. This act demonstrates a sense of responsibility as the eldest brother and a degree of compassion for Joseph. However, Reuben's plan was ultimately thwarted when, in his absence, the other brothers, influenced by Judah, decided to sell Joseph to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites. Upon returning to the pit and finding Joseph gone, Reuben was deeply distressed, tearing his clothes in anguish and lamenting, "The lad is no more; and I, where shall I go?". This episode reveals a complex picture of Reuben – a man capable of good intentions and leadership but ultimately unable to fully control the actions of his brothers. Years later, when the brothers faced hardship in Egypt, Reuben reminded them of his earlier warning not to sin against Joseph, suggesting their current troubles were a consequence of their past actions.

The One Unwise Step: Reuben's Transgression with Bilhah

“ A wrong act can never be undone. It may be that the work of a lifetime will not recover what has been lost in a single moment of temptation or even thoughtlessness.” PP 426.2

The narrative of Reuben takes a dark turn with the account of his transgression involving Bilhah, his father's concubine. Genesis 35:22 starkly states, "While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine. And Israel heard of it". This act was a grave offense, representing a profound breach of familial trust, loyalty, and sexual morality. Sleeping with his father's concubine was considered an act of incest and a direct challenge to Jacob's authority and the established family structure. The consequences of Reuben's actions were severe and far-reaching. This transgression led directly to him being denied the birthright that was rightfully his as the firstborn. The account in 1 Chronicles 5:1 explicitly states, "These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father's bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright". This loss of birthright had significant implications not only for Reuben himself but also for the future of his descendants, the tribe of Reuben.

A Father's Disappointment: Jacob's Prophecy on His Deathbed

The weight of Reuben's transgression is further underscored by Jacob's prophetic words on his deathbed, recorded in Genesis 49:3-4. Addressing Reuben as his firstborn, Jacob acknowledges his initial strength and preeminence. However, this recognition is immediately followed by a stern rebuke: "Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father's bed; then you defiled it—he went up to my couch!". The description of Reuben as "unstable as water" suggests a lack of steadfastness, self-control, and moral fortitude. This characterization directly links to his impulsive act with Bilhah, highlighting how this single event defined his legacy in his father's eyes. As a consequence of his instability and the dishonor he brought upon his family, Jacob prophesied that Reuben would not have preeminence among his brothers, effectively confirming the loss of his birthright and the leadership that would have naturally belonged to him. This prophecy had lasting implications for the tribe of Reuben, which, throughout the subsequent history of Israel, never rose to a position of significant leadership or influence.

Beyond Genesis: Mentions of Reuben in the Wider Biblical Narrative

While the book of Genesis provides the most detailed account of Reuben's life, his name and the tribe descended from him appear in various other books of the Bible, offering further insights into his legacy and the fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy. In the book of Numbers, during the census taken in the wilderness, the tribe of Reuben is listed as the first tribe, with a significant number of men fit for military service. However, their initial prominence seems to wane over time. Moses' blessing upon the tribes in Deuteronomy includes a blessing for Reuben: "Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few".In the book of Joshua, the tribe of Reuben, along with Gad and half of Manasseh, settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River. They played a role in assisting the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. However, their geographical separation may have contributed to their later lack of central involvement in Israel's affairs. The book of Judges records an incident where the tribe of Reuben is criticized for their indecisiveness and failure to join the other tribes in the battle against Sisera. Deborah's song questions their choice to remain among the sheepfolds rather than participating in the conflict, highlighting a potential lack of commitment to the broader Israelite community. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles reiterate Reuben's position as the firstborn and the reason for the transfer of his birthright to Joseph. They also mention the tribe's involvement in battles and their eventual exile by the Assyrian king Tilgath-Pilneser due to their unfaithfulness. Even in the symbolic vision of the twelve tribes in the book of Revelation, the tribe of Reuben is listed, albeit after Judah, signifying a diminished status compared to their initial position as the firstborn. This consistent portrayal across the biblical narrative suggests a fulfillment of Jacob's prophecy and the lasting impact of Reuben's choices.

Reuben: Intentions vs. Actions - A Study in Human Frailty

The story of Reuben presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of human nature. He is depicted as a character with moments of apparent good intention, such as his desire to save Joseph from his brothers' murderous plot. He also demonstrated a willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin's safety, offering his own sons as collateral. These instances suggest a capacity for leadership and a degree of familial loyalty. However, these positive attributes are overshadowed by his significant moral failure in the incident with Bilhah, an act that ultimately cost him his birthright and preeminence. Jacob's description of him as "unstable as water" encapsulates this duality, highlighting a potential lack of self-control and consistency in his character. Reuben's life serves as a poignant reminder that good intentions alone are not sufficient; they must be coupled with consistent righteous actions and self-discipline. His story underscores the profound consequences of sin, not only for the individual but also for their family and descendants. Despite his initial promise as the firstborn, Reuben's instability and moral lapse prevented him from achieving the greatness that might have been his. His narrative becomes a study in human frailty, illustrating the constant struggle between potential and performance, and the lasting impact of our choices on our lives and legacies.

Conclusion: The Enduring Story of Reuben - More Than Just a Name

The life of Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son, is a compelling narrative filled with both promise and disappointment. His name, "behold, a son," initially reflected his mother Leah's hopes for love and recognition. As the firstborn, he held the potential for great honor and leadership within his family and the nascent nation of Israel. While he demonstrated moments of compassion and a desire to do good, his impulsive and ultimately sinful act with Bilhah irrevocably altered his destiny. The biblical record consistently portrays the tribe of Reuben as one that never quite achieved the prominence expected of the descendants of the firstborn. Reuben's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-control, the enduring consequences of sin, and the fact that potential alone does not guarantee greatness. He remains a significant figure in the biblical narrative, not just as the firstborn, but as a complex character whose life offers valuable lessons about human frailty, responsibility, and the lasting impact of our choices.