Verses 1-4
Reuben. As the first-born, Reuben could have anticipated preeminence among his brothers, leadership of the tribes, priesthood within the family, and the double portion of the birthright. However, he forfeited these blessings preferring rather to give free reign to his lust (Genesis 35:22; cf. Esau). The leadership of the tribes therefore went to Judah, the priesthood to Levi eventually (cf. Exodus 32:25-29; Numbers 3:12-13), and the double portion to Joseph. Joseph was the first-born of the favored Rachel whereas Reuben was Leah’s first-born. Joseph’s priority was not due solely to Jacob’s preference, however, but to the will of God as revealed in Joseph’s dreams.
"About no other tribe do we know so little as about Reuben. . . . The tribe produced no significant man, no judge, no king, no prophet." [Note: von Rad, p. 423.]
No priest came from Reuben either. Irresolution marked the Reubenites in the time of Israel’s judges (Judges 5:15-16).
"This forfeiture is fulfilled historically in later times when the Reubenites living in Transjordan are integrated into the tribe of Gad.
"From this first oracle the teaching is clear that the behavior of one individual affects the destiny of his descendants." [Note: Hamilton, The Book . . . Chapters 18-50, p. 647.]
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