Reuben is the oldest of the twelve tribes. He is Jacob’s first son, born to Leah, who names him Reuben. In Hebrew the name means “Look, a son!”

The Bible seems ambivalent about Reuben. As the oldest son, he is expected to lead his brothers. Yet, he often proves too timid to do so. The most notable example is his failure to prevent his brothers from selling their younger brother Joseph into slavery.

Reuben had planned to stop them, but then mysteriously disappears. He did not act when he had the opportunity.

Missing the Call

Reuben’s timidity is given further expression later in the Old Testament, when his tribe declines to take part in a battle against the wicked King Sisera. According to the Song of Deborah, as found in the Book of Judges, during the war with Sisera “In the districts of Reuben, there was much searching of heart.” (Judges 5:16)

In other words, Reuben’s descendants sat and thought while others acted. They did not answer when called upon.

In depicting Reuben has timid and weak-willed, the Bible is telling us that birth order does not determine destiny. A person’s faith and actions matter most.

Reuben’s Sexual Immorality

Reuben’s shaky character may have emerged from one of his acts of disobedience. Genesis 35:22 tells us that Reuben slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah. This act violate the customs and morals of the times and was considered incest.

As happens in other instances in the Bible, sexual immorality reveals much about a person’s character.

The Exceptions to the Rule

In some instances Reuben does emerge as a leader. He does stop his brothers from killing Joseph, encouraging them to throw him in a pit, from which they then sell him into slavery. He also persuades their father Jacob to allow the brothers to bring Benjamin with them to Egypt, promising to care for their youngest brother when Jacob expresses fear for his safety.

Like other biblical figures, he has virtues and flaws. Ultimately, his descendants become one of the ten lost tribes.

Question: Do You Believe first-born children have special responsibilities?