Reuben

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Reuben (Hebrew: רְאוּבֵן, Rəʾûḇēn, "see a son"), (b.2186 AM 1974 BC
1788 H
2186 AM), was the first son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the Tribe of Reuben. He had eleven brothers: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. He also had a sister, Dinah.

When he was roughly nine years old, he went into a field and gathered mandrakes (Mandragora officinarum), a plant rumored to help a barren woman conceive. This occurred during wheat harvest (that is, during the month later known as Sivan)^[1] in the year 2193 AM after Leah had left off bearing children. Rachel demanded a share of the mandrakes, and Leah insisted that Jacob lie with her instead of Rachel. Jacob did, and Leah bore Jacob two more sons and a daughter.

Later in life, Reuben forfeited all his rights as the firstborn son by lying with Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid.^[2][3]

Reuben partially redeemed himself in the incident involving Joseph being thrown into the pit. He persuaded his brothers to sell Joseph as a slave, instead of killing him outright. Reuben had hoped to free Joseph, but he was too late. Nevertheless, the first of the Israelite cities of refuge were located in Reubenite territory, perhaps in honor of Reuben's preservation of Joseph's life.

On 15 Abib 2238 AM25 April 1921 BC
15 Iyar 1840 H
15 Abib 2238 AM, Reuben followed his father Jacob into Egypt. He was 52 years old at this time. With him were at least one regular wife and the following named sons: Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron, and Carmi.^[4] How long he lived after that, the Bible does not say.

Related References

1. ↑ Bratcher, Dennis. "Hebrew Calendar of the Old Testament." CRI/Voice, Institute, 2006. Accessed December 27, 2007.
2. ↑ Genesis 35:22
3. ↑ Genesis 49:3-4
4. ↑ Genesis 46:9

See Also

• Israel
• Israelites
• Arabs
• Palestine
• Biblical calendar