Meet the tribe of Reuben
Long ago, there were twelve tribes of Israel, each named after one of Jacob’s sons. Reuben was the eldest of Jacob’s twelve sons. His mother, Leah, was Jacob’s first wife (Genesis 35:23). Reuben had eleven brothers: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Joseph, and Benjamin. He also had one sister, Dinah. Being the firstborn, Reuben had a special place in the family. In Bible times, the firstborn son usually received a double portion of the inheritance and was expected to become the leader of the family.
However, Reuben made a mistake that changed his future. In Genesis 35:22, we learn that Reuben dishonored his father by lying with Bilhah, his father’s concubine. This caused Jacob to take away the firstborn’s special blessing from him. Later, in Genesis 49, Jacob described Reuben as "unstable as water," meaning he lacked the strength and dependability needed for leadership.
Jacob said:
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity and excelling in power. Boiling over like water, you shall not excel because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it. He went up to my couch.” (Genesis 49:3-4)
Despite this, Reuben’s descendants grew into a large and important tribe in Israel.
Reuben’s Role in Selling Joseph
Reuben’s story also involves the dramatic events of Joseph being sold into slavery. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son, which made his brothers jealous. In Genesis 37, the brothers plotted to kill Joseph. However, Reuben, as the eldest, stepped in to prevent this. He convinced his brothers not to shed Joseph’s blood and suggested they throw him into a pit instead.
Reuben secretly planned to rescue Joseph later and return him to their father. Unfortunately, while Reuben was away, the other brothers sold Joseph to a group of Ishmaelite traders who were passing by. When Reuben returned to the pit and found it empty, he was deeply distressed. He exclaimed, “The boy is gone! And I—where shall I go?” (Genesis 37:30).
Reuben’s actions showed a sense of responsibility and compassion, but his lack of assertiveness allowed the brothers’ cruel plan to succeed. This event marked a turning point in the family’s story, eventually leading to Joseph’s rise to power in Egypt. Learn more about Joseph’s story in our Life of Joseph Activity Book, packed with ready-to-use lesson plans and fun activities for kids!
Reuben’s Role in the Wilderness
During the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, the tribe of Reuben was part of the organized camp around the Tabernacle. In Numbers 2, God gave specific instructions for how the tribes should camp and march. The tribe of Reuben camped on the south side of the Tabernacle, along with the tribes of Simeon and Gad. Together, they formed the second camp group, which traveled under Reuben’s banner. Their position showed their role in helping guard and organize the Israelite community as they moved closer to the Promised Land. Learn more about the 12 tribes of Israel in our Twelve Tribes of Israel Activity Book.
The Tribe of Reuben Settles
Reuben had four sons: Hanok, Pallu, Hezron, and Karmi. These sons became leaders of different family groups within the tribe.
Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Reubenites made a special request to Moses. In Numbers 32, they, along with the Gadites, noticed that the fertile lands of Jazer and Gilead on the eastern side of the Jordan River were perfect for their large herds and flocks. The grassy plains were ideal for grazing, and they believed this land would meet their needs better than the land across the Jordan.
At first, Moses was worried. He thought their request might discourage the other tribes from continuing to fight for the land God had promised. Moses reminded them of how their ancestors’ lack of faith had delayed the Israelites’ journey by forty years.
To address these concerns, the Reubenites and Gadites promised to help the other tribes conquer the Promised Land before settling in the Transjordan. They pledged to send their fighting men into battle while their families and livestock stayed in fortified cities they would build in Jazer and Gilead. Moses agreed, and the Reubenites eventually settled in the eastern region of the Jordan River. Learn more about the 12 tribes of Israel in our Torah Time Traveler Activity Book series, which is packed with ready-to-use lesson plans and engaging activities!
Stories of Courage and Warning
Later, during King Saul’s reign, the Reubenites fought bravely against the Hagrites and defeated them, taking over their homes in the eastern region of Gilead (1 Chronicles 5:10). The Bible also highlights their courage in 1 Chronicles 5:18-22, where they fought alongside the tribes of Gad and Manasseh, trusting in their Elohim for victory.
However, their story also serves as a warning. In 1 Chronicles 5:25, we learn that the Reubenites turned away from Yahweh and worshiped false gods (spiritual adultery), following the sinful practices of the nations around them. This led to their eventual downfall and exile by the Assyrians.
