BIBLE DICTIONARY
Reuben

Eldest son of Jacob (Gen. 29: 32; Gen. 30: 14; Gen. 35: 22-23; Gen. 37: 21-22, 29; Gen. 42: 22, 37; Num. 26: 5); settled east of Jordan (Num. 32); the special characteristics of the tribe are referred to in Gen. 49: 3; Deut. 33: 6. The tribe's numbers gradually diminished, and though it continued to exist as a tribe, it became politically unimportant. In Judg. 5: 15-16, it is reproached by Deborah for its indifference during a time of national peril. For other references see Josh. 4: 12; Josh. 13: 15-23; Josh. 18: 7; Josh. 22; 1 Chr. 5: 1, 3, 18; Ezek. 48: 6-7, 31; Rev. 7: 5. Levite cities in, Josh. 20: 8; Josh. 21: 7, 36; 1 Chr. 6: 63, 78. Dathan and Abiram, men of Reuben, Num. 16: 1; Deut. 11: 6; Bohan, son of Reuben, Josh. 15: 6; Josh. 18: 17. Although Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob and Leah, he lost his birthright because of transgression (Gen. 35: 22; Gen. 49: 3-4). The blessing therefore came upon Joseph, the firstborn of Jacob and Rachel (1 Chr. 5: 1-2).