In the Old Testament Jacob, that sneaky younger brother, was blessed by God and given a new name, Israel.Though we may be familiar with some of his sons, maybe Joseph, Benjamin and Judah, perhaps even Levi, I thought it could be interesting to do snippets of some of the lesser known sons.
Reuben.
Reuben is the first-born son of Jacob. His mother is Leah. Now if you recall the marriage of Jacob and Leah was . . . well Leah's dad, Labon, really worked one over Jacob. Jacob was beshnooked by Rachel the first time he saw her. And like any rational young man, Jacob agreed to work for Rachel's father, Labon, for 7 entire years in order to gain Rachel's hand in marriage. But Labon, being an honorable scum bag, tricked Jacob. After Jacob's 7 years of working for Labon the wedding was at hand; the party ensued and the veiled bride was brought into the marriage chamber. After consummating the marriage, morning broke and revealed a terrible truth the Jacob: he had married Leah, Rachel's older and uglier sister. Oops. (In some way though, Labon was doing his fatherly duty; sorry Jacob).
Needless to say, coming from Leah, Reuben was not the most favorite of Jacob's sons. Leah had put all her hope in her son, hoping that because of Reuben Jacob would like her; in fact, the name Reuben means 'See, a son.' So she is saying to Jacob at this time, 'Look! Look what I've given you; won't you love me now?'
In Chapter 35 of Genesis we see Reuben take his elder brother privileges a bit far, for he sleeps with his father's concubine. That's right, he sleeps with the one whom his father has made children with--more about that alter.
You remember when all of Josephs older brothers were jealous of him and wanted to kill Joseph? Well remember that Joseph was not actually killed, rather he was sold into slavery? That change in plans was because of Reuben. So some of the brothers were sitting around plotting Joseph's murder and Reuben walks up with a staff in his hand and asks, 'What's up guys? Just tending to some sheep or what?' They reply, 'We are going to kill our young brother. That's what's going on.' Reuben, a bit taken back, 'Ugh, I don't think that's a fantastic idea like y'all do. I hate him too but if he I don't want that blood on my hands. Let's sell him in a pit instead.' (Reuben actually wanted to throw him in a pit so he could save him later.) So there you have it, Reuben came in (sorta) for the rescue. And when, I guess when Reuben was on a smoke break (?), the brothers sold Joseph to some passer-by and Reuben found out about it he tore his clothes--which was what they did in distress back then--and took Joseph's old robe and dipped in blood and telling his father that Joseph, unfortunately, was eaten by wolves.
Reuben never forgot about this incident and years later when the famine came and Joseph, who was in disguise, wanted to make his brothers nervous in Egypt, Reuben looked back and said, 'See!! I told you God would not let this go!' He, apparently, was backing-packing this guilt the whole time.
Well when ole dad was gettin up there in years he decided to go ahead and bless all of his boys. At this time and place in the world the oldest brother would receive almost, if not, all of his father's inheritance, along with all the power. So Reuben should rightly be thinking to himself, 'This is it, this is when I finally get all the blessing my father received from his father and God.' And when Jacob began, it seemed like it would happen that way. But it didn't turn out so good for Reuben. Jacob said clearly that because Reuben slept with Jacob's concubine he would not receive his inheritance normally due him. This would have rocked the socks off of Reuben in the worst and most disappointing of ways. In addition, it was said in that Reuben's line would be small--not a lot of people in comparison--this coming from Deuteronomy 33.
In the end, in Revelation, Reuben is still favored by God and blessed along with most of the other tribes of Israel.
It is important, I think, to see that sin has some very real and very lasting consequences. But we can also see that God's grace and love fulfill his promises and desires to do good to those who love him and repent.
