Reuben

Reuben Birth Order

1

Meaning of Name

Strong’s 7205 Reûwbên, reh-oo-bane’; from the imper. of 7200 and 1121; see ye a son; Reüben, a son of Jacob:—Reuben.

Mother

Leah (weary)

Birth

Genesis 29:31–32: 31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, “Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.”

Gemstone

Sardius. See Exodus 28:17 and 39:10.

Encampment Position

On the south between Simeon and Gad; his standard reflects one (the man) of the four faces of the cherubim (see Ezekiel 1:10).

Zodiac Sign

Aquarius (The Water Bearer)

Position in Zodiac Story

Sixth sign in the circuit; second of the four signs in the the second book, The Redeemed. Aquarius reflects blessings assured for the redeemed. Constellations are Piscis Australis (The Southern Fish, blessings bestowed), Pegasus (The Winged Horse, blessings quickly coming), and Cygnus (The Swan, the Blesser surely returning).

Jacob’s Blessing for the Last Days

Genesis 49:3–4: 3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

Reuben’s Zodiac Sign Aquarius (The Water Bearer) Second sign in the second book, The Redeemed. Their blessings ensured, or the living waters of blessing poured forth for the redeemed.

Aquarius (The Water Bearer) Hebrew Name Hebrew name Deli (Strong’s 1805), a pail or jar for drawing water. Used in Numbers 24:7 and Isaiah 40:15. The root of this word (Strong’s 1802) is used in Exodus 2:16, Exodus 2:19, Psalm 30:1, and Proverbs 20:5. Aquarius—108 Stars (four of the third magnitude) á

located in the right shoulder and called Sa’ad al Melik, the record of the pouring forth.

â

located in the other shoulder and called Saad al Sund, who goeth and returneth, or the pourer out.

ä

located in the lower part of the right leg, Hebrew name Scheat, who goeth and returneth bright star in the urn has Egyptian name Mon or Meon, an urn.

The Ring Nebula in Aquarius

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Place in the Heavenly Story The Atonement has been made and blessings have been procured. Blessings can now be poured forth upon the redeemed. In the sign, a man pours blessings forth from a bucket or urn to the mouth of a fish. This image is reflected in this promise given to Jacob: Numbers 24:7: 7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, And his seed shall be in many waters, And his king shall be higher than Agag, And his kingdom shall be exalted. The image of water pouring or flowing forth is also seen several passages in Isaiah: Isaiah 32:1–2: 1 Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. 2 And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Isaiah 35:1, 6:1: The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. . . . 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. Isaiah 41:18: 18 I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. Isaiah 44:2, 3, 6: 2 Thus saith the LORD That made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; “Fear not, O Jacob, My servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring: 6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the LORD of hosts; “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside Me there is no God. The image of the man is symbolic of Christ, the Pourer of blessings. In the last days, He promises: Joel 2:28–29: 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My spirit.

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Piscis Australis (The Southern Fish—The Blessings Bestowed) Piscis Australis—23 Stars (one of the first magnitude) Arabic Fom al Haut, the mouth of the fish, a brilliant star of the first magnitude.

Piscis Australis (see picture of Aquarius with Piscis Australis above) shows the fish, representing the redeemed for whom Christ’s blessings are intended, receiving the blessings procured and poured forth by the Man (Christ).

Pegasus (The Winged Horse—The Blessings Quickly Coming) Pegasus brings the blessings procured near to those upon whom they are intended to be poured and symbolizes He Who is quickly coming with them.

Pegasus—89 Stars (one of the first magnitude, two of the second magnitude, three of the third magnitude, nine of the fourth magnitude) á

located on the neck of the horse at the junction of the wing, ancient Hebrew name Markab, returning from afar

â

located in the upper right shoulder, Scheat, who goeth and returneth

ã

located at the tip of the wing, Arabic Al Genib, who carries

å

located in the nostril, Arabic Enif, the branch Page 4 of 31

Pegasus—89 Stars (one of the first magnitude, two of the second magnitude, three of the third magnitude, nine of the fourth magnitude) ç

located in the near leg, Arabic Matar, who causes to overflow Homan, the waters

Cygnus (The Swan—The Blesser Surely Returning) The swift and mighty Cygnus reemphasizes the lesson of Pegasus—that the Blesser is coming quickly and surely to pour forth His blessings on the redeemed. Its principal stars form a large cross considered the most perfect of all crosses formed by the constellations.

Cygnus—81 Stars (one of the first or second magnitude, six of the third magnitude, twelve of the fourth magnitude, variable stars, five double stars, and one quadruple star) á

brightest star, located between the body and the tail, Deneb, the judge; and Adige, flying swiftly

â

located in the beak, Arabic Al Bireo, flying quickly

ã

located in the body, Hebrew Sadr, who returns as in a circle

ð1 and ð 2

located in the tail; Azel, who goes and returns quickly, and Fafage, gloriously shining forth

61 Cygni

Considered one of the most wonderful stars in the heavens; consists of two stars that revolve about each other but have a progressive motion common to each. Page 5 of 31

The information in this section was taken from E. W. Bullinger’s The Witness of the Stars (Kregel Publications, reprint of 1893 ed.) and E. Raymond Capt’s The Glory of the Stars (Artisan Sales, 1982). See these works for more information on the zodiac.

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Reuben Encamped, Numbered, and At War Elizur the Head of the House of His Fathers Numbers 1:3–5: 3 From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies. 4 And with you there shall be a man of every tribe; every one head of the house of his fathers. 5 And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.

46,500 Able to Go Forth to War Numbers 1:20–21: 20 And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war; 21 Those that were numbered of them, even of the tribe of Reuben, were forty and six thousand and five hundred.

Encampment on the South Numbers 2:10–11; 16: 10 On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were forty and six thousand and five hundred. 16 All that were numbered in the camp* of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank. *The camp of Reuben included all the tribes encamped on the south (Simeon, Reuben, and Gad).

Reuben’s Order in the Wilderness Journeyings of Israel Numbers 10:12–28: 12 And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran. 13 And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses. 14 In the first place went Page 7 of 31

the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies: and over his host was Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 15 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethaneel the son of Zuar. 16 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon. 17 And the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle. 18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 19 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 20 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel. 21 And the Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the other did set up the tabernacle against they came. 22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over his host was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 23 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 24 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni. 25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran. 27 And over the host of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. 28 Thus were the journeyings of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward.

Reubenite Spy Sent to the Land of Canaan Numbers 13:1–4: 1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 “Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them.” 3 And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel. 4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur.

Numbering in the Plains of Moab—43,730 Numbers 26:3–11: 3 And Moses and Eleazar the priest spake with them in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho, saying, 4 “Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as the LORD commanded Moses and the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt.” 5 Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: 6 Of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites: of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7 These are the families of the Reubenites: and they that were numbered of them were forty and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty. 8 And the sons of Pallu; Eliab. 9 And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD: (10 And the earth opened her mouth, and Page 8 of 31

swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.) 11 Notwithstanding the children of Korah died not.

40,000 of Reuben, Gad, and Half Tribe of Manasseh Prepare for War Against Jericho Joshua 4:11–13: 11 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over, that the ark of the LORD passed over, and the priests, in the presence of the people. 12 And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them: 13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.

Reuben’s Territory from Canaanite Conquests Joshua 12:1–6: 1 Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east: 2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river, and from half Gilead, even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 3 And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdoth-pisgah: 4 And the coast of Og king of Bashan (which was of the remnant of the giants) that dwelt at Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 5 And reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salcah, and in all Bashan, unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. 6 Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it for a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Reuben in the Battle Against Sisera (The Song of Deborah and Barak) Judges 5:14–18: 14 Out of Ephraim was there a root of them against Amalek; after thee, Benjamin, among thy people; out of Machir came down governors, And out of Zebulun they that handle the pen of the writer. 15 And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. 16 Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds, To hear the bleatings of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. 17 Gilead abode beyond Jordan: And why did Dan remain in ships? Asher continued on the sea shore, And abode in his breaches. 18 Zebulun and Naphtali were a people that Page 9 of 31

jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field.

War With Hagarites I Chronicles 5:18–22: 18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. 19 And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. 20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and He was intreated of them; because they put their trust in Him. 21 And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. 22 For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity.

Reuben’s Valiant Men in David’s Armies I Chronicles 11:24–26; 42: 24 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among the three mighties. 25 Behold, he was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard. 26 Also the valiant men of the armies were, Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him,

Making David King I Chronicles 12:23, 37: 23 And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD . 37 And on the other side of Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, an hundred and twenty thousand.

Reubenites, Gadites, and the Half Tribe of Manasseh and Assyrian Captivity II Kings 10:31–33: 31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. 32 In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel; 33 From Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

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I Chronicles 5:25–26: 25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a whoring after the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river Gozan, unto this day.

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Reuben’s Inheritances Moses Assigns Reubenites Their Portion in the Promised Land Numbers 32:1–38: 1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle; 2 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying, 3 “Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon, 4 Even the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle:” 5 “Wherefore,” said they, “if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan.” 6 And Moses said unto the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, “Shall your brethren go to war, and shall ye sit here? 7 And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them? 8 Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. 9 For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them. 10 And the LORD’s anger was kindled the same time, and He sware, saying,11 ‘Surely none of the men that came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob; because they have not wholly followed Me: 12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD. 13 And the LORD’s anger was kindled against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD , was consumed. 14 And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel. 15 For if ye turn away from after Him, He will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and ye shall destroy all this people.” 16 And they came near unto him, and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and cities for our little ones: 17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 18 We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every man his inheritance. 19 For we will not inherit with them on yonder side Jordan, or forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side Jordan eastward.” 20 And Moses said unto them, “If ye will do this thing, if ye will go armed before the LORD to war, 21 And will go all of you armed over Jordan before the LORD , until He hath driven out His enemies from before Him, 22 And the land be subdued before the LORD : then afterward ye shall return, and be guiltless before the LORD , and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the LORD . 23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD : and be sure your sin will find you out. 24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.” 25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben Page 12 of 31

spake unto Moses, saying, “Thy servants will do as my lord commandeth. 26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead: 27 But thy servants will pass over, every man armed for war, before the LORD to battle, as my lord saith.” 28 So concerning them Moses commanded Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel: 29 And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the LORD, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession: 30 But if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan. 31 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, “As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do. 32 We will pass over armed before the LORD into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours.” 33 And Moses gave unto them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, even the cities of the country round about. 34 And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer, 35 And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah, 36 And Bethnimrah, and Beth-haran, fenced cities: and folds for sheep. 37 And the children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim, 38 And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded. Numbers 34:13–15: 13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, “This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe: 14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance: 15 The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side Jordan near Jericho eastward, toward the sunrising.” Deuteronomy 3:12–20: 12 And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites. 13 And the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, with all Bashan, which was called the land of giants. 14 (Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi; and called them after his own name, Bashan-havoth-jair, unto this day.) 15 And I gave Gilead unto Machir. 16 And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 17 The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast thereof, from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah eastward. 18 And I commanded you at that time, saying, ‘The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are Page 13 of 31

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meet for the war. 19 But your wives, and your little ones, and your cattle, (for I know that ye have much cattle,) shall abide in your cities which I have given you; 20 Until the LORD have given rest unto your brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also possess the land which the LORD your God hath given them beyond Jordan: and then shall ye return every man unto his possession, which I have given you.’

The Covenant With Israel in the Land of Moab Deuteronomy 29:5–9: 5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. 6 Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the LORD your God. 7 And when ye came unto this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, came out against us unto battle, and we smote them: 8 And we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance unto the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasseh. 9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do.

Joshua Reminds Reubenites of Moses’ Instruction Joshua 1:12–18: 12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, saying, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side Jordan; but ye shall pass before your brethren armed, all the mighty men of valour, and help them; 15 Until the LORD have given your brethren rest, as He hath given you, and they also have possessed the land which the LORD your God giveth them: then ye shall return unto the land of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD'S servant gave you on this side Jordan toward the sunrising.” 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, “All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the LORD thy God be with thee, as He was with Moses. 18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.”

Joshua Charges Reubenites to Accept Their Inheritance Joshua 13:7–23: 7 Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance unto the nine tribes, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 8 With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them; 9 From Aroer, that is upon the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba unto Dibon; 10 And all Page 15 of 31

the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the border of the children of Ammon; 11 And Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, and all Bashan unto Salcah; 12 All the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants: for these did Moses smite, and cast them out.” 13 Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites: but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites until this day. 14 Only unto the tribe of Levi he gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as He said unto them. 15 And Moses gave unto the tribe of the children of Reuben inheritance according to their families. 16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba; 17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon, 18 And Jahazah, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, 19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zarethshahar in the mount of the valley, 20 And Beth-peor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth, 21 And all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses smote with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon, dwelling in the country. 22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them. 23 And the border of the children of Reuben was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their families, the cities and the villages thereof. Joshua 18:7: 7 But the Levites have no part among you; for the priesthood of the LORD is their inheritance: and Gad, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, have received their inheritance beyond Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave them.” Joshua 22:1–6: 1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, 2 And said unto them, “Ye have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you: 3 Ye have not left your brethren these many days unto this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the LORD your God. 4 And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as He promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, and unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan. 5 But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave unto Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away: and they went unto their tents.

Four Levite Cities Assigned to Reuben for Merarites Joshua 21:7: 7 The children of Merari by their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and Page 16 of 31

out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. Joshua 21:34–40: 34 And unto the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah with her suburbs, 35 Dimnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her suburbs; four cities. 36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with her suburbs, and Jahazah with her suburbs, 37 Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs; four cities. 38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs, 39 Heshbon with her suburbs, Jazer with her suburbs; four cities in all. 40 So all the cities for the children of Merari by their families, which were remaining of the families of the Levites, were by their lot twelve cities. I Chronicles 6:63–64: 63 Unto the sons of Merari were given by lot, throughout their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 64 And the children of Israel gave to the Levites these cities with their suburbs. I Chronicles 6:77–79: 77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmon with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: 78 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, on the east side of Jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs, and Jahzah with her suburbs, 79 Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Mephaath with her suburbs:

Bezer, in Reuben’s Land, One of Six Levitical Cities of Refuge Deuteronomy 4:41–43: 41 Then Moses severed three cities on this side Jordan toward the sunrising; 42 That the slayer might flee thither, which should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him not in times past; and that fleeing unto one of these cities he might live: 43 Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites. Joshua 20:8–9: 8 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. 9 These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them, that whosoever killeth any person at unawares might flee thither, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation. (See also Numbers 35.)

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Sealing of the End Times Revelation 7:5: 5 Of the tribe ofJuda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

Inheritance at the End of Ezekiel Ezekiel 48:6–7; 31: 6 And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben. 7 And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Judah. 31 And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi.

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Reubenite Stories Reuben Gives Mandrakes to Leah Genesis 30:14–18: 14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Give me, I pray thee, of thy son’s mandrakes.” 15 And she said unto her, “Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also?” And Rachel said, “Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son’s mandrakes.” 16 And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, “Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son’s mandrakes.” And he lay with her that night. 17 And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. 18 And Leah said, “God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband:” and she called his name Issachar.

Reuben Defiles Jacob’s Bed

Mandrakes From Smith’s Bible Dictionary: The mandrake is now called Atropa mandragora. The odor or flavor of the plant is a matter of opinion. They have a delightful smell, and the taste is agreeable, though not to everybody. The Orientals especially value strongly smelling things, that to more delicate senses are unpleasing. The fruit was ripe at the time of wheat harvest. From a rude resemblance of old roots of the mandrake to the human form, some strange superstitious notions have arisen concerning it. The leaves are dark green, the flowers white, with veins of purple, and the fruit orange, and the size of nutmegs. From The Companion Bible (note on Genesis 30:14): mandrakes. Sept. mandragora, the root easily formed, by pinching it, into the shape of a man. Hence its name; also supposed to be and used as a “love-philtre.” Arab. = “apples of Satan.”

Genesis 35:22-23: 22 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: 23 The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

Reuben Defends Joseph from Brothers Genesis 37:13–36: 13 And Israel said unto Joseph, “Do not thy brethren feed the flock in Shechem? come, and I will send thee unto them.” And he said to him, “Here am I.” 14 And he said to him, “Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again.” So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he Page 19 of 31

came to Shechem. 15 And a certain man found him, and, behold, he was wandering in the field: and the man asked him, saying, “What seekest thou?” 16 And he said, “I seek my brethren: tell me, I pray thee, where they feed their flocks.” 17 And the man said, “They are departed hence; for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. 18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19 And they said one to another, “Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, ‘Some evil beast hath devoured him:’ and we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21 And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, “Let us not kill him.” 22 And Reuben said unto them, “Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it. 25 And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 26 And Judah said unto his brethren, “What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brethren were content. 28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt. 29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and, behold, Joseph was not in the pit; and he rent his clothes. 30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said, “The child is not; and I, whither shall I go?” 31 And they took Joseph’s coat, and killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood; 32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, “This have we found: know now whether it be thy son’s coat or no.” 33 And he knew it, and said, “It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.” 34 And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, “For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. 36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, and captain of the guard.

Reuben Blames Brothers Genesis 42:18–23: 18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, “This do, and live; for I fear God: 19 If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses: 20 But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die.” And they did so. 21 And they said one to another, “We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon Page 20 of 31

us.” 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, “Spake I not unto you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the child;’ and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.” 23 And they knew not that Joseph understood them; for he spake unto them by an interpreter.

Reuben Urges Jacob to Allow Benjamin to Go to Egypt Genesis 42:37: 36 And Jacob their father said unto them, “Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me. 37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, “Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to thee: deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to thee again.” 38 And he said, “My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.”

Elizur’s Offering for the Dedicating of the Altar Numbers 7:1–6; 11; 30–35: 1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them; 2 That the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered, offered: 3 And they brought their offering before the LORD , six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle. 4 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 5 “Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation; and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his service.” 6 And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites. 11 And the LORD said unto Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.” 30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer: 31 His offering was one silver charger of the weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering: 32 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense: 33 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: 34 One kid of the goats for a sin offering: 35 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

Dathan and Abiram Numbers 16:1–50: 1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and Page 21 of 31

fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?” 4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: 5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, “Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are His, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto Him: even him whom He hath chosen will He cause to come near unto Him. 6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; 7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.” 8 And Moses said unto Korah, “Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: 9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD , and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? 10 And He hath brought thee near to Him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? 11 For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD : and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?” 12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, “We will not come up: 13 Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? 14 Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.” 15 And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD , “Respect not Thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.” 16 And Moses said unto Korah, “Be thou and all thy company before the LORD , thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: 17 And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer. 18 And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. 19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. 20 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.” 22 And they fell upon their faces, and said, O GOD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt Thou be wroth with all the congregation?” 23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 24 “Speak unto the congregation, saying, ‘Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’” 25 And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, “Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.” 27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. 28 And Moses said, “Hereby ye shall know Page 22 of 31

that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. 30 But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD .” 31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: 32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. 34 And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up also.” 35 And there came out a fire from the LORD , and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. 36 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 37 “Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed. 38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD , therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. 39 And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: 40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD ; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. 41 But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “Ye have killed the people of the LORD .” 42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. 43 And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. 44 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 45 “Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment.” And they fell upon their faces. 46 And Moses said unto Aaron, “Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD ; the plague is begun.” 47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. 48 And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. 49 Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. 50 And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed. Deuteronomy 11:1–7: 1 Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, alway. 2 And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the Page 23 of 31

chastisement of the LORD your God, His greatness, His mighty hand, and His stretched out arm, 3 And His miracles, and His acts, which He did in the midst of Egypt unto Pharaoh the king of Egypt, and unto all His land; 4 And what He did unto the army of Egypt, unto their horses, and to their chariots; how He made the water of the Red sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the LORD hath destroyed them unto this day; 5 And what He did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came into this place; 6 And what He did unto Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben: how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel: 7 But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the LORD which He did.

These Shall Stand Upon Mount Ebal to Curse Deuteronomy 27:11–15: 11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12 “These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin: 13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 15 ‘Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’ (See Deuteronomy 27 for the rest of the curses).

Moses’ Blessing to Reuben Deuteronomy 33:6: 6 “Let Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.”

Ed—An Altar of Witness Joshua 22:8–34: 8 And he spake unto them, saying, “Return with much riches unto your tents, and with very much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment: divide the spoil of your enemies with your brethren.” 9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, whereof they were possessed, according to the word of the LORD by the hand of Moses. 10 And when they came unto the borders of Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by Jordan, a great altar to see to. 11 And the children of Israel heard say, “Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in Page 24 of 31

the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.” 12 And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up to war against them. 13 And the children of Israel sent unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, 14 And with him ten princes, of each chief house a prince throughout all the tribes of Israel; and each one was an head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel. 15 And they came unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half tribe of Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake with them, saying, 16 “Thus saith the whole congregation of the LORD, ‘What trespass is this that ye have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following the LORD, in that ye have builded you an altar, that ye might rebel this day against the LORD ? 17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the LORD , 18 But that ye must turn away this day from following the LORD ? and it will be, seeing ye rebel to day against the LORD , that to morrow He will be wroth with the whole congregation of Israel. 19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD , wherein the LORD ’s tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD , nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God. 20 Did not Achan the son of Zerah commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that man perished not alone in his iniquity.’” 21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered, and said unto the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22 “The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, He knoweth, and Israel He shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD , (save us not this day,) 23 That we have built us an altar to turn from following the LORD , or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meat offering, or if to offer peace offerings thereon, let the LORD Himself require it; 24 And if we have not rather done it for fear of this thing, saying, ‘In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, “What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?” ’ 25 For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD : so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD. 26 Therefore we said, ‘Let us now prepare to build us an altar,’ not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice: 27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before Him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, ‘Ye have no part in the LORD.’ 28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, ‘Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.’ 29 God forbid that we should rebel against the LORD, and turn this day from following the LORD , to build an altar for burnt offerings, for meat offerings, or for sacrifices, beside the altar of the LORD our God that is before His tabernacle.” 30 And when Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Page 25 of 31

Israel which were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spake, it pleased them. 31 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, “This day we perceive that the LORD is among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD : now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD .” 32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, and the princes, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 33 And the thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and did not intend to go up against them in battle, to destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben and Gad dwelt. 34 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed: for it shall be a witness between us that the LORD is God.

Levite Judges and Officers I Chronicles 26:32: 32 And his brethren, men of valour, were two thousand and seven hundred chief fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God, and affairs of the king. I Chronicles 27:16: 16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: the ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of Zichri: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maachah:

Stone of Bohan Joshua 15:6 [speaking of Judah]: 6 And the border went up to Beth-hogla, and passed along by the north of Beth-arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben: Joshua 18:17: [speaking of Benjamin’s territory]: 17 And was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is over against the going up of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben, Smith's Bible Dictionary: "Bo'han, a Reubenite, after whom a stone was named. Its position was on the border of the territories of benjamin and Judah between Beth-arabah and Bethhogla on the E., and Adummim and Enshemesh on the W. (Josh. xv. 6, xviii. 17)."

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Reuben’s Genealogies “As Reuben and Simeon, They Shall Be Mine” Genesis 48:5: 5 And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

Reubenites Who Entered Egypt Genesis 46:8–9: 8 And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. 9 And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi. Exodus 1:1–1:5: 1 Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt; every man and his household came with Jacob. 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 5 And all the souls that came out of the loins ofJacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already.

Heads of the Fathers’ Houses Exodus 6:14: 14 These be the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.

Chronicles Genealogies I Chronicles 2:1: 1 These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. I Chronicles 5:1–9: 1 Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. 2 For Judah prevailed above his brethren, and of him came the chief ruler; but the birthright was Joseph’s:) 3 The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4 The sons of Joel; Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Tilgathpilneser king of Assyria carried away captive: he was prince of the Reubenites. 7 And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, Page 27 of 31

who dwelt in Aroer, even unto Nebo and Baal-meon: 9 And eastward he inhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates: because their cattle were multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10 And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagarites, who fell by their hand: and they dwelt in their tents throughout all the east land of Gilead.

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Names and Places Associated With Reuben Reubenites Abiram (48) father of height; lofty Adina (5721) effeminacy Azaz (5811) strong Baal (1168) master; husband; owner Beerah (880) a well Bela (1106) a gulp; destruction Bohan (932) thumb Carmi (3756) gardener Dathan (1885) [of uncert. der.] Eliab (446) God of (his) father Eliezer (461) God of help Elizur (468) God of (the) rock Gog (1463) [of uncert. der.] Hanoch (2585) initiated Hezron (2696) court-yard Jeiel (3273) carried away of God Joel (3100) Yahveh (is his) God Leah (3812) weary Micah (4318) who (is) like Yah? Nemuel (5241) day of God On (203) ability; power; wealth Peleth (6431) to flee; swiftness Phallu/Pallu (6396) distinguished Reaia (7211) Yah has seen Reuben (7205) see ye a son Shammua (8051) renowned Shedeur (7707) spreader of light Shema (8087) something heard—sound; rumor; announcement; audience Shemaiah (8098) Yah has heard Shimei (8096) famous Shiza (7877) [of unknown der.] Zaccur (2139) mindful Zechariah (2148) Yah has remembered Zichri (2147) memorable

Non-Reubenites Ammon (5983) tribal; inbred Amorites (567) a mountaineer Balaam (1109) not (of the) people; foreigner Beor (1160) a lamp Bilhah (1090) timid Evi (189) desirous Hagarites (1905) [of uncert. der.]

Hazael (2371) God has seen Hur (2354) white; crevice of a serpent Geshurites (1651) bridge Ishmeelites (3459) God will hear Korah (7141) ice Jetur (3195) encircled Maachithites (4602) depression (in the sense of being pressed in) Midian (4080) brawling; contention Nephish (5305) refreshed Nodab (5114) noble Og (5747) round Pul (6322) [of for. or.] Reba (7254) a fourth (part or side) Sihon (5511) tempestuous Tilgath-pilneser (8407) [of for. der.] Zur (6698) cliff; rock; boulder; refuge; edge

Places Arnon (769) a brawling stream Aroer (6177) nudity of situation Ashdoth-pisgah (798) ravines of the Pisgah; Pisgah (6449) means cleft. Ashtaroth (6252) increase Assyria (804) be successful; straight Ataroth (5852) crown Baal-meon (1186) Baal of (the) habitation Bamothbaal (1120) heights of Baal Bashan (1316) [of uncert. der.] Beon (1194; contr. of 1010) house of Baal of (the) habitation Beth-baal-meon (1010) house of Baal of (the) habitation Beth-jeshimoth (1020) house of the deserts Beth-peor (1047) house of Peor; Peor (6465) means a gap Bezer (1221) an inaccessible spot Canaan (3667) humiliated Chinnereth (3672) harp-shaped Dibon (1769) pining Dothan (1886) [of uncert. der.] Ebal (5858) bald; bare Edrei (154) mighty Elealeh (500) God (is) going up Egypt (4714) dual of 4693, the same as 4692 in the sense of a limit; 4692, from 6696; something hemming in, i.e. (obj.) a mound (of besiegers), (abstr.) a siege Page 29 of 31

(fig.) distress; or (subj.) a fastness Eshcol (812) a bunch of grapes or other fruit Euphrates (6578) rushing Gilead (1568), prob. from 1567, which means heap of testimony Gozan (1470) a quarry Habor (2249) united Halah (2477) [prob. of for. or.] Hermon (2768) abrupt Heshbon (2809) contrivance; intelligence Israel (3478) he will rule as God Jabbok (2999) pouring forth Jahazah/Jahzah (3096) threshing-floor Jazer (3270) helpful Jordan (3383) a descender Kadesh-barnea (6947) desert of a fugitive Kedemoth (6932) beginnings Kirjathaim (7156) double city Medeba (4311) water of quiet Mephaath (4158) illuminative Nebo (5015) [prob. of for. der.] Nimrah (5247) clear water Paran (6290) ornamental Red Sea (5488)(3220) 5488 means reed; papyrus; 3220 means sea. Salcah (5548) walking Shebam (7643) spice Shechem (7927) ridge Shibmah (7643) spice Shiloh (7887) tranquil Zereth-shahar (6890) splendor of the dawn

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The Order and Grouping of the Twelve Tribes (Appendix 45 of The Companion Bible)

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