“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.”
Context: Genesis 49 records the blessings Jacob pronounced over his twelve sons on his deathbed. These blessings, often referred to as the “Blessings of Jacob,” provide insights into the future of the tribes of Israel.
Reuben’s Blessing: Genesis 49:4 contains Jacob’s pronouncement concerning Reuben, his firstborn son. Unfortunately, Reuben had committed a grievous sin that resulted in the loss of his birthright blessing.
Unstable as Water: Jacob describes Reuben as “unstable as water.” This phrase suggests that Reuben lacked steadfastness and reliability. Water is known for its ability to flow freely and change directions easily. In this context, it implies that Reuben lacked the necessary qualities for leadership and was prone to indecision and inconsistency.
Failure to Excel: Jacob continues, saying that Reuben would not excel. Reuben’s unstable character would prevent him from achieving greatness or attaining a position of prominence and influence among his brothers.
Sin of Reuben: Jacob explains the reason for Reuben’s downfall, stating that he “went up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.” This refers to an incident recorded in Genesis 35:22, where Reuben committed an act of sexual immorality with Jacob’s concubine Bilhah.
Consequences of Sin: Reuben’s sin had severe consequences. By violating his father’s bed, Reuben demonstrated a lack of honor, respect, and self-control. As a result, he forfeited his birthright and the privilege of leading the family.
Lessons from Reuben’s Life: Reuben’s story serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of moral integrity, faithfulness, and self-discipline. Reuben’s lack of these qualities led to his disqualification and the loss of his position as the firstborn.
Redemption and Restoration: Although Reuben faced the consequences of his sin, there is hope for redemption. In later biblical accounts, we see evidence of Reuben’s repentance and a restoration of his relationship with Jacob and his brothers (Genesis 42:37-38; 46:8-9). This demonstrates God’s grace and forgiveness, even in the face of grave mistakes.
In summary, Genesis 49:4 portrays Reuben as an unstable and unreliable character, whose lack of integrity and self-control led to the loss of his birthright blessing. Reuben’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of moral uprightness and the consequences of succumbing to temptation. However, his eventual redemption showcases God’s willingness to restore and forgive those who genuinely repent.
