“Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.”
In this verse, Jacob, also known as Israel, is blessing his twelve sons before his death. This particular verse focuses on his blessing for Reuben, his firstborn son.
“Reuben, thou art my firstborn”: Reuben was the first son born to Jacob through his wife Leah. As the firstborn, Reuben held a special status and rights of inheritance within the family.
“My might, and the beginning of my strength”: Jacob acknowledges that Reuben was the beginning of his strength and the source of his physical power. Reuben held a significant position as the firstborn, representing the strength and vitality of the family line.
“The excellency of dignity”: This phrase highlights Reuben’s status and honour within the family. As the firstborn, Reuben had a position of prominence and dignity among his siblings.
“The excellency of power”: Reuben’s position as the firstborn also conferred upon him a certain authority and power within the family. He had a natural leadership role by virtue of his birthright.
It is important to note that while Jacob initially bestowed these blessings upon his sons, their subsequent actions and behaviours influenced their destinies and the fulfilment of these blessings. Reuben’s story takes a turn in Genesis 35:22 when he committed a grave sin by sleeping with his father’s concubine, Bilhah. Due to this act, Jacob pronounces a curse upon him in Genesis 49:4, and Reuben’s birthright is ultimately passed on to Joseph’s sons (1 Chronicles 5:1-2).
This passage reminds us of the significance of the firstborn in ancient Hebrew culture and the potential for blessings and responsibilities that came with that position. However, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of character and righteousness in fulfilling one’s God-given potential.
