Educator Guide
Reuben Bible Study Guide
Reuben
Reuben
Jacob's firstborn by Leah; forfeited his birthright after defiling his father's bed.
From the family tree
- Parents
- Jacob, Leah
- Children
- Carmi, Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron
- Siblings
- Judah, Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Simeon, Levi, Naphtali, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, Isachar
Teaching prompt
Why does the firstborn lose the birthright he was born to receive?
Reflection
Where has instability of character cost you something you were otherwise positioned to receive?
Points to Jesus
1 Chronicles 5:1-2 explains that Reuben's birthright passed to Joseph's sons while the ruling scepter went to Judah — the natural firstborn is set aside so a greater firstborn can emerge. Colossians 1:15-18 calls Jesus 'the firstborn over all creation,' the true heir where every human birthright falls short.
Discussion questions
- Genesis 35:22 / 49:3-4: What does Reuben do, and how does Jacob's final blessing describe him?
- Genesis 37:21-22, 29-30: How does Reuben try, and fail, to rescue Joseph?
- 1 Chronicles 5:1-2: Where does the text say the birthright and the ruling line actually go?