Bible Figure
Reuben
eldest son of Jacob with Leah, in the Bible
Reuben was Jacob and Leah's firstborn son and ancestor of the tribe of Reuben, but his actions cost him the preeminence normally associated with the firstborn.
Biography
Genesis 29 records Reuben's birth as Leah's first son. He later found mandrakes for his mother. When Jacob lived near Eder, Reuben slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine, an act Jacob remembered in his final blessing and linked with Reuben's loss of preeminence. During the brothers' plot against Joseph, Reuben tried to rescue Joseph by persuading them not to kill him and planned to return him to Jacob, but Joseph was sold while Reuben was absent. Reuben later offered his own sons as security when urging Jacob to allow Benjamin to go to Egypt.
Biblical Significance
Reuben's story illustrates lost privilege through serious sin while also showing his attempt to save Joseph. His descendants remained one of Israel's tribes, settling primarily east of the Jordan.