Deuteronomy 33
BlessingMoses prays that Reuben would live and not disappear, a restrained mercy after Reuben lost firstborn preeminence.
Blessings
What the text gives
Curses and Rebukes
What the text rebukes
Genesis 49
RebukeJacob says Reuben was first in rank, but unstable as water, because he defiled his father's bed.
Territory
Joshua allotment
Reuben lay east of the Jordan on the tableland beside the Arnon, facing the Dead Sea from the east.
Joshua names towns such as Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon, Jahaz, Kedemoth, Mephaath, Kiriathaim, Sibmah, and Zereth Shahar in this allotment.
The passage ties the land to the kingdom of Sihon and notes that Israel struck the Midianite chiefs in that region.
Where It Matters
Reuben was the firstborn tribe that chose land east of the Jordan before Israel crossed into the land.
Levitical Cities
Reuben gave Bezer, Jahaz, Kedemoth, and Mephaath to the Levites; Bezer was a city of refuge.
BezerJahazKedemothMephaath
Bordering Tribes
Notable Members