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Been going through Genesis as well as the Book of Joshua lately....and there've been many things which have been catching my eye of late. What I've noticed many times is that there are things within the Word that seem to be more of a descriptive nature rather than a prescriptive nature...and when seeing the actions of characters in the text, part of me naturally wonders how to renconcile their actions with certain concepts.
In example, all of the tribes provide symbols and typeology that points to the work of the Messiah...with many descendants coming from each of them that in some way God used in the preparation of sending His Son while adding something to the story of Redeemption. Its one of the reasons why scripture often notes the geneological background of many of the prophets/kings and historical figures in the tribes they hailed from. The same dynamic can be seen in the formation of the 12 disciples/apostles, seeing how radically different they were from one another and yet how they mirrored the 12 Tribes of Israel...as well as having 12 thrones in Revelation.
But when it comes to certain tribe members, what I've noticed is that they can often be overlooked in their work/contributions. In example, how do you feel that Reuben was used to impact the coming of the Messiah? For he lost the rights of the Firstborn and the Blessing that went alongside of it....though that does not mean that the man/his tribe was not used in any kind of way to impact God's work in Israel/redeemptive history...
With Reuben, I still find it noteworthy in examining the blessing that Reuben recieved from his father when he was told that he would be turbulent as the waters.
As seen in scripture, Reuben still did great things through his people on many occassions..even though he in many ways was shortchanged due to his sins. Its interesting that Jacob, in addressing him, never says that he is NOT the firstborn. That's significant since the firstborn still had duties to live out when it came not only to the inheritance, but leadership of the family......and we see that Reuben still arose to the occassion many times. He came through in seeking to protect Joseph from being killed and intended to rescue him. He also came through when promising to even give up his sons for the sake of Benjamin if the boy was harmed....and of course, there's again the many exploits that came through others in his family line. Nonetheless, due to Reuben's sin, it seems that he was placed in a gridlock.
For as the firstborn/eldest of the brothers, he was effectively responsible for leading them in one way or another......and legally, that can never go away unless the firstborn desires such. But he would not necessarily have the stability with the rights/double-portion of the firstborn that came when one had the Blessing to secure it...a Blessing that was given to Joseph. A best, Reuben would have a POSITIONAL power/influence rather than FUNCTIONAL power/influence---much as it was with Esau who lacked control/restraint needed to truly honor his birthright blessings.....and sold his birthright and lost the blessing needed to walk in the privelages of the Firstborn.
The imagery of "turbulent as the waters" is intriguing when considering the very nature of water. For in its natural form, its changing. I'ts harsh many times...and its untamable. It can be used for so many things, from generating electricity to providing nourishment to other creatures.....affecting the hydrolic cycle/eco-system and even destroying much when it gets wild/out of hand (i.e. tsunamis, flash floods, monsoon, hurricane, etc).
Water is key to literally everything that's done in this life---and when we mess with that, we inevitably damage ourselves. But on the same token, water that's not utilized can be limited in so many ways....the potential of it never being realized...and for practical demonstration of this, some excellent documentaries on this subject can be found at the following
In the same manner that water is powerful/has potential to be destructive and yet can be controlled, it seems that's what occurred with Reuben. For he still had potential to do amazing things on behalf of his brothers----and as the firstborn, he'd be required to do so on many occassions. He could still look to/rely upon the Lord to come through.....but due to his father's restraining curse that came with the blessing, Reuben would never be able to do anything at his peak level on a long-term basis. Like water that has been largely tamed/domesticated (like a Dam) even though its powerful by its very nature---and at times, can STILL break out in radical/deadly ways---Reuben would struggle with the battle of having so much to offer and yet having hands tied that kept him from doing so. ...but still having moments where he surprise everyone. Jacob knows his son … knows his strength, loves him as his firstborn, knows his turbulent, uncontrolled, untamed nature.
A wild and undisciplined man, he never mastered his own impulses. In spite of his greatness, his power, and all his admirable qualities, Reuben dishonored his father....and so his punishment would be to live knowing that he'd never be able to access his full potential. What occurred later was that his descendants became a shepherd people east of the Jordan (Num. 32:1-33).
Its sad when considering how Reuben was Jacob's firstborn - his pride and joy...the beginning of his strength...carrying an "excellency of dignity," "power," rank, and authority above his brethren. ..and yet he lost it all due to his passionate nature. Because he had uncontrolled lusts in his life which were comparable to turbulent waters - being unruly and wild as the waves of the sea - he forfeited the "double portion" blessing on his life. ..much as it is with others who have great promise for their lives yet they are not experiencing it because they are given over to unruly lusts and passions. Its always a pity seeing when God had laid His hand upon others from an early age for greatness but they can never seem to reach that spiritual plateau because their flesh is too much in control..... "unstable as water" and so unpredictable....never being able to reach their God-given destination or purpose.
Nonetheless, despite Reuben's error, God seemed to still have his hand upon Reuben as it concerns the glorification of the Messiah/His Dominion over men when investigating Revelation 7:1-8 and witnessing how the tribe of Reuben is listed among the tribes who are promised the Seal of God for 12,000 of their members, alongside what the prophet Ezekiel notes how Reuben will have a portion in the new kingdom to come, as seen in Ezekiel 48:5-7 and Ezekiel 48:30-32.
And I think that what occurred with Reuben is possibly a mistake on the part of Jacob for a couple of reasons. Many assume that Judah was given the blessing he had with the Messianic title because of his work with Joseph--and being deemed the most "righteous" of his brothers. However, when seeing the person who had the greater error, it was Judah....with Reuben actually being the one who seemed to be more righteous than Judah in a number of places.
When Judah was younger, he showed NO regard for his brother Joseph or his father, Jacob. First he convinced his brothers to sell Joseph as a slave (Genesis 37:27); then he joined his brothers in lying to his father about Joseph's fate (Genesis 37:32). But he changed over the years. The man who sold one favored little brother into slavery now offered to become a slave himself to save another favored little brother (Benjamin). He was so concerned for his father and younger brother that he was willing to die for them. In Genesis 44:18-33, when Judah stepped forward to plead their case, it was risky since Joseph could have had him killed. But Judah courageously defended himself and his brothers in pleading for mercy.....offering to put himself in Benjamin's place. This should have been expected of him since he was largely the RING-Leader in choosing the fate of Joseph.
Its commendable to see how Judah took responsibility for his actions/sought to sacrifice himself.
Nonetheless, in context, it seems that it was Reuben who was willing to give of himself FIRST---consistently showing concern for Joseph...and that's consistent with Reuben's role.....the Firstborn and one who acted FIRST in looking out for Joseph. He was the one who sought to rescue Joseph later in Genesis 37:29 from being sold into slavery (though he came too late)---being the most tender toward Joseph, grieving for him (as tearing clothes was a sign of during times of sorrow) and noting later on how he warned that evil would occur if bloodshed happened and Joseph was sinned against (Genesis 42:22-24).
To be continued in the next post...
In example, all of the tribes provide symbols and typeology that points to the work of the Messiah...with many descendants coming from each of them that in some way God used in the preparation of sending His Son while adding something to the story of Redeemption. Its one of the reasons why scripture often notes the geneological background of many of the prophets/kings and historical figures in the tribes they hailed from. The same dynamic can be seen in the formation of the 12 disciples/apostles, seeing how radically different they were from one another and yet how they mirrored the 12 Tribes of Israel...as well as having 12 thrones in Revelation.
But when it comes to certain tribe members, what I've noticed is that they can often be overlooked in their work/contributions. In example, how do you feel that Reuben was used to impact the coming of the Messiah? For he lost the rights of the Firstborn and the Blessing that went alongside of it....though that does not mean that the man/his tribe was not used in any kind of way to impact God's work in Israel/redeemptive history...
With Reuben, I still find it noteworthy in examining the blessing that Reuben recieved from his father when he was told that he would be turbulent as the waters.
Genesis 49:3-4
3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn,
my might, the first sign of my strength,
excelling in honor, excelling in power.
4 Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel,
for you went up onto your father’s bed,
onto my couch and defiled it.
my might, the first sign of my strength,
excelling in honor, excelling in power.
4 Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel,
for you went up onto your father’s bed,
onto my couch and defiled it.
For as the firstborn/eldest of the brothers, he was effectively responsible for leading them in one way or another......and legally, that can never go away unless the firstborn desires such. But he would not necessarily have the stability with the rights/double-portion of the firstborn that came when one had the Blessing to secure it...a Blessing that was given to Joseph. A best, Reuben would have a POSITIONAL power/influence rather than FUNCTIONAL power/influence---much as it was with Esau who lacked control/restraint needed to truly honor his birthright blessings.....and sold his birthright and lost the blessing needed to walk in the privelages of the Firstborn.
The imagery of "turbulent as the waters" is intriguing when considering the very nature of water. For in its natural form, its changing. I'ts harsh many times...and its untamable. It can be used for so many things, from generating electricity to providing nourishment to other creatures.....affecting the hydrolic cycle/eco-system and even destroying much when it gets wild/out of hand (i.e. tsunamis, flash floods, monsoon, hurricane, etc).
Water is key to literally everything that's done in this life---and when we mess with that, we inevitably damage ourselves. But on the same token, water that's not utilized can be limited in so many ways....the potential of it never being realized...and for practical demonstration of this, some excellent documentaries on this subject can be found at the following
Here
Here
Here
In the same manner that water is powerful/has potential to be destructive and yet can be controlled, it seems that's what occurred with Reuben. For he still had potential to do amazing things on behalf of his brothers----and as the firstborn, he'd be required to do so on many occassions. He could still look to/rely upon the Lord to come through.....but due to his father's restraining curse that came with the blessing, Reuben would never be able to do anything at his peak level on a long-term basis. Like water that has been largely tamed/domesticated (like a Dam) even though its powerful by its very nature---and at times, can STILL break out in radical/deadly ways---Reuben would struggle with the battle of having so much to offer and yet having hands tied that kept him from doing so. ...but still having moments where he surprise everyone. Jacob knows his son … knows his strength, loves him as his firstborn, knows his turbulent, uncontrolled, untamed nature.
A wild and undisciplined man, he never mastered his own impulses. In spite of his greatness, his power, and all his admirable qualities, Reuben dishonored his father....and so his punishment would be to live knowing that he'd never be able to access his full potential. What occurred later was that his descendants became a shepherd people east of the Jordan (Num. 32:1-33).
Its sad when considering how Reuben was Jacob's firstborn - his pride and joy...the beginning of his strength...carrying an "excellency of dignity," "power," rank, and authority above his brethren. ..and yet he lost it all due to his passionate nature. Because he had uncontrolled lusts in his life which were comparable to turbulent waters - being unruly and wild as the waves of the sea - he forfeited the "double portion" blessing on his life. ..much as it is with others who have great promise for their lives yet they are not experiencing it because they are given over to unruly lusts and passions. Its always a pity seeing when God had laid His hand upon others from an early age for greatness but they can never seem to reach that spiritual plateau because their flesh is too much in control..... "unstable as water" and so unpredictable....never being able to reach their God-given destination or purpose.
Nonetheless, despite Reuben's error, God seemed to still have his hand upon Reuben as it concerns the glorification of the Messiah/His Dominion over men when investigating Revelation 7:1-8 and witnessing how the tribe of Reuben is listed among the tribes who are promised the Seal of God for 12,000 of their members, alongside what the prophet Ezekiel notes how Reuben will have a portion in the new kingdom to come, as seen in Ezekiel 48:5-7 and Ezekiel 48:30-32.
And I think that what occurred with Reuben is possibly a mistake on the part of Jacob for a couple of reasons. Many assume that Judah was given the blessing he had with the Messianic title because of his work with Joseph--and being deemed the most "righteous" of his brothers. However, when seeing the person who had the greater error, it was Judah....with Reuben actually being the one who seemed to be more righteous than Judah in a number of places.
When Judah was younger, he showed NO regard for his brother Joseph or his father, Jacob. First he convinced his brothers to sell Joseph as a slave (Genesis 37:27); then he joined his brothers in lying to his father about Joseph's fate (Genesis 37:32). But he changed over the years. The man who sold one favored little brother into slavery now offered to become a slave himself to save another favored little brother (Benjamin). He was so concerned for his father and younger brother that he was willing to die for them. In Genesis 44:18-33, when Judah stepped forward to plead their case, it was risky since Joseph could have had him killed. But Judah courageously defended himself and his brothers in pleading for mercy.....offering to put himself in Benjamin's place. This should have been expected of him since he was largely the RING-Leader in choosing the fate of Joseph.
Its commendable to see how Judah took responsibility for his actions/sought to sacrifice himself.
Nonetheless, in context, it seems that it was Reuben who was willing to give of himself FIRST---consistently showing concern for Joseph...and that's consistent with Reuben's role.....the Firstborn and one who acted FIRST in looking out for Joseph. He was the one who sought to rescue Joseph later in Genesis 37:29 from being sold into slavery (though he came too late)---being the most tender toward Joseph, grieving for him (as tearing clothes was a sign of during times of sorrow) and noting later on how he warned that evil would occur if bloodshed happened and Joseph was sinned against (Genesis 42:22-24).
Genesis 37:19-25
19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. 20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. 22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— 24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
Genesis 37:29 29 When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. 30 He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?”
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