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Verse Takeaways
1
Sin's Lasting Impact
Commentators unanimously agree that Reuben's sin of sleeping with his father's concubine, though committed 40 years prior, resulted in the forfeiture of his birthright. Jacob's prophecy declares that the preeminence—the double portion, leadership, and priesthood—would pass to his brothers. Scholars note this act left a permanent stain on Reuben's family, whose tribe never rose to prominence, demonstrating that uncontrolled passion can have devastating, long-term consequences.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 49:1–33
18th Century
Theologian
מכרה mekêrāh — “weapon;” related: כיר kārar or כרה kārāh dig. “Device, design?” related: …
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 49:4
19th Century
Bishop
Unstable. —This translation is shown to be correct by the use of the word in Judges 9:4; Zephaniah 3:4, in both of whic…
Charles Spurgeon
On Genesis 49:4–7
19th Century
Preacher
Because you went up to your father's bed; then you defiled it: he went up to my couch. Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are…
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John Calvin
On Genesis 49:4
16th Century
Theologian
Unstable as water. He shows that the honor that did not have a good conscience as its guardian was not firm but evanescent; and thus he re…
John Gill
On Genesis 49:4
17th Century
Pastor
Unstable as water
Which is not to be understood of the levity of his mind, and his disposition to hurt, and the impe…
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 49:3–7
17th Century
Minister
Reuben was the firstborn; but by gross sin, he forfeited the birthright. The character of Reuben is that he was unstable as water. Men do not thriv…