While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father's concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: While Israel was living in that regionThis phrase sets the geographical and temporal context for the events that follow. "Israel," referring to Jacob, is living in a specific region, which is significant as it indicates a period of settlement and stability after his return to the land of Canaan. The Hebrew word for "living" (יָשַׁב, yashab) implies dwelling or abiding, suggesting a sense of permanence or establishment. This context is crucial as it contrasts with the disruption caused by Reuben's actions. Reuben went and slept
Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, takes a significant and morally questionable action. The Hebrew verb for "went" (וַיֵּלֶךְ, vayelech) indicates a deliberate action, while "slept" (וַיִּשְׁכַּב, vayishkav) is often used euphemistically in the Hebrew Bible to denote sexual relations. This act is not just a personal failing but a challenge to his father's authority and a violation of family honor. with his father’s concubine Bilhah
Bilhah was Rachel's maidservant and bore Jacob two sons, Dan and Naphtali. In the cultural and historical context of the Ancient Near East, concubines held a recognized, albeit secondary, status within the family structure. Reuben's act is a grave offense, as it not only disrespects his father but also disrupts the familial hierarchy. The Hebrew term for "concubine" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh) reflects a complex social role that was both protected and vulnerable. and Israel heard of it
The phrase "Israel heard of it" indicates that Jacob, now referred to by his God-given name Israel, becomes aware of Reuben's transgression. The Hebrew verb for "heard" (וַיִּשְׁמַע, vayishma) suggests not just auditory reception but an understanding and acknowledgment of the event's gravity. This hearing implies a forthcoming response, which, although not immediate in the text, has long-term implications for Reuben's standing and the future of the tribes of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. Israel (Jacob)The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, originally named Jacob. He is the father of Reuben and the other eleven sons who become the tribes of Israel. 2. ReubenThe firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. His actions in this verse have significant implications for his future and his standing among his brothers. 3. BilhahRachel's maidservant and Jacob's concubine. She bore Jacob two sons, Dan and Naphtali. 4. The RegionThe specific location is not named in this verse, but it is part of the broader account of Jacob's journey and settlement in Canaan. 5. The EventReuben's act of sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine, is a significant transgression that affects his inheritance rights and family dynamics. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinReuben's actions had long-lasting effects on his life and legacy. Sin can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate moment. Respect for Family BoundariesThe Bible emphasizes the importance of respecting family relationships and boundaries. Violating these can lead to brokenness and division. Leadership and ResponsibilityAs the firstborn, Reuben had a responsibility to lead by example. His failure serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity in leadership. God's Sovereignty in Family DynamicsDespite human failings, God's purposes prevail. The account of Jacob's family shows how God can work through imperfect people to fulfill His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. What were the immediate and long-term consequences of Reuben's actions for himself and his family? 2. How does Reuben's account illustrate the importance of maintaining integrity and respect within family relationships? 3. In what ways does the Bible address the issue of sexual immorality, and how can these teachings be applied in today's context? 4. How does the transfer of Reuben's birthright to Joseph's sons reflect God's justice and mercy? 5. What lessons can we learn from Jacob's response to Reuben's sin, and how can we apply these lessons in dealing with family conflicts today? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 49:3-4Jacob's blessing to Reuben, where he addresses Reuben's instability and the consequences of his actions with Bilhah. 1 Chronicles 5:1This verse explains that Reuben's birthright was given to the sons of Joseph because of his transgression. Leviticus 18:8The law given to Israel later explicitly forbids a man from uncovering the nakedness of his father's wife, highlighting the gravity of Reuben's sin. 2 Samuel 16:21-22The account of Absalom and his father's concubines, which parallels the theme of rebellion and usurpation within a family. People Allon, Aram, Arba, Asher, Benjamin, Benoni, Bilhah, Dan, Deborah, Eder, Ephrath, Esau, Gad, Isaac, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Leah, Levi, Mamre, Naphtali, Rachel, Rebekah, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, ZilpahPlaces Allon-bacuth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Canaan, Eder, El-bethel, Ephrath, Hebron, Kiriath-arba, Luz, Mamre, Paddan-aram, ShechemTopics Bilhah, Concubine, Connection, Dwelling, Dwelt, Father's, Heareth, Israel's, Jacob, Lay, Lieth, News, Pass, Reuben, Servant-woman, Slept, Sons, TwelveDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 35:22 5533 sleep, physical
5672 concubines
6189 immorality, examples Genesis 35:22-26 1654 numbers, 11-99
5095 Jacob, life
7266 tribes of Israel Library February the Eighth Revisiting Old Altars
"I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress." --GENESIS xxxv. 1-7. It is a blessed thing to revisit our early altars. It is good to return to the haunts of early vision. Places and things have their sanctifying influences, and can recall us to lost experiences. I know a man to whom the scent of a white, wild rose is always a call to prayer. I know another to whom Grasmere is always the window of holy vision. Sometimes a particular pew in a particular church …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearOur Last ChapterConcluded with the Words, "For Childhood and Youth are Vanity"...
Our last chapter concluded with the words, "For childhood and youth are vanity": that is, childhood proves the emptiness of all "beneath the sun," as well as old age. The heart of the child has the same needs--the same capacity in kind--as that of the aged. It needs God. Unless it knows Him, and His love is there, it is empty; and, in its fleeting character, childhood proves its vanity. But this makes us quite sure that if childhood can feel the need, then God has, in His wide grace, met the …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The National Oath at Shechem
'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 35:22 NIVGenesis 35:22 NLTGenesis 35:22 ESVGenesis 35:22 NASBGenesis 35:22 KJV
Genesis 35:22 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
