Reuben is the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him the eldest of the twelve tribes of Israel. His birth is recorded in Genesis 29:32, where Leah names him Reuben, meaning "See, a son," expressing her hope that Jacob would now love her. As the firstborn, Reuben held a position of prominence and responsibility within the family.

Reuben's actions, however, led to a loss of his birthright. In Genesis 35:22, Reuben committed a grave sin by sleeping with Bilhah, his father's concubine. This act of defilement had significant consequences. In Genesis 49:3-4, Jacob, on his deathbed, addresses Reuben, saying, "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch and defiled it."

Despite this, Reuben showed a sense of responsibility and compassion in the narrative of Joseph. In Genesis 37:21-22, Reuben intervened to save Joseph from being killed by his brothers, suggesting instead that they throw him into a pit, intending to rescue him later. This act demonstrated a degree of leadership and care for his family.

The tribe of Reuben settled on the east side of the Jordan River, as recorded in Numbers 32. They, along with the tribes of Gad and half of Manasseh, requested this land because it was suitable for their livestock. Moses granted their request on the condition that they assist in the conquest of Canaan.

Simeon

Simeon is the second son of Jacob and Leah. His birth is mentioned in Genesis 29:33, where Leah names him Simeon, meaning "heard," as she believed the LORD had heard that she was unloved and had given her another son.

Simeon, along with his brother Levi, is known for the violent act against the city of Shechem. In Genesis 34, after their sister Dinah was defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor, Simeon and Levi deceitfully convinced the men of Shechem to be circumcised. On the third day, when the men were in pain, Simeon and Levi attacked the city, killing all the males. This act of vengeance was condemned by Jacob, who feared repercussions from the surrounding nations (Genesis 34:30).

Jacob's final blessing to Simeon and Levi reflects his disapproval of their violence. In Genesis 49:5-7, Jacob says, "Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence. Let me not enter their council, let me not join their assembly, for they have killed men in their anger and hamstrung oxen as they pleased. Cursed be their anger, for it is fierce, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will scatter them in Jacob and disperse them in Israel."

The tribe of Simeon received its inheritance within the territory of Judah, as described in Joshua 19:1-9. This allocation fulfilled Jacob's prophecy of dispersion, as Simeon's land was not a distinct, separate territory but rather interspersed within Judah's borders.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the tribe of Simeon is less prominent compared to other tribes. Their numbers dwindled over time, and they played a minor role in the history of Israel.