Taking What Belongs to Another

Israel set out again and pitched his tent beyond The Tower of Eder. While Israel was living in that region, Rwuben went in and slept with his father's concubines Bilhah, and Israel heard about it.

Reuben you are my firstborn, my strength and the first fruits of my virility, excelling in prominence, excelling in power.

Turbulent as water, you will no longer excel, because you got into your father's bed and you defiled it.

Genesis 35:21,22;49:3,4

Reuben may have been exerting his authority, showing he was the man and the next in command. However, althoughg Israel did not address it when it happened he now curses his son.

Many people take matters into their own hands and think nothing of their behaviour. They may have been blessed with the ear of a leader but did not know the true value and therefore trampled it underfoot. When the leader withdraws they are amazed, hurt or offended.

I remember Pastor Phil Pringle teaching on honour. He said that when he goes into the presence of the man he looks to for mentorship, he takes a substantial gift. I remember him saying the first time he took $1,000 as a gift. It was for Dr Yongi Cho. He said Dr Cho did not need it but he needed to give it.

I remembered this lesson and try to honour those to whom honour is due. Of late I have had people I helped, generously, turn their heel on me and not recognise the gift I gave. This is probably due to me breaking my own boundaries. I also must respect what God has given me and protect it.

Perhaps Israel had given Reuben a level of friendship or responsibility that caused him to overstep. Perhaps he was retaliating because of the way Israel treated Reuben's mother, Leah. We are not told. However, being born into a house does not give us the right to take and use what belongs to the father of the house. This is what Reuben did.