George Ruheni, PhD.

Reuben In Genesis 49, Jacob is giving sentimental blessings which are prophetic declarations over his sons and reveal both character and destiny, shaped by past actions and future outcomes. The prophecy over Reuben is especially sobering. First, acknowledged as the firstborn, carrying natural privileges: which are Jacob's might, and the beginning of his strength. This had given him a position of leadership, honor, and authority, the excellency of dignity and power, which is associated with kingship and priestly influence. However, his potential is tragically undercut by character failure. Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled it— He went up to my couch (Genesis 49:3-4). Unstable as water speaks to moral instability, lack of self-control, and inconsistency. Water has no fixed form, it flo...

Reuben and Simeon, the first and second born sons of Jacob (Israel), were disqualified from positions of preeminence and leadership because of serious moral failures. Reuben forfeited his birthright through sexual sin against his father’s household [Genesis 35:22], while Simeon, together with Levi, was implicated in the violent massacre at Shechem [Genesis 34:25]. As a result, both lost the privileges normally associated with firstborn status, a judgment later confirmed in Jacob’s final blessings. And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6 Your offspring whom you beget after them shall be yours; they will be called by the name of their brothers in their inheritance (Genesis 48:5-6). Against this background, Jacob’s declaration takes on decisive significance. By formally adopting the two sons of Joseph; Ephraim and Manasseh, Jacob elevated them to the sta...

Pharaoh gives them the best of the land The favor shown to Israel in Egypt was directly connected to Joseph’s God-given wisdom and obedience. Through Joseph, God preserved not only Egypt but the surrounding world from devastating famine [Genesis 41]. As a result, first, Egypt prospered under Joseph’s administration. Then, Pharaoh recognized that Joseph’s God was the source of this deliverance. Next, the blessing extended beyond Joseph to the entire household of Israel. The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock.” (Genesis 47:6). Pharaoh’s offer of Goshen reveals several important truths. First, divine recompense, where God rewarded Joseph’s suffering with honor and authority. Then, provision with dignity, as Israel was not merely tolerated but strategically entrusted with royal livestock. Next, cont...

Beersheba as a Place of Covenant Continuity Beersheba stands out in Genesis as a sacred location where God affirmed covenant promises across generations. First, Abraham lived there and planted a tamarisk tree, calling on the name of the Lord [Genesis 21:33]. This act symbolized permanence, worship, and trust in God’s enduring covenant. Second, Isaac later encountered God at Beersheba, where the Lord reaffirmed the Abrahamic promise, assured him of divine presence, and Isaac responded by building an altar [Genesis 26:23–25]. Thus, Beersheba became a spiritual anchor, a place associated with God’s faithfulness, guidance, and reassurance. So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. 4 I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4). When Jacob stood at Beersheba on the brink of traveling to Egypt, his fear was unde...

Joseph had moved beyond both grief and anger, having come to discern God’s sovereign purpose at work. He recognized that God had woven the evil intentions of his brothers into a larger design for good. As he besought them not to be grieved or be harsh on themselves because they sold him in Egypt, as it was in God's purpose to preserve life.   But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life (Genesis 45:5). None of Joseph’s sufferings was wasted. God used each sorrow, betrayal, slavery, false accusation, and imprisonment, to preserve Joseph’s family and to establish the conditions through which Israel would emerge as a nation. Though Joseph was undeniably a victim, deeply harmed by the sins committed against him, his story reveals that human evil does not thwart divine purpose. Instead, God redeemed what was intended for harm and turned it into a means for His glory and the salvation of many. ...

The cup in Benjamin’s sack Tearing their clothes was a powerful expression of horror and grief among the brothers at the prospect of losing Benjamin. He now faced the possibility of a lifetime of slavery in Egypt. This moment marks a profound moral transformation in the brothers—those who once showed no compassion when Joseph was sold into slavery. Previously indifferent to their father’s pain and Joseph’s fate, they now could not bear the thought of further wounding either their aged father or his beloved son. So he searched. He began with the oldest and left off with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and each man loaded his donkey and returned to the city (Genesis 44:12-13). As the search unfolded, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, the discovery of the cup in Benjamin’s sack sealed their dread. Where Joseph’s enslavement had once brought them satisfaction, the brothers now demonstrated repentance and ...