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Lines of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh

The family of Reuben, Israel’s oldest son: he was actually the oldest, but when he dishonored his father’s bed his birthright[a] was given to the family of Joseph, Israel’s son, so Reuben isn’t listed as the oldest in the records. Although Judah became the strongest among his brothers and a leader came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 5:1 Or oldest son’s rights

Reuben

The sons of Reuben(A) the firstborn of Israel (he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s marriage bed,(B) his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph(C) son of Israel;(D) so he could not be listed in the genealogical record in accordance with his birthright,(E) and though Judah(F) was the strongest of his brothers and a ruler(G) came from him, the rights of the firstborn(H) belonged to Joseph)—

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