Who is Reuben? 🏞️
Definition
Reuben (Hebrew: רְאוּבֵן Reubain), also known as Rūbīl in Islamic tradition, is recognized as the first-born son of Jacob in both the Torah and the Qurʾān. In Judeo-Christian scripture, he is one of the twelve tribes of Israel’s progenitors.
Etymology and Background 📜
The Hebrew name “Reuben” (Reubain) is often understood etymologically to mean “behold, a son” or “he has seen my misery,” referring to Leah’s hope for Jacob’s love (Book of Genesis 29:32). Islamic sources sometimes refer to him as “Rūbīl.”
Qurʾānic Reference: In the Qurʾān, Sūrah 12 (Yusuf), verse 10, a speaker amongst Joseph’s brothers (debated to be Reuben or Yahūzah in Islamic tradition) suggests throwing Joseph into a pit rather than killing him, with the hope that travelers might pick him up and save him.
Cultural Contexts 🕌 and 🕍
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In Judaism and Christianity: Reuben appears prominently, matched with narratives describing his complex relationships within Jacob’s family and his subsequent actions that aimed to liberate Joseph.
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In Islam: Reuben’s mention alludes to the Judaic origin, but his role is primarily seen within the context of the Joseph story, emphasizing mercy and caution.
Synonyms and Related Terms 🔍
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Synonyms:
- Rūbīl (Islamic tradition)
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Related Terms:
- Jacob (Ya’qub): Father of Reuben
- Joseph (Yusuf): The brother whom Reuben tries to save
- Yahūẕā (Judah): Another son of Jacob with notable roles in the narratives concerning Joseph
- The Twelve Tribes of Israel: Reuben as the progenitor of one tribe
- Patriarchs (Al-Anbiya, البيت أباء): Key figures in both Biblical and Qurʾānic texts.
Exciting Facts and Quotations 📖
- Reuben’s suggestion to save Joseph from death reflects a broader theme of mercy prevalent in both Judaic and Islamic scriptures.
- Josephus’s interpretation of Reuben’s name as “pity of God” (Ant. i. 19, s. 8) ties into Reuben’s actions directly showing sympathy and protective instincts towards Joseph.
Quotations:
“A speaker from amongst them said, ‘Slay not Joseph, but throw him into the bottom of the pit: some of the travelers may pick him up.’” — Sūrah 12:10, Qurʾān “Then Reuben said: ‘Shed no blood, throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but lay no hand upon him’ — intending to rescue him from their hands and restore him to his father.” — Genesis 37:22, Bible
Further Reading and References 📚
- The Qur’ān and Its Interpreters - William M. Watt.
- Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition - Guillaume Dye, Tommaso Tesei.
- Antiquities of the Jews - Flavius Josephus.
- Holy Bible: Study Bible - Genesis.
- Stories of the Prophets - Al-Baiẓāwī.
Farewell Thought💭
Understanding the multi-faceted stories of key religious figures like Reuben enriches our knowledge and sheds light on common themes of mercy, protection, and familial bonds recognized universally.
Wishing you a journey of profound insight and discovery, Amina Al-Fahad
