Genesis 49:1-4

Genesis 49:1-4

[1] And Jacob  called  unto his sons,  and said,  Gather yourselves together,  that I may tell  you that which shall befall  you in the last  days.  [2] Gather yourselves together,  and hear,  ye sons  of Jacob;  and hearken  unto Israel  your father.  [3] Reuben,  thou art my firstborn,  my might,  and the beginning  of my strength,  the excellency  of dignity,  and the excellency  of power:  [4] Unstable  as water,  thou shalt not excel;  because thou wentest up  to thy father's  bed;  then defiledst thou  it: he went up  to my couch. 

What does Genesis 49:1-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

No priest came from Reuben either. Irresolution marked the Reubenites in the time of Israel"s judges ( Judges 5:15-16).
"This forfeiture is fulfilled historically in later times when the Reubenites living in Transjordan are integrated into the tribe of Gad.
"From this first oracle the teaching is clear that the behavior of one individual affects the destiny of his descendants." [1]