Gen 35:22-26 | TNotes | STEP | 35:22 Reuben had intercourse with Bilhah, thus defiling his father’s marriage bed. Perhaps Reuben, as the oldest son, was trying to replace his father as head of the clan by a pagan procedure (cp. 2 Sam 16:15-22 ), but by this action he lost his birthright (see Gen 49:3-4 ). • Jacob soon heard about it, but he again delayed his response (see 49:3-4 ; cp. 34:5 ).

b2 Sam 16:15-22►

cGen 49:3-4►

d49:3-4►

f35:23-26►

‏ Genesis 35:22-26

35:22 ^a Reuben had intercourse with Bilhah, thus defiling his father’s marriage bed. Perhaps Reuben, as the oldest son, was trying to replace his father as head of the clan by a pagan procedure (cp. 2 Sam 16:15-22 ^b), but by this action he lost his birthright (see Gen 49:3-4 ^c).

• Jacob soon heard about it, but he again delayed his response (see 49:3-4 ^d; cp. 34:5 ^e).
Summary for Gen 35:23-26: 35:23-26 ^f The twelve sons became leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their names are the firstfruits of the nation.