What was the name of Jacob's firstborn child?

Reuben, whose name means "See, a son" in Hebrew, was not only Jacob's firstborn son but also appears to carry significant weight in his father's lineage. In Genesis 29:32, Leah, Reuben's mother, names him in part to express her feelings of sorrow and longing for her husband Jacob's love, which makes their initial family dynamics quite fascinating.

The story of Reuben sets a classic stage for themes of favoritism, rivalry, and family complexity that reverberate throughout the Bible. His life would eventually reflect those tumultuous relationships, especially as he attempted to navigate the fierce competition with his brothers, particularly Joseph. Fun fact: Reuben's birth story is often compared to other births in the Bible where a mother's desperate longing expressed a desire for the interest of a father looks, like Hannah's imploring God for a child in 1 Samuel 1.

Subsequently, Reuben's tribe plays a pivotal role in Israel's history, highlighted by blessings from Jacob near the end of his life—focused on the power of leadership and the sometimes-soaring expectations placed on him due to his firstborn status. His later foibles circle back to a lesson on accountability, demonstrating that one’s beginnings do not define their path forward. Jacob’s family saga shows just how intricate and messy relationships can be, yet they circle back to God's relentless covenant with humanity.