1 Chronicles 5:1-3

Expanded Bible

Reuben’s Children

5 Reuben was Israel’s [^CJacob’s] ·first son [firstborn]. Reuben ·should have received the special privileges of the oldest son [was the firstborn], but he ·had sexual relations with his father’s slave woman [^Ldefiled his father’s bed; Gen. 35:22]. So ·those special privileges [that birthright] were given to Joseph’s sons. (Joseph was a son of Israel [^CJacob].) In the ·family history Reuben’s name [genealogical record he] is not listed as ·the first son [having the right of the firstborn]. ² Judah became ·stronger than [predominant/prominent over] his brothers, and a leader came from his family [^Clikely referring to David]. But ·Joseph’s family received the privileges that belonged to the oldest son [the birthright belonged to Joseph]. ³ Reuben was Israel’s ·first son [firstborn]. Reuben’s sons were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.