Shortly before his death, Jacob blessed his sons. Some of these blessings, however, were more like reprimands:
“Reuben, you are my firstborn... first in rank and first in power. [But since you were] unstable as water, you will no longer be first, for you moved your father’s beds.” (Gen. 49:3-4)
According to some opinions, Reuben did not actually interfere with his father’s sleeping arrangements.1 He intended to do so, indignant at what he saw as a slight to his mother’s honor and her position in the household. But at the last minute, Reuben restrained himself.
How did Reuben succeed in overcoming his intense feelings of injustice and dishonor?
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