### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Rᵉʼûwbênîy**, represented by `{{H7206}}`, is a patronymic term identifying a **Reubenite** or descendant of Reuben. It appears 18 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. This word serves to distinguish the people of the tribe of Reuben, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, particularly in contexts of lineage, land allocation, and military enumeration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}` are consistently mentioned as one of the tribes that received their inheritance of land east of the Jordan river. Moses `{{H4872}}`, the servant `{{H5650}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, gave this territory as a possession `{{H3425}}` to the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}`, the Gadites `{{H1425}}`, and the half `{{H2677}}` tribe `{{H7626}}` of Manasseh `{{H4519}}` [[Joshua 12:6]]. Their land `{{H776}}` included cities `{{H5892}}` like Bezer `{{H1221}}` in the wilderness `{{H4057}}` [[Deuteronomy 4:43]] and extended from Aroer `{{H6177}}` by the river `{{H5158}}` Arnon `{{H769}}` [[Deuteronomy 3:12]]. Later in their history, the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}` were among those whom the God `{{H430}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` allowed to be carried away `{{H1540}}` captive by the king `{{H4428}}` of Assyria `{{H804}}` [[1 Chronicles 5:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the Reubenites' identity and historical role:
* `{{H1425}}` **Gâdîy** (Gadites): These descendants of Gad are almost always mentioned alongside the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}`, as they shared the same inheritance east of the Jordan `{{H3383}}` and were joined in military campaigns [[2 Kings 10:33]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (tribe): This word, meaning a clan or **tribe**, is the foundational identifier for the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}`. It establishes their place within the larger structure of Israel `{{H3478}}` and is often used in the phrase "half `{{H2677}}` **tribe** `{{H7626}}` of Manasseh" [[Deuteronomy 29:8]].
* `{{H5159}}` **nachălâh** (inheritance): This term is central to the story of the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}`, referring to the land portion they received `{{H3947}}` as their **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` from Moses `{{H4872}}` ([[Numbers 34:14]], [[Joshua 13:8]]).
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (carried away): This verb describes the exile of the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}`, as they were **carried away** `{{H1540}}` captive by Tilgathpilneser `{{H8407}}`, the king `{{H4428}}` of Assyria `{{H804}}` ([[1 Chronicles 5:6]], [[1 Chronicles 5:26]]).
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H7206}}` highlights several key themes in the Old Testament narrative:
* **Tribal Inheritance:** The primary role of **Rᵉʼûwbênîy** is to mark the fulfillment of God's promise of land `{{H776}}` to the tribes `{{H7626}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`. Their story confirms the allocation of a specific possession `{{H3425}}` to a specific lineage [[Joshua 12:6]].
* **Leadership and Governance:** The **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}` had an organized internal structure. Scripture records a prince `{{H5387}}` of the **Reubenites** `{{H7206}}` named Beerah `{{H880}}` [[1 Chronicles 5:6]] and a captain `{{H7218}}` named Adina `{{H5721}}` [[1 Chronicles 11:42]]. King David `{{H1732}}` also appointed rulers `{{H6485}}` over them for matters pertaining to God `{{H430}}` and the king `{{H4428}}` [[1 Chronicles 26:32]].
* **Geographic and Military Identity:** The term firmly places the tribe east of the Jordan `{{H3383}}`, often in a military context alongside the Gadites `{{H1425}}` and Manassites `{{H4520}}`, providing warriors `{{H3627}}` for battle `{{H4421}}` [[1 Chronicles 12:37]].
### Summary
In summary, **Rᵉʼûwbênîy** `{{H7206}}` is more than just a name; it is a specific designation of tribal identity within Israel. It functions primarily to document the reception of their inheritance `{{H5159}}` east of the Jordan, their geographic boundaries, and their participation in the civil and military life of the nation. The consistent pairing with the Gadites `{{H1425}}` and Manassites `{{H4520}}` underscores their unique position as the trans-Jordanian tribes, and their eventual exile [[1 Chronicles 5:26]] serves as a record of the consequences faced by the tribes of Israel.
TRV