We know he messed up – big time – and lost his birthright. But what about his final words? What kind of legacy did he leave behind?

Well, according to Legends of the Jews, Reuben, despite his past failings, had a powerful message for his children. It wasn't about his own lost status. It was about unity, and the importance of Torah (Jewish Law).

Picture this: Reuben, gathering his children, his voice resonating with a lifetime of experience. He urges them to cleave to Levi. Why Levi, of all the brothers? Because, Reuben declares, Levi "will know the law of the Lord." He'll be the one to "give ordinances for judgment and bring sacrifices for all Israel."

Think about that for a moment. Reuben, the one who faltered, is pointing to another brother, recognizing his spiritual gifts, his potential to lead and guide the people. It's a powerful act of humility, isn't it? He's essentially saying, "I may have stumbled, but the future of our family, of Israel, rests on following the path of Torah, as embodied by Levi."

And it doesn’t stop there. Reuben even speaks of Levi’s descendants continuing in this role "until the consummation of the times, as the anointed high priest of whom the Lord spake." That’s a pretty significant statement, linking Levi’s line to the future priesthood and the service in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple).

After delivering this important message, Reuben's earthly journey came to an end. He lived to the respectable age of 125. His sons, honoring his memory, placed his body in a coffin. But his final resting place wasn’t Egypt. They carried him all the way back to Hebron, to the Machpelah, the Double Cave, where he was buried alongside his ancestors. It’s a powerful image, isn’t it? Even in death, Reuben is connected to the roots of his family, to the land promised to them.

So, what can we take away from Reuben's story? Perhaps it's a reminder that even after missteps, we can still offer guidance, recognize the strengths in others, and contribute to something greater than ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, that's a more enduring legacy than any birthright.