Reuben, &c.— Dr. Durell observes on this prophecy, that in the former part "Jacob dwells on the circumstance of Reuben's primogeniture, and, by the affectionate manner in which he expresses himself, seems to be concerned that his eldest son was to reap no advantage from it; he then, by opposing his great insolence to his great dignity, insinuates that the one proceeded from the other; and after having touched upon his crime in general, in the conclusion he declares that he should in no wise be eminent among his brethren; and that because he had incestuously defiled his father's bed. This is the reason that is given (and it is indeed a very satisfactory one) for Reuben's loss of those privileges which his birth would otherwise have entitled him to."
My might, and the beginning of my strength— These expressions imply one and the same thing, and are sufficiently explained by the word first-born, which immediately precedes. See Deuteronomy 21:17. Psalms 78:51.