And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:
Ver. 23. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.] Who, though by his sin he fell from his birthright, yet is here reckoned as a patriarch, and afterwards, upon his repentance, not a little honoured. Exodus 28:21 ; Exodus 28:29 Rev 21:12 God is not off and on with his elect; their frowardness interrupts not the course of his goodness.