The answer is: Reuben

Gen 29:32

Jacob’s firstborn son, Reuben, holds a fascinating spot in the tapestry of the biblical narrative—his story is intertwined with complex family dynamics and a foreshadowing of future events within the Israelite tribes. His mother, Leah, named him “Reuben,” which means “See, a son!”—immediately translating her hopes for love and acceptance through this child. Leah’s longing for Jacob's affection is a running theme in Genesis, where the struggle for love becomes almost a character in itself.

And speaking of the name, did you know that Reuben also sometimes symbolizes the role of the firstborn in the biblical context? Firstborns generally held a special privilege, receiving a greater share of inheritance and sometimes even leading roles among their familial clans. However, history tells us Reuben's claim would be challenged later on due to grave missteps, notably his scandalous affair with his father's concubine, Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Thus, he went from prominence to diminished status, setting the stage for Joseph, another son of Jacob, to be positioned as the favored one.

Interestingly, Reuben’s story is echoed in the broader themes of redemption and conflict within the family. He attempts to rescue Joseph from his brothers’ plans, illustrating the complexities of sibling dynamics. The repercussions of Jacob's family choices deeply influenced the history of Israel, the Twelve Tribes forming through Reuben's legacy and his brothers’. Each character wrestles with similar struggles of identity and purpose, weaving a timeless narrative that resonates through generations.