Genesis: The Sons of Israel - Genesis 35:16-29

After Israel left Bethel, Rachael went into labor.  She brought forth a son, but she died in the process. She named her son Benoni, but Israel called him Benjamin.  Rachel was buried in the way to Ephrath which is called Bethlehem.  As the firstborn, Ruben would have inherited his father’s possessions, but by sleeping with his father’s concubine, while his father was still alive, meant that he was taking possession of an inheritance he had not been given.  As a result, Reuben lost his place as firstborn.   Israel had 4 firstborn sons by 4 women. When Reuben lost his status as firstborn, Joseph became the next in line and was given the firstborn status.