What did Jacob tell Reuben during the deathbed blessings?
During the deathbed blessings, Jacob told Reuben he would not receive the birthright or the blessing and would not be esteemed as the eldest, because Reuben had committed adultery with one of Jacob's wives. This sin, seemingly unknown to others, was brought to light at Jacob's deathbed.
Les explains that when Jacob pronounced blessings on his twelve sons, he began with Reuben, the eldest. Reuben had been the most unchaste and promiscuous, committing adultery with one of Jacob's wives. Nothing was said about it until Jacob's deathbed. There Jacob declared that Reuben would not have the birthright or the blessing, nor be esteemed as the eldest, because of that sin. Seemingly no one else ever knew it.