Then Reubenspoketo his father,saying,"You may putmy twosonsto deathifI do not bringhim [back] to you; puthim in my care,and I will returnhim to you."
Their fatherJacobsaidto them, "You have bereavedme of my children:Josephis nomore,and Simeonis nomore,and you would takeBenjamin;allthese things are againstme."
But Jacob said,"My sonshall not godownwith you; for his brotheris dead,and he aloneis left.If harmshould befallhim on the journeyyou are taking,then you will bringmy grayhairdownto Sheolin sorrow."
"I myselfwill be suretyfor him; you may holdme responsiblefor him. IfI do not bringhim [back] to you and sethim beforeyou, then let me bearthe blamebefore you forever.
The sonsof Reuben:Hanochand Palluand Hezronand Carmi.
Does the LORDtakedelightin thousandsof rams,In tenthousandriversof oil?Shall I presentmy firstborn[for] my rebelliousacts,The fruitof my bodyfor the sinof my soul?
