The answer is: Reuben

Gen 29:32

When we talk about Jacob’s lineage, we can’t forget how pivotal Reuben is not just as Jacob's firstborn, but also in the broader tapestry of Israel’s twelve tribes. Born to Leah, Reuben’s name carries a powerful meaning: “See, a son!” It reflects Leah’s hope for Jacob’s affection through the birth of her first child and encapsulates her struggles in a polygamous marriage, vying for Jacob's love against her sister Rachel.

Interestingly, Reuben’s position as the firstborn doesn't automatically guarantee his supremacy in the family hierarchy. In later stories, we see how Reuben lost his privilege due to moral missteps, specifically, his act of sleeping with his father's concubine, Bilhah. This gaffe foreshadowed the shifting dynamics within the tribe of honors, making way for claims of leadership by others—most notably, Joseph.

Reuben's place in the lineage is critical; it established the roots of the tribes of Israel. Fun fact: the Tribe of Reuben was allocated land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, strategically positioned for agriculture and trade. As you dive deeper into the lives of the patriarchs, each son reflects shades of human emotion—jealousy, ambition, and connection to family, reflecting themes that resonate in so many human experiences today! Jacob sure had his hands full with these characters!