Reuben was the firstborn of the sons of Jacob. He was born to Leah and Jacob. Reuben means “See a son”. He was so named by his mother who felt that surely the Lord had looked upon her affliction of being unloved (hated) by her husband.
Points to ponder:
God looked upon the affliction on all of mankind brought about by man’s disobedience (sin) and sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The Lord sees i.e., his eyes are in every place beholding the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3; Jeremiah 16:17), but the question is, do you see the Son of God in Jesus? (Matthew 17:5). O taste and see that the Lord God is a good God (Psalm 34:8), who sees the affliction of man.
Genesis 29:32 (KJV)
32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.
