His vigorous steps are restricted, and his own counsel throws him down.

Calamity is hungry for him, and misfortune is ready at his side.

His sons must recompense the poor; his own hands must return his wealth.

Look at its strength in its loins, and its power in the muscles of its belly.

He struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, the firstfruits of their reproductive power in the tents of Ham.

He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of their reproductive power.

He gives strength to those who are tired; to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy.

Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, outstanding in dignity, outstanding in power.

In the womb he attacked his brother; in his manly vigor he struggled with God.

Ephraim boasts, “I am very rich! I have become wealthy! In all that I have done to gain my wealth, no one can accuse me of any offense that is actually sinful.”

Rather, he must acknowledge the son of the less loved wife as firstborn and give him the double portion of all he has, for that son is the beginning of his father’s procreative power – to him should go the right of the firstborn.

Look up at the sky! Who created all these heavenly lights? He is the one who leads out their ranks; he calls them all by name. Because of his absolute power and awesome strength, not one of them is missing.