1-2. Jacob called his sons together and said:My sons, I am Jacob,your father Israel.Come, gather around,as I tell your future.
3. Reuben, you are my eldest,born at the peak of my powers;you were an honoured leader.
4. Uncontrollable as a flood,you slept with my wifeand disgraced my bed.And so you no longer deservethe place of honour.
29-31. Jacob told his sons:Soon I will die, and I want you to bury me in Machpelah Cave. Abraham bought this cave as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, and it is near the town of Mamre in Canaan. Abraham and Sarah are buried there, and so are Isaac and Rebekah. I buried Leah there too.