Interesting Facts

• Chetzron is identified as one of the four sons born to Reuben.
• He is listed among the sons of Reuben who dwelt in Egypt, having journeyed there with Jacob.

Genealogy

• Chetzron was a son of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.
• Reuben was the son of Jacob, making Chetzron a grandson of Jacob.
• While the mother of Chetzron is not explicitly stated in these excerpts, earlier analysis using different sources suggests she was Eliuram, daughter of Avi the Canaanite, or ‘Ada.
• The provided sources do not offer any details regarding Chetzron’s marital connections or offspring.

Historical Context

Chetzron lived during a period of significant familial transition, marked by Jacob’s decision to move his entire household to Egypt due to a severe famine in the land of Canaan. This relocation was made possible by the prominent position held by Chetzron’s uncle, Joseph, in the Egyptian administration. Chetzron would have been part of the Israelite community that settled in the land of Goshen, where they received favorable treatment under Joseph’s authority. This era was characterized by peace and prosperity for Jacob’s family as they dwelt securely in Egypt and multiplied. Their lives were influenced by Egyptian culture and governance, yet they maintained their distinct familial and religious identity, as indicated by Jacob’s later commands to his sons.

Narrative

The personal narrative of Chetzron within these sources is primarily genealogical. He is consistently listed as one of the sons of Reuben who accompanied Jacob and the rest of his descendants into Egypt. His presence in these enumerations underscores his role in the lineage of the Israelite people and his participation in the migration event that shaped their early history. While these excerpts do not detail any specific actions, dialogues, or personal experiences of Chetzron, his inclusion in the lists of those who went to Egypt signifies his contribution to the growth of Jacob’s family in their new land and their sustenance during the famine under the guidance of Joseph. He was among those who benefited from the security and abundance that Joseph provided for his family during his time of power in Egypt.