The term "Benjaminite" refers to a member of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe is named after Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The Benjaminites hold a significant place in biblical history, both in terms of their ancestral lineage and their role in the narrative of Israel.

Ancestry and Tribal Allotment

Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. His birth is recorded in Genesis 35:16-18, where Rachel names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," as she dies in childbirth. However, Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand." The tribe of Benjamin is thus descended from him.

The land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin is described in Joshua 18:11-28. It was strategically located between the tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. This central location played a crucial role in the tribe's history, as it included significant cities such as Jericho, Bethel, and Gibeah.

Historical Significance

The Benjaminites are noted for their warrior skills and bravery. Judges 20:16 highlights their prowess, stating, "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select left-handed men, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss." This martial ability is further demonstrated in the narrative of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, as recounted in Judges 19-21. The conflict arose from a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a Benjaminite city, leading to a near annihilation of the tribe.

Despite this near destruction, the tribe of Benjamin was restored and continued to play a vital role in Israel's history. The first king of Israel, Saul, was a Benjaminite, as noted in 1 Samuel 9:1-2: "Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish... and he had a son named Saul, a choice and handsome young man." Saul's kingship marked the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel.

Notable Benjaminites

Apart from King Saul, other notable Benjaminites include Jonathan, Saul's son and David's close friend, and Mordecai, a key figure in the Book of Esther who played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from destruction. The Apostle Paul, originally named Saul, was also a Benjaminite, as he himself states in Philippians 3:5: "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews."

Spiritual and Theological Insights

The tribe of Benjamin, despite its small size and tumultuous history, is often seen as a symbol of God's grace and redemption. The survival and restoration of the tribe after the civil war illustrate God's mercy and the possibility of renewal. The Benjaminites' central location in the land of Israel also signifies their integral role in the nation's spiritual and political life.

In the prophetic literature, Benjamin is mentioned in the context of the restoration of Israel. Jeremiah 31:15-17 speaks of Rachel weeping for her children, a passage often associated with the tribe of Benjamin, yet it concludes with a promise of hope and restoration.

The Benjaminites, through their notable figures and historical experiences, contribute richly to the biblical narrative, embodying themes of resilience, redemption, and divine purpose.1145. Ben-yemini -- a descendant of Benjamin
... 20:1) simply Yminiy {yem-ee-nee'}; a Jeminite; (plural Bniy Ymiyniy {ben- ay'
yem-ee-nee'}; patron from Binyamiyn; a Benjaminite, or descendent of Benjamin ...
/hebrew/1145.htm - 6k

The Making of a King.
... up to the hill of sacrifice he met a tall, noble looking young man, who, with his
servant, was looking for the lost asses of his father, Kish, the Benjaminite. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xviii the making of.htm

Benjaminite (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Benjaminite (9 Occurrences). Judges 3:15 But when
the people of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised ...
/b/benjaminite.htm - 9k

Benjaminites (32 Occurrences)

/b/benjaminites.htm - 16k

Pursuers (19 Occurrences)
... Psalms 7:1 {Shiggaion of David, which he sang to Jehovah, concerning the words of
Cush the Benjaminite.} Jehovah my God, in thee have I trusted: save me from ...
/p/pursuers.htm - 12k

Trusted (82 Occurrences)
... Psalms 7:1 {Shiggaion of David, which he sang to Jehovah, concerning the words of
Cush the Benjaminite.} Jehovah my God, in thee have I trusted: save me from ...
/t/trusted.htm - 30k

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)

/b/benjamin.htm - 50k

Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:5 There was in Shushan the fortress a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai,
the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, (DBY). ...
/f/fortress.htm - 60k

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