Topical Bible: Benjamin: Son of Jacob by Rachel: Descendants of

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Introduction

Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history. His birth is recorded in Genesis, and he is the progenitor of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The narrative of Benjamin and his descendants is interwoven with themes of familial loyalty, divine providence, and the unfolding of God's covenant with Israel.

Birth and Early Life

Benjamin's birth is a poignant moment in the biblical narrative. Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, bore him after a long period of barrenness. Tragically, Rachel died during childbirth, naming her son Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow." However, Jacob renamed him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand" (Genesis 35:18). This name change reflects Jacob's hope and favor for his youngest son.

Tribe of Benjamin

The tribe of Benjamin is noted for its valor and strategic importance in Israel's history. Despite being the smallest tribe, it played a crucial role in the nation's military and political affairs. The Benjaminites were known for their skill in battle, particularly as left-handed warriors, as described in Judges 20:16.

Notable Descendants

1. Ehud: A judge of Israel, Ehud is remembered for delivering Israel from Moabite oppression. His left-handedness, a characteristic trait of the Benjaminites, enabled him to assassinate King Eglon of Moab (Judges 3:15-30).

2. King Saul: The first king of Israel, Saul, was a Benjaminite. His reign marked the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy. Despite his initial promise, Saul's disobedience to God led to his downfall and the rise of David (1 Samuel 9:1-2).

3. Jonathan: The son of King Saul, Jonathan is celebrated for his deep friendship with David and his loyalty to God's anointed king, despite his father's animosity towards David (1 Samuel 18:1-4).

4. Mordecai and Esther: Descendants of Kish, a Benjaminite, Mordecai and his cousin Esther played pivotal roles in the Persian Empire. Esther became queen and, with Mordecai's guidance, saved the Jewish people from annihilation (Esther 2:5-7).

5. The Apostle Paul: Known as Saul of Tarsus before his conversion, Paul was a devout Pharisee and a Benjaminite by birth. His transformation into a leading apostle of Christ is a testament to God's grace and the fulfillment of His purposes through the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5).

Role in Israel's History

The tribe of Benjamin's territory was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim. This positioning often placed Benjamin at the center of Israel's political and military conflicts. The tribe's loyalty was tested during the civil war against the other tribes of Israel, as recounted in Judges 19-21. Despite near decimation, the tribe was preserved, highlighting God's mercy and the importance of unity among His people.

Conclusion

The legacy of Benjamin and his descendants is a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan through the tribes of Israel. From the valor of its warriors to the leadership of its kings and the faithfulness of its prophets and apostles, the tribe of Benjamin remains a significant thread in the tapestry of biblical history.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 46:21
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:38-41
The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:
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Library

Chapter xxxv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is contrasted ... we, then, need to assume
is that Jacob had not ... 31:15) represents the mother of Benjamin weeping over ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... of my sorrow), but his father called him Benjamin (Son of the ... Jacob is on the way
to his father at Hebron ... Rachel's travail comes upon her "when they were still ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Chapter xlvi
... It regroups Benjamin's descendants. ... But to Gera it ascribes one son: Ard ... Joseph: Manasseh
and Ephraim." Instead we find: "The sons of Rachel, Jacob's wife." The ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlvi.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... Benjamin tells that his mother Rachel was twelve years ... bore him; and he was therefore
called Benjamin, "son of days ... he recounts this prophecy of Jacob: "In thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... islands. Then Jacob after his return dwells at Akrabit; Rachel bears her
son Benjamin in Kebrathan (Genesis 35:16, Sept.). The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Israel, Therefore, Avoiding the House of his Brother, Sent Forward ...
... His son Sychem defiled Dinah, the daughter of Jacob by Leah ... Jacob is said to have
been much displeased with ... in childbirth: the boy she bore was called Benjamin. ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter x israel therefore avoiding.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... He was the twelfth son of Jacob, and one of ... and pasturage, was the large family of
Jacob"his sons ... house, and made his brothers bring dear Benjamin, when he ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Incarnation and Birth of Christ
... unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. ... called his name Ben-oni: but his
father called him Benjamin. ... And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave, that is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the incarnation and birth of.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... In like manner, in the war against Benjamin, according to ... a doubt that David gave
to his son the name ... the first grand fulfilment of what Jacob had prophesied ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Chapter xlix
... Jacob practically claims as much in these words. ... 27. Benjamin is a ravening wolf,. ...
This is the last word, spoken in reference to the second son of Rachel. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm