Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history. His birth is recorded in Genesis 35:16-18, where Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," as she dies during childbirth. However, Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," reflecting a position of favor and strength.

Benjamin's early life is marked by the deep affection of his father, Jacob, especially after the presumed death of his older brother Joseph. As the youngest, Benjamin becomes the focal point of Jacob's protective instincts, as seen in Genesis 42:4, where Jacob refuses to send him to Egypt with his brothers, fearing harm might befall him.

The narrative of Benjamin being taken into Egypt unfolds during the time of famine, which forces Jacob's family to seek grain in Egypt. Unbeknownst to them, Joseph, whom they had sold into slavery, has risen to power as the governor of Egypt. In Genesis 42:6-7, Joseph recognizes his brothers when they come to buy grain, but they do not recognize him. Joseph tests his brothers' integrity by accusing them of being spies and demands that they bring Benjamin to Egypt to prove their honesty (Genesis 42:15-20).

Reluctantly, Jacob allows Benjamin to travel to Egypt after Judah pledges his own life for Benjamin's safety (Genesis 43:8-9). Upon their return to Egypt, Joseph's emotional reunion with Benjamin is poignant. Genesis 43:29-30 describes Joseph's deep affection for Benjamin, as he blesses him and is moved to tears.

The climax of Benjamin's account in Egypt occurs when Joseph devises a final test. He instructs his steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, leading to an accusation of theft (Genesis 44:2-12). This act is a test of his brothers' loyalty and repentance. Judah's heartfelt plea for Benjamin's release, offering himself as a substitute, demonstrates the transformation in the brothers' character (Genesis 44:33-34).

Ultimately, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, leading to a joyous family reunion. In Genesis 45:14-15, Joseph embraces Benjamin, weeping over him, signifying forgiveness and reconciliation. Benjamin's journey to Egypt, therefore, becomes a pivotal moment in the restoration of Jacob's family and the fulfillment of God's providential plan.

Benjamin's descendants form the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This tribe plays a crucial role in Israel's history, producing notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The account of Benjamin's journey to Egypt is a testament to God's sovereignty, the power of forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family.Genesis 42:1
Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said to his sons, Why do you look one on another?
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Genesis 43:1
And the famine was sore in the land.
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Genesis 44:1
And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth.
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Genesis 45:1
Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all them that stood by him; and he cried, Cause every man to go out from me. And there stood no man with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
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The Mystery of the Lost Brother
... And Jacob said, "If he must go, then he must. ... And Joseph looked at his younger brother
Benjamin, the child of his own mother ... God be gracious unto you, my son.". ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the mystery of the lost.htm

Chapter xxxv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is ... in Paddan-Aram, though everyone knows
that Benjamin was born ... From this time onward Jacob enters into the full ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... of Symeon, lest, by attempting to hinder Benjamin's journey, Symeon ... and said he would
either bring his son back to him ... lose his own life." So that Jacob was at ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.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

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

Chapter xxxiv
... It hardly seems likely that this son's birth is ... in Paddan-Aram, though everyone knows
that Benjamin was born ... From this time onward Jacob enters into the full ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

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

The Story of Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors
... You may kill them, if you wish, in case I do not bring Benjamin back to you."
But Jacob said: "My youngest son shall not go with you. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of joseph and.htm

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... opens as follows: A star shall come out of Jacob. ... Hosea, Out of Egypt have I called
My Son.' [1079] In ... 1081] over her children, the men of Benjamin, when the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

Chapter xxxvii
... victory of forgiving love; Judah's surety for Benjamin and his ... she lived in the memory
of this son and the ... of the handmaids; or by synecdoche to Jacob and his ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxvii.htm

Who was Benjamin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the story of the Levite and his concubine? | GotQuestions.org

Benjamin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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