Topical Bible: Benjamin: Son of Jacob by Rachel

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Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and his beloved wife Rachel, holds a significant place in biblical history. His birth is recorded in Genesis 35:16-18, where Rachel, after a difficult labor, names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," as she lay dying. However, Jacob, his father, renames him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," signifying a place of honor and strength.

Family and Early Life

Benjamin was born on the journey from Bethel to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. His birth was marked by the tragic death of his mother, Rachel, who was buried on the way to Ephrath (Genesis 35:19). As the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons, Benjamin was particularly cherished by his father, especially after the presumed death of Joseph, Rachel's other son. This favoritism is evident in Genesis 42:4, where Jacob is reluctant to send Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers, fearing harm might befall him.

Role in the Joseph Narrative

Benjamin plays a crucial role in the narrative of Joseph, his older brother. During the famine, when Jacob's sons go to Egypt to buy grain, Joseph, who has risen to power in Egypt, demands to see Benjamin as a test of his brothers' honesty (Genesis 42:15). The brothers return to Canaan and eventually convince Jacob to let Benjamin accompany them back to Egypt. Upon their return, Joseph orchestrates a test by placing his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, leading to a dramatic confrontation (Genesis 44:2-12). This incident ultimately leads to Joseph revealing his identity to his brothers and the eventual migration of Jacob's family to Egypt.

Tribe of Benjamin

The descendants of Benjamin became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and played a significant role in Israel's history. In the period of the Judges, the tribe was nearly annihilated due to a civil war sparked by the incident at Gibeah (Judges 19-21). Despite this, the tribe recovered and maintained its prominence.

Notable Figures from the Tribe of Benjamin

Several significant biblical figures emerged from the tribe of Benjamin. King Saul, the first king of Israel, was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9:1-2). The Apostle Paul, originally named Saul, also hailed from this tribe, as he himself notes in Philippians 3:5, "circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews."

Territory and Legacy

The territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin was strategically located between the tribes of Judah and Ephraim, encompassing the city of Jerusalem. This location played a crucial role in the tribe's influence and interactions with neighboring tribes. Despite its small size, the tribe of Benjamin maintained a distinct identity and contributed significantly to the history and development of Israel.

Benjamin's legacy is one of resilience and prominence, from his early life marked by sorrow and favoritism to the enduring influence of his descendants in the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 35:18,24
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
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Genesis 46:19
The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.
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Library

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... the Lord Jesus was born, and there another little son was born ... Illustration: Jacob
and Rachel ... The little boy was named Benjamin, and was the youngest of Jacob's ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... was born to Abraham in his hundredth year, so also was I to Jacob. ... see two sons born
from her: therefore was I called the son of days, which is Benjamin. ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

Chapter xxxv
... alters the name to at least a similar one: Benjamin. Though literally translated:
"son of the right hand," this name ... From Jacob's point of view this is the son ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity.
... in child-bed: she was the only one of Jacob's kindred that ... had mourned for her a
great while, he called the son that was born of her Benjamin, [39] because ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 21 concerning the violation.htm

Joseph and his Brethren.
... them all; and Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. ... dipped in blood, and
brought it to Jacob, saying: "This ... found: know now if it be thy son's coat or ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/joseph and his brethren.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... alters the name to at least a similar one: Benjamin. Though literally translated:
"son of the right hand," this name ... From Jacob's point of view this is the son ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.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 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

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... The father called him Benjamin, that is to say the son of the ... Jacob raised a title
upon her tomb; this is the title of the monument of Rachel unto this ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

Book 1 Footnotes:
... these Shechemites, as the occasion of their death; and of Jacob's great grief ... [39]
Since Benoni signifies the son of my sorrow, and Benjamin the son of days ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm