Topical Encyclopedia Naaman, a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin, is a lesser-known biblical character whose name appears in the Old Testament. His mention is primarily found in the genealogical listings, which serve to establish the lineage and tribal affiliations of the Israelites.Biblical References: Naaman is referenced in the context of the descendants of Benjamin, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. The primary biblical reference to Naaman is found in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Numbers, where the genealogies of the tribes of Israel are detailed. 1. Genesis 46:21 : "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard." 2. Numbers 26:38-40 : "The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were: the Belaite clan from Bela, the Ashbelite clan from Ashbel, the Ahiramite clan from Ahiram, the Shuphamite clan from Shupham, and the Huphamite clan from Hupham. The descendants of Bela were Ard and Naaman." In these passages, Naaman is listed among the sons of Benjamin, indicating his role as a progenitor of one of the families within the tribe. The genealogical records in Genesis and Numbers highlight the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. Tribal Significance: The tribe of Benjamin held a significant place among the tribes of Israel. Known for their valor and skill in battle, the Benjaminites were often noted for their fierce warriors. The tribe's territory was strategically located, encompassing areas that would later become central to the history of Israel, including Jerusalem. Naaman's inclusion in the genealogical records underscores the importance of maintaining detailed accounts of family lines, which were crucial for inheritance rights, land distribution, and fulfilling the covenant promises made to the patriarchs. The tribe of Benjamin, despite being one of the smaller tribes, played a pivotal role in the history of Israel, producing notable figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. Name Meaning and Cultural Context: The name "Naaman" is derived from the Hebrew root "na'em," meaning "pleasant" or "delightful." This name, like many in the biblical genealogies, reflects the cultural practice of naming children with aspirational or descriptive qualities. In the broader cultural and historical context, names carried significant weight in ancient Israelite society, often reflecting the character, destiny, or divine purpose associated with an individual or family line. Conclusion: While Naaman, the son of Benjamin, does not play a prominent role in biblical narratives, his mention in the genealogical records serves as a testament to the meticulous preservation of tribal and familial heritage in the Scriptures. His inclusion in the lineage of Benjamin highlights the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and their shared history as God's chosen people. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:21And 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 Library Chapter xlvi The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ... Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ... Resources Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org Who was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |