Topical Encyclopedia
The Tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. The tribe is named after Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The census of the clans of Benjamin is recorded in the Old Testament, providing insight into the size and structure of this tribe during the wilderness period and the subsequent settlement in the Promised Land.
Census in the WildernessThe first census of the Tribe of Benjamin is documented in the Book of Numbers, which details the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. In
Numbers 1:36-37 , the census conducted by Moses and Aaron lists the men of Benjamin who were able to go to war: "From the sons of Benjamin, their genealogies according to their clans and families, the men twenty years of age or older, all who could serve in the army, were registered by name one by one. Those registered to the tribe of Benjamin numbered 35,400."
This initial census highlights the military potential of the tribe, emphasizing its role in the collective defense and conquest efforts of the Israelites. The tribe's numbers reflect its status as one of the smaller tribes, yet it was still a vital component of the Israelite community.
Census on the Plains of MoabA second census is recorded in
Numbers 26, taken on the plains of Moab as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land. In
Numbers 26:38-41 , the descendants of Benjamin are enumerated: "These were the descendants of Benjamin by their clans: 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. These were the clans of Benjamin, and their registration numbered 45,600."
This census shows an increase in the tribe's population, indicating growth and stability despite the challenges faced during the wilderness period. The enumeration of specific clans within the tribe underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in Israelite society.
Significance of the Tribe of BenjaminThe Tribe of Benjamin holds a unique position among the tribes of Israel. Despite its relatively small size, it produced several notable figures in biblical history, including King Saul, Israel's first king, and the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus. The tribe's territory, located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, included the city of Jerusalem, which later became the political and spiritual center of Israel.
The censuses of the Tribe of Benjamin, as recorded in the Book of Numbers, provide valuable insights into the demographic and social structure of the tribe during critical periods of Israel's history. These records reflect the tribe's resilience and its integral role within the broader narrative of the Israelite people.
Nave's Topical Index
Numbers 26:38-40The 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:
Nave's Topical Index1 Chronicles 7:6-12
The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Chronicles 8:1
Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,
Nave's Topical Index
Resources
Who was Joseph in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the twelve tribes of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgBenjamin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
