Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: On the Plain of Moab

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history and narrative. As the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin's descendants formed a tribe that played a crucial role in the unfolding account of the Israelites. The tribe's experiences on the Plain of Moab are particularly noteworthy, as this location served as a pivotal setting for the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land.

Historical Context

The Plain of Moab, situated east of the Jordan River, was the final encampment of the Israelites before they crossed into Canaan. This location is significant in the biblical narrative as it was here that Moses delivered his final speeches, recounted in the Book of Deuteronomy, and where he viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo before his death. The tribe of Benjamin, along with the other tribes, was present during these critical moments of transition and preparation.

Biblical References

In the Book of Numbers, the tribe of Benjamin is listed among the tribes that camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho (Numbers 22:1). This encampment was a time of both trial and instruction for the Israelites. It was here that Balaam, a prophet from the region, was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. However, God intervened, and instead of cursing, Balaam blessed the Israelites, including the tribe of Benjamin (Numbers 24:1-9).

The Book of Deuteronomy records Moses' final blessings to the tribes of Israel. In Deuteronomy 33:12 , Moses blesses the tribe of Benjamin, saying, "About Benjamin he said: 'May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between His shoulders.'" This blessing highlights the special favor and protection that God promised to Benjamin, emphasizing the tribe's unique relationship with the Divine.

Role and Significance

The tribe of Benjamin was known for its valor and skill in battle, as evidenced in various biblical accounts. Despite being the smallest of the tribes, Benjamin produced several significant figures in Israel's history, including King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, originally named Saul of Tarsus.

On the Plain of Moab, the tribe of Benjamin, along with the other tribes, received the Law and covenantal instructions that would guide their lives in the Promised Land. This period was crucial for the spiritual and communal formation of the Israelites, as they were reminded of their identity as God's chosen people and their responsibilities under the covenant.

Cultural and Theological Insights

The experiences of the tribe of Benjamin on the Plain of Moab underscore themes of divine providence, covenant faithfulness, and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The blessings pronounced over Benjamin reflect God's enduring love and protection, serving as a reminder of the tribe's integral role within the larger narrative of Israel's history.

The tribe's presence on the Plain of Moab also highlights the transitional nature of this period in Israel's journey. It was a time of preparation and anticipation, as the Israelites stood on the brink of fulfilling the promise given to their forefathers. The tribe of Benjamin, with its rich heritage and future contributions, was an essential part of this unfolding divine plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 26:41
These are the sons of Benjamin after their families: and they that were numbered of them were forty and five thousand and six hundred.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Israelites
... way northward along the coast into the plain of Jezreel. ... side by side with colonists
from Judah and Benjamin. ... of the history of any special tribe, all combined ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The King after Man's Heart
... When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near ... a simple yes or no, as each
tribe, family or ... Strange that after a hundred plain instances of His aid, the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king after mans heart.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... the house of Israel, by giving to them in very plain, unpolished words ... Jerusalem,
he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
... For," (he proceeds; with plain reference to ... flesh, He shews thee the Anointed Son
[573] "if behind those captive Jews of the tribe of Benjamin whom Nebuzar ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vi the doctrine of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The lot given to each tribe is described ... and valleys of the Carmel group, and to
Benjamin were assigned the heights which overlook the plain of Jericho ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... On December 3 ^rd and 4 ^th I saw them crossing a wide plain. ... She went three hours'
journey away from here, to the Tribe of Benjamin, to a younger married ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Canaan
... The plain of Jezreel formed, as it were, the centre ... late appearance of Judah as a
separate tribe in the ... Judah is not mentioned; Ephraim and Benjamin, and not ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... of the river where it turns eastward to the Arabian plain, lay too ... in the districts
frequented by Bedouin of the tribe of Terah, Ammon and Moab, on the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther.
... captivity"those of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi ... they could not act openly
against the plain decree of ... not induce any of the Levitical tribe to join ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/hebrew captives or mordecai and.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... mote that's in thine eye, when
yet 'tis plain The beam ... were to Egypt sent, But Joseph's brother Benjamin ne'er ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm