The Land of Benjamin, often referred to simply as "Benjamin," is a significant region in biblical history, named after Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. This territory was allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, during the division of the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua.

Geographical Boundaries and Cities

The Land of Benjamin was strategically located between the territories of Ephraim to the north and Judah to the south. Its boundaries are detailed in Joshua 18:11-28. The region included several key cities, such as Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, Mizpah, and Jerusalem, although Jerusalem was later associated more closely with the tribe of Judah. The territory was characterized by its varied landscape, including fertile valleys and rugged hills, making it both agriculturally productive and defensively advantageous.

Historical and Biblical Significance

The tribe of Benjamin played a crucial role in Israel's history. Despite being the smallest tribe, Benjamin's strategic location made it a central player in the political and military affairs of the nation. The tribe is perhaps most famously known for producing Israel's first king, Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 9:1-2: "Now there was a man of Benjamin named Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite of Benjamin. And he had a son named Saul, a choice and handsome young man."

The Land of Benjamin was also the site of significant biblical events. The city of Gibeon, for instance, was where the sun stood still during Joshua's battle against the Amorites (Joshua 10:12-14). Additionally, the infamous incident of the Levite's concubine, which led to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel, took place in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin's territory (Judges 19-21).

Religious and Cultural Influence

The tribe of Benjamin held a unique position in Israel's religious landscape. The city of Bethel, located within its borders, was a significant religious center, known for Jacob's vision of the ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:10-19). Bethel later became one of the centers of worship established by Jeroboam after the division of the united monarchy (1 Kings 12:29).

Moreover, the tribe of Benjamin was known for its skilled warriors. 1 Chronicles 12:2 describes them as "armed with bows, using both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows." This martial prowess was a defining characteristic of the tribe and contributed to its influence in Israel's military campaigns.

Notable Figures

Apart from King Saul, the Land of Benjamin was home to several other notable biblical figures. The Apostle Paul, originally named Saul, was a Benjamite, as he himself attests in Romans 11:1: "I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin." Paul's heritage as a Benjamite is significant, reflecting the tribe's enduring legacy in the early Christian church.

Conclusion

The Land of Benjamin, with its rich history and strategic importance, remains a vital part of biblical narrative and theology. Its contributions to Israel's monarchy, military, and religious life underscore its significance in the unfolding account of God's people.the Land Of Benjamin

The proximity of Benjamin to Ephraim during the march to the promised land was maintained in the territory allotted to each. That given to Benjamin formed almost a parallelogram, of about 26 miles in length by 12 in breadth, lying between Ephraim, the Jordan, Judah and Dan. The general level of this part of Palestine is not less than 2000 feet above the Mediterranean or than 3000 feet above the valley of the Jordan, the surrounding country including a large number of eminences--almost every one of which has borne some part in the history of the tribe--and many torrent beds and deep ravines.

The World's Wages to a Prophet
... Then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin,
to separate himself thence in the midst of the people.13. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the worlds wages to a.htm

Beth-El. Beth-Aven.
... Josephus thus describes the land of Benjamin; "The Benjamites' portion of land was
from the river Jordan to the sea, in length: in breadth, it was bounded by ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 20 beth-el beth-aven.htm

How Samuel Found a Leader
... Then they crossed into the land of Shaalim, but the asses were not there. They
also went through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how samuel found a leader.htm

Lydda
... this, which have placed a certain Lod, which never was any where, not far from Jericho,
as was said before; because Lod, in the land of Benjamin, is brought in ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 16 lydda.htm

Light through Darkness
... Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal them, and take
witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 38 light through darkness.htm

The Old Judge and the Young King
... the Lord had told Samuel In his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16, To-morrow,
about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the old judge and the.htm

The Story of Benjamin.
... the lands round about seven years of famine; and only in the land of Egypt ... They wished
to take their young brother Benjamin with them, but their father would ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the story of benjamin.htm

How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ...
... to give their suffrage to the utter destruction of the tribe of Benjamin; and said
to them, "We give you leave to take the whole land of Benjamin to yourselves ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how after the.htm

A Sight of Judea
... The land of Benjamin, in like manner, which is numbered with Judea, in respect of
its superficies, was of the same nature; which, although "it was a portion of ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 9 a sight of.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... Of the priestly tribe as Jeremiah's family were, their long residence in the land
of Benjamin must have infected them with Benjamin's sense of a closer kinship ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus