Topical Bible: The Wolf of the Tribe of Benjamin

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The phrase "The Wolf of the Tribe of Benjamin" originates from the prophetic blessing given by Jacob to his sons in Genesis 49. In this chapter, Jacob, also known as Israel, gathers his sons to foretell their futures and the destinies of their respective tribes. In Genesis 49:27 , Jacob declares, "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the plunder."

Symbolism and Characteristics

The imagery of a "ravenous wolf" is rich with symbolism, suggesting both ferocity and a predatory nature. This metaphor characterizes the tribe of Benjamin as fierce, aggressive, and warlike. The wolf's behavior of devouring prey in the morning and dividing plunder in the evening implies a cycle of relentless pursuit and conquest, followed by the distribution of spoils. This portrayal aligns with the historical and biblical accounts of the tribe's martial prowess and strategic significance among the tribes of Israel.

Historical Context and Biblical References

The tribe of Benjamin holds a unique position in Israel's history. As the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin's descendants became one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Despite being one of the smaller tribes, Benjamin played a significant role in the nation's military and political landscape.

In the period of the Judges, the tribe of Benjamin was involved in a civil conflict with the other Israelite tribes, as recounted in Judges 19-21. This conflict, known as the Battle of Gibeah, resulted in near annihilation of the tribe, highlighting both their fierce nature and the consequences of internal strife.

The tribe of Benjamin also produced notable leaders, including King Saul, Israel's first monarch. Saul's reign, as described in 1 Samuel, reflects the tribe's warrior spirit and complex relationship with the other tribes. Saul's leadership, marked by military campaigns and struggles with obedience to God, underscores the dual nature of the "wolf" metaphor—strength and potential for destruction.

The Apostle Paul

One of the most significant figures from the tribe of Benjamin is the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus. In Philippians 3:5 , Paul identifies himself as "of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews." His transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ exemplifies the redemptive power of God. Paul's life and ministry illustrate how the fervor and zeal associated with Benjamin can be redirected towards the advancement of the Gospel.

Theological Implications

The prophetic description of Benjamin as a "ravenous wolf" invites reflection on the themes of strength, redemption, and the potential for both good and ill inherent in human nature. The tribe's history serves as a reminder of the importance of channeling God-given abilities towards righteous purposes. The narrative of Benjamin, from its tumultuous beginnings to its contributions to Israel's leadership and the early Church, demonstrates the transformative power of divine grace and guidance.

In summary, "The Wolf of the Tribe of Benjamin" encapsulates the complex legacy of a tribe marked by both valor and vulnerability, serving as a testament to the enduring themes of strength, redemption, and divine purpose within the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 49:27
Benjamin shall shred as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... and tearing it away from it like a wolf, and giving ... He shall fill up that which lacketh
of thy tribe. ... So Benjamin died a hundred and twenty-five years old, in ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

Introductory the Apostle Paul Himself not the Preacher of a New ...
... the prey, and at night he shall impart nourishment." [5217] He foresaw that Paul
would arise out of the tribe of Benjamin, a voracious wolf, devouring his prey ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter i introductory the apostle paul.htm

On Genesis.
... Hipp. This thoroughly suits Paul, who was of the tribe of Benjamin. For when he
was young, he was a ravening wolf; but when he believed, he "apportioned" food. ...
/.../hippolytus/the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on genesis.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... morning shall devour, and in the evening shall give victual.' For he foresaw that
from the tribe of Benjamin would some day arise Paul, a ravening wolf in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf.(100) Of Benjamin were the ... Jeremiah himself, in his
moods of despair, seems to have caught the temper of the tribe among whom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

On the Animals
... lion is the Lord: the lion from the tribe of Judah ... The wolf is the devil or heretics;
in the gospel: the ... The same in a good part: Benjamin, meaning the Apostle ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/iv on the animals.htm

Faith Illustrated
... He was a Hebrew of the Hebrews, of the tribe of Benjamin, as touching ... business; if
you would as soon commit your flocks to the custody of a wolf, why will ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/faith illustrated.htm

Chapter xlix
... so we may also regard this word as suggesting to Benjamin as a tribe that he take
heed unto himself lest the undesirable qualities of a wolf develop in him. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the day of the captivity of the land."* The tribe of Dan ... Benjamin, like Dan, was
one of the tribes which contained ... of Ekron and Gath, "like a wolf that ravineth ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Choosing the Tens
... wearing visitor, the spoiler, the pompous wolf, departed for ... eyes, each with his
remnant of a tribe. ... of submissive Issachar, and some of Benjamin, Levi, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter i choosing the tens.htm