Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: Captains Appointed Over

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in the history of Israel, being one of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob. Known for their valor and skill in battle, the Benjamites were often at the forefront of Israel's military endeavors. The appointment of captains over the tribe is a testament to their organized and strategic approach to warfare and governance.

Biblical Context

The tribe's military prowess is first highlighted in the Book of Judges, where the Benjamites are described as formidable warriors. In Judges 20:16, it is noted, "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select men who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss." This passage underscores the exceptional skill and precision of the Benjamite warriors.

Captains and Leadership

The appointment of captains over the Tribe of Benjamin is particularly evident during the reign of King Saul, who himself was a Benjamite. Saul's leadership and the organization of his forces are detailed in 1 Samuel. In 1 Samuel 13:2, it is recorded, "Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with him at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin." This division of forces under specific leaders illustrates the structured military hierarchy within the tribe.

Furthermore, the strategic appointment of captains is seen in the context of the broader Israelite army. In 1 Chronicles 12:2, the Benjamites are described as being among those who joined David at Ziklag, "armed with bows and able to shoot arrows or to sling stones with either hand; they were kinsmen of Saul from Benjamin." The inclusion of Benjamite captains in David's forces highlights their continued importance and influence in Israel's military affairs.

Role in the Monarchy

The Tribe of Benjamin's role in the monarchy is further emphasized by their loyalty and service to King Saul and later to King David. The Benjamites' strategic appointments and their ability to lead and organize troops were crucial during the turbulent times of the early monarchy. Their leaders were not only warriors but also played key roles in the political and social structures of the time.

Legacy

The legacy of the Tribe of Benjamin, particularly in terms of military leadership and the appointment of captains, is a reflection of their enduring strength and resilience. Their contributions to the defense and governance of Israel are a testament to their significant role in the biblical narrative. The Benjamites' ability to adapt and lead in various circumstances is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, showcasing their integral place in the history of God's chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 4:18
Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 27:12
The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... together the elders of the multitude, the commanders and captains of thousands ... agreed
to Abner's proposal, he called together the tribe of Benjamin, for all ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... 3. Now the captains of his armies, and officers ... Shimei was intrusted with the lot
of Benjamin; and Gabares ... of the Hebrews, and particularly the tribe of Judah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

The First Kings.
... And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and
will set them to ear his ... In the comparatively small tribe of Benjamin, was a ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Rending of the Kingdom
... all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin ... and unto all the house of Judah
and Benjamin, and to ... and "fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 6 the rending of.htm

Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ...
... He also built other large cities in the tribe of Benjamin, and walled them about,
and put garrisons in them all, and captains, and a great deal of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning rehoboam and.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... men (the civil officers of State), and the chief captains (the military ... tribe of
Joseph, twelve thousand; [196] Of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... day of the captivity of the land."* The tribe of Dan ... represent him as exercising
merely a restricted influence over the territory of Benjamin and the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... the children of Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh ... transaction between the chief
priests and captains, and Judas ... were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... An Oriental empire, even when built up by strong hands and watched over with constant
vigilance, scarcely ever falls to pieces in the slow and gradual process ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... tinker, that occupation being then followed by the Gipsy tribe. ... On the night previous
to the day appointed for his ... till the heat of the search was over, and in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm