Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: Descended from Jacob's Twelfth Son

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The Tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in biblical history as one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is named after Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name "Benjamin" means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," reflecting his favored status and the geographical location of the tribe's inheritance.

Ancestry and Early History

Benjamin was born in Paddan Aram, and his birth is recorded in Genesis 35:16-18. Rachel, his mother, died during childbirth, naming him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," but Jacob renamed him Benjamin. As the youngest of Jacob's sons, Benjamin was particularly beloved by his father, which is evident in the narrative of Joseph's brothers traveling to Egypt (Genesis 42-45).

Territory and Settlement

The tribe's allotted territory was strategically located between the tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north. This central position is described in Joshua 18:11-28, where the boundaries of Benjamin's inheritance are detailed. The land included significant cities such as Jericho, Bethel, Gibeon, and Jerusalem, which later became the capital of the united kingdom under King David.

Role in Israel's History

The Tribe of Benjamin played a crucial role in several key events in Israel's history. During the period of the Judges, the tribe was nearly annihilated due to a civil war sparked by the incident at Gibeah (Judges 19-21). Despite this near destruction, the tribe recovered and continued to be influential.

Benjamin is also notable for producing Israel's first king, Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 9:1-2. Saul's kingship marked a significant transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

Loyalty and Division

During the division of the united kingdom after Solomon's reign, the Tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David, aligning with the Tribe of Judah to form the Southern Kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:21). This loyalty is significant, as it preserved the Davidic line and the continuity of Jerusalem as the center of worship.

Notable Figures

Apart from King Saul, the tribe produced several other notable biblical figures. Mordecai and Esther, key figures in the Book of Esther, were Benjamites who played pivotal roles in the deliverance of the Jewish people during the Persian Empire. The Apostle Paul, originally named Saul, was also a Benjamite, as he himself notes in Philippians 3:5, highlighting his heritage as a source of pride.

Prophetic and Eschatological Significance

Prophecies concerning Benjamin often emphasize strength and resilience. In Jacob's blessing, Benjamin is described as a "ravenous wolf" (Genesis 49:27), symbolizing the tribe's warrior nature and tenacity. Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:12 speaks of Benjamin as beloved by the Lord, dwelling securely between His shoulders, indicating divine protection and favor.

The Tribe of Benjamin's legacy is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting themes of loyalty, redemption, and divine providence. Its central location and historical contributions underscore its importance in the unfolding account of God's covenant people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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