Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: Oppressed by the Ammonites

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. Known for its valor and strategic location, Benjamin was often at the center of Israel's military and political affairs. However, like other tribes, Benjamin experienced periods of oppression, notably by the Ammonites, a neighboring people who frequently clashed with Israel.

Historical Context

The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and occupied the region east of the Jordan River. Their relationship with Israel was marked by hostility and conflict, often exacerbated by territorial disputes and religious differences. The oppression of the Tribe of Benjamin by the Ammonites is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, subjugation, supplication, and salvation during the time of the Judges.

Biblical Account

The oppression of the Tribe of Benjamin by the Ammonites is part of the larger narrative found in the Book of Judges. Judges 10:7-9 describes how the Israelites, including the Benjamites, turned away from God, leading to their subjugation: "So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites, who that year shattered and crushed the Israelites. For eighteen years they oppressed all the Israelites on the east side of the Jordan in Gilead, the land of the Amorites."

The Ammonites, along with the Philistines, were instruments of divine judgment against Israel's idolatry and disobedience. The oppression was severe, affecting not only the eastern tribes but also those west of the Jordan, including Benjamin. Judges 10:10 records Israel's cry for deliverance: "Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, 'We have sinned against You, for we have forsaken our God and served the Baals.'"

Deliverance through Jephthah

God's response to Israel's repentance was to raise up judges to deliver them from their oppressors. Jephthah, a Gileadite, was chosen to lead the fight against the Ammonites. Judges 11:29 states, "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites."

Jephthah's leadership and military prowess brought victory to Israel, alleviating the oppression of the Ammonites. His account underscores the recurring theme of God's faithfulness in delivering His people when they turn back to Him in repentance and faith.

Significance for the Tribe of Benjamin

The oppression by the Ammonites and subsequent deliverance is a testament to the challenges faced by the Tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes during the period of the Judges. It highlights the consequences of turning away from God and the mercy available through repentance. The narrative also sets the stage for the later emergence of Benjamin as a significant tribe, producing notable figures such as King Saul, Israel's first monarch.

The experiences of the Tribe of Benjamin during this time serve as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and reliance on His deliverance in times of distress.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 10:9
Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Israelites
... In spite of all repression, however, the oppressed people continued to multiply,
and ... Joshua was scarcely dead before the tribe of Benjamin was almost ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... connect: in the centre were Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan ... War broke out between one tribe
and another; the ... the Moabites, and the Philistines, all oppressed them in ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... it into isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... In fabulous times,
one of her mythical kings"Khumbaba the Ferocious"had oppressed. ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... to the service of the altar had ended, as among the Hebrews, by separating themselves
from the rest of the nation and forming a special tribe, that of the Magi ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm