Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place among the tribes of Israel, being the smallest of the twelve tribes yet playing a crucial role in the history and development of the nation. The tribe's origins trace back to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and it is known for its valor and strategic importance due to its location between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim.

Role in Dividing the Land

In the biblical narrative, the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel was a pivotal event following the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The task of dividing the land was not only a logistical challenge but also a spiritual duty, as it involved the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs.

The Book of Joshua details the process of land allocation, where leaders from each tribe were appointed to oversee the distribution. From the Tribe of Benjamin, a notable figure selected for this task was Elidad son of Chislon. His role was to ensure that the division was conducted fairly and in accordance with divine instructions.

Biblical Reference

The selection of tribal leaders for the division of the land is recorded in the Book of Numbers. Numbers 34:16-19 states:

"The LORD also said to Moses, 'These are the names of the men who are to divide the land for you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. And you shall designate one leader from each tribe to distribute the land. These are their names: Caleb son of Jephunneh from the tribe of Judah; Shemuel son of Ammihud from the tribe of Simeon; Elidad son of Chislon from the tribe of Benjamin...'"

Elidad's inclusion among the leaders underscores the trust and responsibility placed upon the Tribe of Benjamin in this critical moment of Israelite history. His role was to collaborate with leaders from other tribes, ensuring that the land was apportioned according to God's commands and the needs of each tribe.

Significance of the Tribe of Benjamin

The Tribe of Benjamin's involvement in the division of the land highlights its integral role in the establishment of Israel as a nation. Despite its small size, the tribe's strategic location and its members' reputation for bravery and skill in battle made it a key player in the defense and governance of the nascent nation.

Throughout biblical history, the Tribe of Benjamin produced several notable figures, including King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the early Christian church. The tribe's legacy is one of resilience and faithfulness, contributing to the spiritual and political fabric of Israel.

In summary, the Tribe of Benjamin, through figures like Elidad son of Chislon, played a vital role in the division of the Promised Land, reflecting its importance in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 34:21
Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one ... of the captivity of
the land."* The tribe of Dan ... Benjamin, like Dan, was one of the tribes which ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... heaven-gave his name to the principal tribe, and possibly ... them an army to protect
their persons, or to ... cannot tell how far the personages selected enjoyed an ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... of perfect purity in their persons, their altars ... with the government of a mountain
tribe dwelling to ... and Nergal-sharuzur for this purpose selected from their ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of Jehoshaphat, a member of the tribe of Judah ... trials innumerable, to the conquest
of the Promised Land. ... the incidents he gives are carefully selected, apt and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm