Topical Encyclopedia The Tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in the history of Israel, being one of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob's sons. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and his descendants played a crucial role in the unfolding narrative of the Israelite people. The tribe's territory was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, which often placed them at the center of political and military events in Israel's history.Assistance to David The Tribe of Benjamin is notably recognized for its support of King David during his rise to power. Despite the initial allegiance of the Benjaminites to King Saul, who was himself a Benjaminite, many from the tribe eventually rallied to David's side. This shift in loyalty is a testament to David's leadership and the divine favor that rested upon him. 1. Warriors from Benjamin Join David: During the time when David was fleeing from Saul, a group of skilled warriors from the tribe of Benjamin joined him. These men were adept with both the bow and the sling, demonstrating their prowess in battle. 1 Chronicles 12:2 describes them: "They were archers who could use both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows from the bow. They were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin." 2. Loyalty During David's Reign: After Saul's death, the tribe of Benjamin initially supported Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, as king. However, as David's rule was solidified, many Benjaminites recognized his God-given authority and aligned themselves with him. This transition is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 12:16 : "Other Benjamites and some men from Judah also came to David in his stronghold." 3. Key Figures from Benjamin: Several notable figures from the tribe of Benjamin played significant roles during David's reign. Among them was Shimei, who initially cursed David during Absalom's rebellion but later sought forgiveness, acknowledging David's kingship (2 Samuel 19:16-23). Another was Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, Saul's son, whom David showed kindness to for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:1-13). 4. The Benjaminites in David's Army: The tribe's warriors were integral to David's military campaigns. Their skills and loyalty were crucial in establishing and maintaining the stability of David's kingdom. The Benjaminites' ability to adapt and their strategic importance in the region made them valuable allies. The Tribe of Benjamin's support for David illustrates the complex dynamics of tribal loyalties and the overarching providence of God in the establishment of David's kingdom. Despite their initial allegiance to Saul, the Benjaminites' eventual support of David underscores the recognition of God's anointed leader and the unity that was necessary for the prosperity of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 12:1-7,16Now these are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of Saul the son of Kish: and they were among the mighty men, helpers of the war. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... The Antiquities of the Jews From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... The Iranian Conquest Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Israel divided into the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Benjamin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Benjamin: A Jew Who Assisted in Purifying the Wall of Jerusalem Benjamin: A Son of Harim: Probably Identical With the Man Mentioned In Benjamin: Grandson of Benjamin Benjamin: Son of Jacob by Rachel Benjamin: Son of Jacob by Rachel: Descendants of Benjamin: Son of Jacob by Rachel: Prophecy Concerning Benjamin: Son of Jacob by Rachel: Taken Into Egypt Tribe of Benjamin: A Thousand of, With Shimei Came to Meet David on his Return Tribe of Benjamin: Adhered for a Time to the House of Saul Against David Tribe of Benjamin: Almost Annihilated for Protecting the Men of Gibeah Tribe of Benjamin: Assisted Against Sisera Tribe of Benjamin: Captains Appointed Over Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated As Bowmen and Slingers Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Abner Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Ehud Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Elhanan Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Kish Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Paul Tribe of Benjamin: Celebrated Persons of Saul Tribe of Benjamin: Census of a company of, joins David at Ziklag Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Allotment in the land of Canaan Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Clans of Tribe of Benjamin: Census of did not exterminate the Jebusites Tribe of Benjamin: Census of During the reign of Asa Tribe of Benjamin: Census of During the reign of Jehoshaphat Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Its rank during the time of Samuel Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Jerusalem within the territory of Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Join Deborah in the war against Sisera Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Loyal to Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Loyal to Rehoboam Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Moses' benediction upon Tribe of Benjamin: Census of not enrolled by Joab Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Paul, of the tribe of Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Position of, in camp and march Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Reallotment Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Return to Palestine from the exile in Babylon Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Saints of, seen in John's vision Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Saul, the first king of Israel, from Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Skill in archery and as slingers of stones Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Subsequently joins David Tribe of Benjamin: Census of Territory of, invaded by the Ammonites Tribe of Benjamin: Cities and Bounds of Inheritance Tribe of Benjamin: Descended from Jacob's Twelfth Son Tribe of Benjamin: Encamped on West Side of the Tabernacle Under the Standard of Tribe of Benjamin: Families of Tribe of Benjamin: Formed the Rear of the Third Division of Israel in Their Tribe of Benjamin: Furnished an Army to Jehoshaphat Tribe of Benjamin: Furnished the First King to Israel Tribe of Benjamin: Numbers of, Returned from the Captivity and Dwelt At Tribe of Benjamin: Offering of, at Dedication Tribe of Benjamin: On Gerizim Said Amen to the Blessings Tribe of Benjamin: On the Plain of Moab Tribe of Benjamin: Oppressed by the Ammonites Tribe of Benjamin: Persons Selected From: To Divide the Land Tribe of Benjamin: Persons Selected From: To Number the People Tribe of Benjamin: Persons Selected From: To Spy out the Land Tribe of Benjamin: Predictions Respecting Tribe of Benjamin: Remained Faithful to Judah Tribe of Benjamin: Remnant of, Provided With Wives to Preserve the Tribe Tribe of Benjamin: Revolted from the House of Saul Tribe of Benjamin: some of, Assisted David Tribe of Benjamin: some of, at David's Coronation Tribe of Benjamin: Strength of, Entering Canaan Tribe of Benjamin: Strength of, on Leaving Egypt Tribe of Benjamin: Very Numerous in David's Time Related Terms |