The Tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history. As the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin's descendants played a crucial role in the formation and development of the nation of Israel. The strength of the Tribe of Benjamin, particularly during the Exodus from Egypt, is a testament to their resilience and divine favor.

Biblical Context

The narrative of the Exodus, as recorded in the Book of Exodus, details the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage under the leadership of Moses. The tribes of Israel, including Benjamin, were organized and prepared for their journey to the Promised Land. The strength of the Tribe of Benjamin during this period is reflected in their numbers and their role within the larger community of Israel.

Census and Military Strength

The Book of Numbers provides a detailed account of the census taken of the Israelite tribes during their wilderness journey. In Numbers 1:36-37 , the census of the Tribe of Benjamin is recorded: "From the sons of Benjamin, their genealogies according to their clans and families, those registered by name, every male twenty years of age or older, all who could serve in the army, those registered to the tribe of Benjamin numbered 35,400."

This enumeration highlights the military potential of the tribe, as all males of fighting age were counted. The number 35,400 indicates a substantial force, reflecting the tribe's capacity to contribute to the collective defense and advancement of the Israelite nation.

Role in the Israelite Camp

The organization of the Israelite camp, as described in Numbers 2, further underscores the strategic importance of the Tribe of Benjamin. Positioned alongside the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, Benjamin formed part of the camp of Ephraim, which was situated on the west side of the tabernacle. This arrangement not only facilitated the tribe's participation in military endeavors but also emphasized their integral role in the spiritual and communal life of Israel.

Divine Favor and Prophetic Blessings

The strength of the Tribe of Benjamin is also rooted in the blessings pronounced upon them by Jacob and Moses. In Genesis 49:27 , Jacob prophesies over Benjamin: "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the plunder." This imagery of a ravenous wolf suggests a fierce and determined nature, indicative of the tribe's strength and tenacity.

Similarly, Moses' blessing in Deuteronomy 33:12 affirms divine favor: "About Benjamin he said: 'May the beloved of the LORD rest secure in Him; God shields him all day long, and the beloved rests between His shoulders.'" This blessing highlights the protective presence of God over Benjamin, ensuring their security and strength.

Historical Significance

Throughout Israel's history, the Tribe of Benjamin maintained a reputation for valor and resilience. Notably, the first king of Israel, Saul, hailed from this tribe, further attesting to their leadership and influence. The tribe's strategic location and military prowess continued to play a vital role in the defense and governance of the nation.

In summary, the strength of the Tribe of Benjamin during the Exodus is evident in their substantial numbers, strategic positioning, and the divine blessings that underscored their role within the Israelite community. Their legacy of strength and leadership is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting their enduring significance in the history of Israel.Numbers 1:36,37
Of the children of Benjamin, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... isolated districts, and by thus restricting each tribe to a ... the river makes a sudden
drop on leaving the lake ... arrested, as if to gather fresh strength for its ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... together with the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah ... Nile or from desert tribe
to tribe came occasional ... Others, coming with greater strength perhaps to the ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... Gospel in much virtue." With what virtue, but with that strength wherein He ... Israelite,
out of the seed of Abraham, out of the tribe of Benjamin." [2841] But ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... days; though this was not, as he supposed, to restore her strength but, as ... how in
spite of all this three hundred men of the tribe of Benjamin were saved ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 1
... circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a
Hebrew ... powers and skill in fighting, than he that hath his strength in his ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxv 1 cor xiv.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... dwelt a man, His name Manoah, of the tribe of Dan ... remember me, I pray, This once
give strength, that I ... suit of clothes, But on his brother Benjamin bestows Five ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... from place to place and imposed their will everywhere by their great strength. ... She
went three hours' journey away from here, to the Tribe of Benjamin, to a ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... local chiefs, heroes to their own immediate tribe, well known in ... O my soul, march
on with strength."Then did ... 5:14) contains an allusion to Benjamin, which is ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... was of the tribe of Levi; her mother Ismeria was of the tribe of Benjamin. ... The name
Helia (presumably Heli-yah) would mean My strength is the Lord', but ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... or Lotanu with that of the Edomite tribe of Lotan ... sheet of water subsided from
evaporation, leaving in many ... increased, in the first place, the strength of the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

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