Topical Bible: Tribe of Benjamin: Very Numerous in David's Time

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◄ Tribe of Benjamin: Very Numerous in David's Time ►

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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 importance, the tribe's prominence is particularly noted during the reign of King David. The tribe's territory was strategically located between the powerful tribes of Judah and Ephraim, which often placed it at the center of Israelite affairs.

Biblical Background

The tribe traces its lineage to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Despite its small beginnings, the tribe grew in strength and numbers. The Book of Numbers records the tribe's initial census at 35,400 men able to go to war (Numbers 1:37). By the second census, their numbers had increased to 45,600 (Numbers 26:41).

Role in the Monarchy

During the time of King Saul, the first king of Israel, the Tribe of Benjamin gained prominence as Saul himself was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9:1-2). However, it was during King David's reign that the tribe's numbers and influence became particularly noteworthy. The tribe's warriors were known for their skill and bravery, contributing significantly to David's military campaigns.

1 Chronicles 12:2-3 highlights the Benjamites who joined David at Ziklag, skilled with both the bow and the sling, indicating their martial prowess. The passage states, "They were archers using both the right and left hands to sling stones and shoot arrows from the bow. They were Saul’s kinsmen from Benjamin."

Military Strength

The tribe's military strength is further emphasized in 1 Chronicles 7:6-11 , which lists the descendants of Benjamin and their numbers, underscoring the tribe's capacity to field a substantial fighting force. The text notes, "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael—three in all. The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five in all. They were heads of their families. There were 22,034 mighty men of valor listed in their genealogies."

Support for David

The Tribe of Benjamin's support for David is a testament to their loyalty and strategic acumen. Despite their initial allegiance to Saul, many Benjamites recognized David's anointed kingship and aligned themselves with him. This shift is significant, given the tribe's historical loyalty to Saul, and it underscores the tribe's adaptability and political insight.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The tribe's territory included Jerusalem, which later became the political and spiritual center of Israel under David and Solomon. This proximity to the capital further enhanced the tribe's influence and integration into the united monarchy.

The Tribe of Benjamin's legacy continued beyond David's time, playing a crucial role in the history of Israel and Judah. The Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, also hailed from the Tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5), highlighting the tribe's enduring influence in biblical history.

In summary, the Tribe of Benjamin was indeed very numerous and influential during David's time, contributing significantly to the military and political landscape of ancient Israel. Their legacy is marked by their strategic importance, martial prowess, and eventual support for David's divinely ordained kingship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 7:6-12
The sons of Benjamin; Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Israelites
... The very district of Goshen in which they settled was occupied again, shortly after
their ... Joshua was scarcely dead before the tribe of Benjamin was almost ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... The agreement in the very rare and peculiar form, which ... were concerned to find out
the tribe who, by ... In like manner, in the war against Benjamin, according to ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... altar [2857] is still shewn to-day, and where the tribe of Benjamin anticipated
Romulus ... Down to the very day of her death two things were conspicuous in her ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... 5:14) contains an allusion to Benjamin, which is ... proceeds to show how, at the very
time of Sisera's ... the families which constituted the half-tribe of Manasseh ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... journey away from here, to the Tribe of Benjamin, to a ... king was accompanied by four
men of his tribe; among them ... The way taken by the kings was very quiet, and ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... whole, very similar to those of the numerous states which ... time of Jehoshaphat, a
member of the tribe of Judah ... them was great and their sin very grievous: but ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm