It is valuable as preserving certain features of life in these lawless times when there was no details in Israel. His mother, Rachel, died during childbirth. After all, the man's kindness of the day before was only intended to make them feel the pain all the more when he seized their young brother to be his slave. Some consider the tribes of the Southern Kingdom of Judah lost due to the Babylonian Exile, but many people believe that most modern and historic Jews since then trace their lineage to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin as the Israelite tribes assimilated into other cultures. Wives for the Benjamites 22 When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain, we will tell them, 'Do us a favor by helping them, since we did not get wives for each of them in the war. This was by Jacob changed into Benjamin. Its chief towns are named in Joshua 18:21-28 . Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you ben'-ja-min (binyamin, or binyamin; Beniaein, Beniamin): The youngest of Jacob's sons. Is my father indeed alive?". 30On the third day the men of Israel went to fight the men of Benjamin. For seven years of plenty this was done, and after that there came upon the land and upon all the lands round about seven years of famine; and only in the land of Egypt was there corn for the people. The 10 tribes of Israel today are considered ''lost'' since the Assyrian Exile in 722 BCE in the Northern Kingdom of Israel sent the 10 tribes there into exile. Saul was a Benjamite who was anointed by the prophet Samuel to lead the Israelites as their first king. 1. Benjamins position was on the W side of the Tabernacle along with Ephraim and Manasseh, the leader of the tribe at this time being Abidan the son of Gideoni (2:22). [6][7] Modern scholars have proposed that "son of the south" / "right" is a reference to the tribe being subordinate to the more dominant tribe of Ephraim. Answer In Genesis 49 the patriarch Jacob, sensing his impending death, gathers his sons to his bedside to bless them. The southern boundary ran from Kiriath-jearim eas tward to the fountain of the waters of Netophah, swept round by the south of Jerrus and passed down through the wilderness northern by shore of the Dead Sea at the mouth of the Jordan. 27In those days the ark of Gods promise was at Bethel. This wolf symbolism has been interpreted to refer to several elements of the Tribe of Benjamin, including its heroic members like King Saul and Mordecai, the tribe's often warlike nature, and the tribe's jurisdiction over the Temple in Jerusalem in which sacrifices were 'devoured' by flame. The men of Benjamin had already killed about 30 men of Israel. [8] Textual scholars believe that this is the result of the genealogical passage, in which his children are named, being from a much later source than the Jahwist and Elohist narratives, which make up most of the Joseph narrative, and which consistently describe Benjamin as a child.[7]. An error occurred trying to load this video. Judah had promised his father that he would bring Benjamin back again safe and sound, and now the lad was to become the slave of this terrible young ruler! Tribe of Naphtali Symbolism & History | What was the Naphtali Tribe? Who are your friends?". The Lord protects him all the time like a child at rest on its mother's back."[ a] Read full chapter Footnotes The Patriarch: The youngest of Jacob's sons. The tribe of Benjamin, as the seat of Gods love, ought to be the meeting place for all Israel; Jerusalem is so, in a figure. But the corn which they had brought was soon finished, and the old man urged his sons to go back to Egypt for more. he cried. 7All you people of Israel, tell me what you think. They slaughtered 22,000 of Israel's men. Again they came to the island, and were ferried over to the city as before. As they sat on the earthen floor of the prison looking at each other in silence, they felt amazed and full of sorrow, thinking that they would never see their tents and their little ones again. 5The citizens of Gibeah came to attack me. "You have come to spy out the weakness of the land. All rights reserved. The election of Saul as first king over united Israel naturally lent a certain prestige to the tribe. Start for FREE. Apart from that, however, Islamic tradition does not provide much detail regarding Benjamin's life, and refers to him as being born from Jacob's wife Rachel. Joseph was his full brother. "You have come to spy out the weakness of the land. It was the voice of Joseph that rang in their ears. Though not named in the Quran,[22] Benjamin ( Binyamn) is referred to as the righteous youngest son of Jacob, in the narrative of Joseph in Islamic tradition. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. 2. They formed their battle line facing Gibeah as they did before. Jacob changed the name to Benjamin ( Gen. 35:18, 24 ). His old father, too, would be anxious. There they made known what they wanted, saying that they had come from Hebron to buy corn; and their names and business were written down on a tablet, which was taken to the keeper of the granaries. We are the sons of one man in Canaan, and truly the youngest is now with our father, and one other is dead.". Benjamin was not much younger, and was himself the father of a family. Benjamin is loved by the Lordand lives close to him in safety.The Lord protects him all the timelike a child at rest on its mothers back.[a], Copyright 2006 by Bible League International. Then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold corn to the Egyptians. Geography. Read Chapter All Versions Genesis 49:27 27 "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder." Read Chapter All Versions 1 Chronicles 12:2 They overtook them east of Gibeah. Joshua 18:21-27 gives a list of the many cities and towns contained within the territory of Benjamin and, included among them are Jebus (=Jerusalem) and Jericho. From this point the western frontier ran southward to Kiriath-jearim. Though Benjamite territory was small, it was located between two of the largest territories: Ephraim, to the north, and Judah, to the south. And when the gates of the courtyard closed behind them, they thought they were prisoners again, and sat down on the stone pavement to sigh and mourn. Each son became the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus Ehud the Benjamite, Israels second deliverer in the period of the Judges, was remembered for being left-handed (Judg 3:15). There seems to be no truly satisfactory resolution of the problem of the western boundary of Benjamin. And as the youngest of the family no doubt he was made much of. On the N the border passed from the Jordan to a spring E of Jericho and continued in a northwesterly direction to the region of Upper and Lower Bethhoron. This focus on war and violence is mentioned in Jacob's blessing on his son Benjamin in Genesis 49:27, which describes him as ''a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey, and at evening dividing the spoil'' (NRSV). Jews belonging to the 10 tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel disappeared from history after the Assyrian conquest of 721 bc and are known in legend as the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. 9:21), Benjamin was not to be despised. Who was this who knew about their brother whom they had sold into slavery? It seems probable that as Jerusalem had now become the royal city of the house of David, the adjoining parts of Benjamin proved loyal, while the more distant joined the Northern Kingdom. His birth took place on the road between Bethel and Bethlehem, near the latter, B.C. As for his angry words, he was only trying them, and meant nothing but kindness, as we shall see. Create your account. Why was this man so angry with them? Jacob's 12 sons became the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel, which controlled a significant amount of land in Canaan on the eastern banks of the Mediterranean Sea. Tribe of Asher History, Identity & Context | Who was Asher in the Bible? They have a master's degree in religious studies from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor's degree in English literature and religious studies from Western Kentucky University. They surrounded the house where I was staying that night. By then Jacob had become over 100 years old. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. 13Now hand over those worthless men in Gibeah. And when they came into his presence they knelt before him with bowed heads, till their brows touched the coloured pavement. 1915. With their simple presents in their hands, they went through the garden and into his beautiful house, and kneeling, laid the gifts at his feet. But at noon there came a loud knocking at the gate, and the red and green chariot of the great Egyptian drove in, and soon they were summoned to stand before him. Cracking his whip as he went, the Egyptian drove along the road, and soon overtook the returning travellers. Then Judah had more to say. But Joseph replied that he only wanted the man who stole his silver cup; the rest could return to their father. By the time of the division of the Promised Land, leadership of the tribe of Benjamin had fallen to Elidad the son of Chislon (34:21). Since you did not actually give them your daughters, you have no guilt.' " 23 The Benjamites did as instructed and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught. Then they sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. [7], Some classical rabbinical sources argue that Joseph identified himself for other reasons. Far away in the Vale of Hebron the famine was sore, and the sons of Jacob did not know what to do. In the genealogies of the restoration in the OT, in the Apoc., and in the NT, Benjamin generally is used to indicate personal descent rather than tribal territory (e.g. "Take these men to my house, for I shall dine with them to-day," was all Joseph said. However the question of the western border is settled, Benjamite territory was strategically located for warfare, the main highway from N to S passing through it. Joseph wished to frighten them, but in his heart he was glad that his brothers had not gone away, leaving Benjamin behind in slavery. And from all the countries round about people came into Egypt to buy corn. The ten Hebrews could scarcely speak for terror. What is your calling? They had heard terrible stories of how these fierce Egyptians never allowed spies to get out of their country alive. But the twelfth son is the one who broke the lucky streak. The E border was the Jordan River. And to Joseph's surprise, he begged that he would let him stay behind and be his slave for ever in place of his young brother, and let Benjamin go home to his father. Canaan and the regions of the 12 tribes of Israel. All except Judah followed him and Joab pursued him on behalf of David. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. The river formed the eastern boundary. It is called by ( Jeremiah 20:2 ) "the high gate of Benjamin;" also "the gate of the children of the people" ( 17:19 ). This, according to Josephus, was owing to "the goodness of the land" (Ant., V, i, 22); a description that would apply mainly to the plans of Jericho. This was done for a purpose, as we shall see. Chris has a master's degree in history and teaches at the University of Northern Colorado. Taking off their sandals and cloaks at the steps, the ten Hebrew shepherds went between the pillars at the door and stood waiting. Benjamin is given special mention as an entity separate from Israel when Abner is negotiating the kingship with David (3:17ff.). The tribe also controlled the major city of Jerusalem early in Jewish history and produced the first king, Saul, of the United Kingdom of Israel. They came nearer, and gazed up at the great man. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Scholars have speculated that Numbers 26 is quite possibly Genesis . | Definition, History & Significance, Babylonian Captivity | Summary, Timeline & History, UExcel Business Ethics: Study Guide & Test Prep, UExcel Introduction to Music: Study Guide & Test Prep, Introduction to Music: Certificate Program, Introduction to Humanities: Help and Review, DSST Introduction to World Religions Prep, Introduction to World Religions: Certificate Program, Introduction to World Religions: Help and Review, Study.com SAT Test Prep: Practice & Study Guide, History 106: The Civil War and Reconstruction, Create an account to start this course today. Benjamin answered with a low bow; and Joseph said, "May God be gracious to thee, my son!" Map of Eglon Invasion Map of Israel's Defeat of Moab Benjamin in the Song of Deborah Benjamin and the Ammonite Oppression Map of Jephthah's Defeat of the Ammonites The Land Allotment The heart and soul of life in ancient Israel was primarily centered within and around the boundaries of the tribe of Benjamin. His mother Rachel died in giving him birth. Within sat a young Egyptian, dressed in a robe of white linen, and wearing a great black wig of horsehair with many small plaits. The Benjamites fought against Sisera under Deborah and Barak (Judges 5:14). Jacob has been blessed so far in that none of his wives or surrogate wives have died in childbirth. After the death of Saul, the tribe of Benjamin remained faithful to his house. They were dumb with wonder. As a distinct tribe, Benjamin lost its own identity sometime after the United Kingdom of Israel split and it was absorbed into Judah; the Babylonian Exile further secured this combination. Later in the chapter, in the general enumeration of the children born in Paddan-ar am, the writer fails to except Benjamin (Genesis 35:24). "We belong to one family of twelve brothers," Judah replied. After the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land and, dividing the territory among the 12 tribes, assigned south-central Palestine to the tribe of Benjamin. Then the ten men went in and knelt down humbly before the young Egyptian; nor did they rise until he gave them leave. This amazed the brothers. While the northern kingdom had more territory and 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel, the southern kingdom contained the key city of Jerusalem and the two tribes that had ruled: Judah and Benjamin. At the division of the kingdom, we might have expected Benjamin to join in the revolt against Rehoboam and secede with the other tribes leaving Judah alone. The name is first mentioned in letters from King Sn-kid of Uruk (18011771 BC), who called himself King of Amnanum and was a member of the Amorite tribal group the Binu-Jamina (single name Binjamin; Akkadian "Mar-Jamin"). 10Well take one-tenth[b] of all the men from the tribes of Israel to get supplies for the troops. Deuteronomy 33:12 in all English translations, ERV Children's Softcover Bible, Case of 28, ERV Holy Bible--soft leather-look, russet, case of 24, ERV Duotone Bible, Black/Grey - Case of 24, ERV Holy Bible--soft leather-look, teal, case of 24. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! They refused to do so unless they could take Benjamin with them; and after holding out for a long time, at last their father yielded. 1. Amid the stories of Joseph, Judah, and other sons of Jacob, Benjamin's tale in the Hebrew Bible is often overlooked. The second of Rachel's sons was Benjamin. The inheritance of this tribe lay immediately to the south of that of Ephraim, and was about 26 miles in length and 12 in breadth. Holding up his hands for mercy, he told the story of how they had begged their old father to let Benjamin come; adding that if they returned without him, the old man would die of grief. Whatever may be said of the details, it certainly reflects the memory of some atrocity in which the Benjamites were involved and for which they suffered terrible punishment. Some passages support this (1 Kings 12:20) while others state explicitly that Benjamin remained with Judah (12:21, 23; 2 Chron 11:10, 12, 23; 14:8; 15:2, 9, etc.). The tribe seems to have met the challenge of this position, becoming known for its skillful archers and slingers. [23], This article is about the Biblical figure Benjamin, son of Jacob. BEST VALUE in digital Bible study. Saul of Tarsus was a member of this tribe (Philippians 3:5). They wished to take their young brother Benjamin with them, but their father would not allow them. Then Benjamin looked up at him, and Joseph felt the tears coming into his eyes; and rising from his chair, to the surprise of the men, he left the hall. For they were all to come down, he said, and live in the golden and fruitful land of Goshen, and he would watch over them there. Although Jacob's favorite son was Joseph, it was fairly evident that his second favorite son was Benjamin--probably because they were the two sons of his favorite wife. Omissions? Benjamin, the last son of Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel, was one of Jacob's favorites because of his mother. Gideon (/ d i n /; Hebrew: , Modern: Gdn, Tiberian: Gn) also named Jerubbaal and Jerubbesheth, was a military leader, judge and prophet whose calling and victory over the Midianites are recounted in Judges 6-8 of the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible.. Gideon was the son of Joash, from the Abiezrite clan in the tribe of Manasseh and lived . 2. like a child at rest on its mothers back.. His story is found in Genesis chapters 35-49. But the men of Israel killed 5,000 more on the roads. Please read Genesis 35:16-21. Personal courage and martial temperament, a characteristic of the Benjamites throughout history, are before us in Benjamin as a ravening wolf devouring the prey and dividing the spoil. It lay between Ephraim on the North and Judah on the South. [15] According to several biblical scholars, Benjamin was also originally part of this single tribe, but the biblical account of Joseph as his father became lost. "From the land of Canaan, to buy corn," was the humble answer. A son of Bilhan and a great-grandson of Benjamin (1 Chron. Genesis 46:21 lists 10 of them: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Arad. Meanwhile, those waiting in ambush rushed from their position to the west of Gibeah. GODS WORD Translation (GW). Ten sons of Benjamin are named at the time of their settlement in Egypt (Genesis 46:21). His scribes sat at tables below him, writing down any orders he might wish to give. But the great Egyptian only listened with a frown to their whining voices. Tribe of Joseph Split & Symbolism | Who are Ephraim & Manasseh? 7:10). the officer asked sharply. The people of Israel said, Tell us how such an evil thing could happen., 4The Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered, My concubine[a] and I went to Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night. They killed all the people and cattle they found in every city. However, if historically accurate, these events happened sometime in the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE. Give me your advice right now!. A man of the tribe of Benjamin, son of bilhan, and the head of a family of warriors. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. In the story of Joseph and his brothers, we see the themes of forgiveness, the father-son bond, sibling rivalry, brotherly love, God's sovereignty, and God's greater good in times of suffering. As Benjamins contribution to the team of spies sent into Canaan, Palti the son of Raphu served (13:9). (See GIBEAH .). 20-21)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Benjamin&oldid=1152673923, For a list of persons with the given name Benjamin see, This page was last edited on 1 May 2023, at 16:36. Benjamin, whose name means ''son of the south'' or ''son of the right hand,'' was the youngest son of the 12 sons of Jacob in Genesis. Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. Start for FREE. Learn about Benjamin, Jacob and Rachel, the Tribe of Benjamin, the Tribe of Benjamin symbol, the history of the tribe, and the Tribe of Benjamin today. There were two Benjamin gates in the city of Jerusalem, one in the Temple (Jer 20:2) and the other perhaps to be identified with the sheep gate in the N wall of the city (37:13; Zech 14:10). "Is your father well?" What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali. "I see you are spies," was the harsh reply, but his voice was softer. Revelation 7:8 8 from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. Joseph was 17 when he last saw Benjamin. They were kinder now than on that day so long ago when they sold him to the dark merchantmen in the far-off Vale of Dothan. 42They turned in front of Israel toward the road to the desert. The northern frontier started from the Jordan over against Jericho, and ran to the north of that town up through the mountain westward past Bethaven, taking in Bethel. ( son of the right hand, fortunate ). Ark of the Covenant | Location, Meaning & History. the great man asked in a kindly voice. Unfortunately, death in childbirth was a rather common occurrence in the ancient world. (, One of the "sons of Harim," an Israelite in the time of Ezra who had married a foreign wife. Easy-to-Read Version (ERV). 12The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin. As she felt death approaching she called him Benoni, "son of my sorrow." Fearing, probably, that this might bode evil for the child--for names have always preserved a peculiar significance in the East--Jacob called him Benjamin, "son of the fight hand . What can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? Bright, History of Israel (1960), 142, 189, 213-216; F. F. Bruce, Israel and the Nations (1963), passim. They stayed at Rimmon Rock for four months. By allusion to the biblical Benjamin, in French, Polish and Spanish, "Benjamin" (benjamin/ beniamin/benjamn, respectively) is a common noun meaning the youngest child of a family, especially a particularly favoured one (with a similar connotation to "baby of the family"). 18:28)a fact referred to by the psalmist, There is little Benjamin their ruler. Between the shoulders of Benjamin, the God of Israel caused His name to dwell. Paul the Apostle in the New Testament, who was a follower of Jesus and early Christian missionary, was a Jew who claimed to be from the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites had allowed the men of Benjamin to take back some ground. 1. Although the Tribe of Benjamin was a fairly small tribe, it was renowned for the warriors it produced, which was symbolized by the wolf. He looked at them and frowned, and they were afraid. Benjamin. 3:23). Members of the tribe were separated when two distinct kingdoms were established after the death of King Solomon (922 bc) and the territory of Benjamin was divided between them. What can we learn from the tribe of Manasseh? He was betrayed by a woman of Abel of Beth-maachah and was slain. His birth took place on the road between Bethel and Bethlehem, near the latter, B.C. A son or descendant of Harim who put away his foreign wife (Ezra 10:32). The Torah's Joseph narrative, at a stage when Joseph is unrecognised by his brothers, describes Joseph as testing whether his brothers have reformed by secretly planting a silver cup in Benjamin's bag.
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