Topical Encyclopedia The term "Benjamite" refers to a member of the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in biblical history and narrative, being the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. The name "Benjamin" means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," reflecting both a position of favor and geographical location.Ancestry and Tribal Allotment Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife. His birth is recorded in Genesis 35:16-18, where Rachel names him Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," as she dies in childbirth. However, Jacob renames him Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin descended from him and is noted for its fierce warriors and strategic location in the land of Canaan. The tribal allotment for Benjamin is described in Joshua 18:11-28. The territory was situated between the tribes of Judah to the south and Ephraim to the north, encompassing key cities such as Jericho, Bethel, and Gibeah. This central location made Benjamin a significant player in the political and military affairs of Israel. Notable Benjamites Several prominent biblical figures were Benjamites. King Saul, the first king of Israel, was a Benjamite, as noted in 1 Samuel 9:1-2: "Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish... and he had a son named Saul, a choice and handsome young man." Saul's reign marked a pivotal moment in Israel's transition from a confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. The Apostle Paul, originally named Saul, was also a Benjamite. In Romans 11:1, Paul states, "I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin." His Benjamite heritage is significant in understanding his zeal for the Jewish law and his eventual role as a leading figure in the early Christian church. Historical and Biblical Events The tribe of Benjamin is involved in several key biblical events. One of the most tragic is the account of the Levite's concubine in Judges 19-21, which led to a civil war between Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. The conflict nearly resulted in the annihilation of the tribe, but they were eventually spared and allowed to rebuild. In the period of the divided kingdom, the tribe of Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David and was part of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, as noted in 1 Kings 12:21. This loyalty is significant in the preservation of the Davidic line and the eventual fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Characteristics and Legacy The Benjamites were known for their valor and skill in battle. Judges 20:16 highlights their prowess: "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss." This martial ability is a recurring theme in the descriptions of the tribe. The legacy of the Benjamites is one of resilience and strategic importance. Despite their small size, they played a crucial role in the history of Israel, both in the Old Testament narratives and in the New Testament through the Apostle Paul. Their account is a testament to God's providence and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the tribes of Israel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A descendant of Benjamin; one of the tribe of Benjamin.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BENJAMITEben'-ja-mit: One belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, such as Ehud (Judges 3:15), Saul (1 Samuel 9:1, 2), Sheba (2 Samuel 20:1), Shimei (1 Kings 2:8), etc. Strong's Hebrew 8039. Shimah -- Shimah, a Benjamite... 8038, 8039. Shimah. 8040 . Shimah, a Benjamite. Transliteration: Shimah Phonetic Spelling: (shim-aw') Short Definition: Shimeah. ... /hebrew/8039.htm - 6k 2361. Churam -- a Benjamite, also two Arameans (Syrians) 4381. Mikri -- a Benjamite 508. Elpaal -- perhaps "God of doing," a Benjamite 8125. Shamsheray -- a Benjamite 4936. Misham -- a Benjamite 7498a. Rapha -- a Benjamite 2133. Zethan -- "olive tree," a Benjamite 4821. Mirmah -- a Benjamite 6232. Esheq -- a Benjamite Library The Exile --Continued. How Samuel Found a Leader The Wall Rebuilt. The Old Judge and the Young King Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of ... The Ark among the Philistines Psalm 7 Herein is Declared what Befell the Sons of Eli, the Ark, and the ... The Wills of Men are So Much in the Power of God, that He Can Turn ... How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... Thesaurus Benjamite (15 Occurrences)... (n.) A descendant of Benjamin; one of the tribe of Benjamin. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BENJAMITE. ... Multi-Version Concordance Benjamite (15 Occurrences). ... /b/benjamite.htm - 11k Jeroham (11 Occurrences) Gera (9 Occurrences) Kish (18 Occurrences) Uzzi (11 Occurrences) Jerimoth (10 Occurrences) Ehud (12 Occurrences) Shephatiah (13 Occurrences) Eglon (13 Occurrences) Shimei (43 Occurrences) Resources Who was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Obadiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Benjamite: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Benjamite (15 Occurrences)Acts 13:21 Judges 3:15 Judges 20:46 Judges 21:1 Judges 21:18 1 Samuel 9:1 1 Samuel 9:21 2 Samuel 16:11 2 Samuel 19:16 2 Samuel 20:1 1 Kings 2:8 1 Chronicles 27:12 Esther 2:5 Psalms 6:10 Psalms 7:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |