The tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of Israel, faced numerous adversaries throughout biblical history. These enemies often played significant roles in the narrative of the Israelites, serving as instruments of divine judgment or as foils to highlight the faithfulness and resilience of God's chosen people.

1. Philistines: The Philistines were a perennial threat to the Israelites, including the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry, they frequently clashed with Israel. The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 4:11) and were a constant menace during the reigns of Saul and David. David's victory over Goliath, a Philistine giant, is one of the most famous accounts of their conflict (1 Samuel 17).

2. Moabites and Ammonites: These neighboring nations were descendants of Lot and often opposed Israel. The Moabites, under King Mesha, rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab (2 Kings 3:5). The Ammonites, too, were frequent adversaries, as seen in their alliance with the Moabites against Judah during the reign of Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1).

3. Edomites: Descendants of Esau, the Edomites harbored a longstanding enmity with Israel. They refused passage to the Israelites during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14-21) and later allied with Babylon against Judah (Psalm 137:7). Their hostility is prophesied against in the book of Obadiah.

4. Egyptians: Egypt, a powerful empire to the southwest, was both a refuge and a threat to Israel. Pharaoh Shishak invaded Judah during the reign of Rehoboam, plundering the treasures of the temple and the royal palace (1 Kings 14:25-26). Egypt's influence and interference in Judah's affairs continued through various alliances and conflicts.

5. Assyrians: The Assyrian Empire was a formidable force that threatened the existence of both Israel and Judah. Under kings like Tiglath-Pileser III and Sennacherib, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom and besieged Jerusalem. Hezekiah's faith and Isaiah's prophecy are central to the narrative of Judah's deliverance from Sennacherib's invasion (2 Kings 19:32-36).

6. Babylonians: The Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, was responsible for the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 586 BC. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel provide detailed accounts of this period, emphasizing the spiritual and moral reasons for Judah's downfall (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

7. Samaritans: After the return from exile, the Samaritans, who were a mixed population in the former northern kingdom, opposed the rebuilding efforts of the temple and Jerusalem's walls. Their resistance is documented in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where they attempted to thwart the restoration efforts through political and social means (Ezra 4:1-5).

8. Internal Enemies: Beyond external threats, Judah and Benjamin also faced internal challenges. Idolatry, corruption, and unfaithfulness among their own leaders and people often led to divine judgment and weakened their ability to withstand external foes. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah called out these internal issues, urging repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness.

Throughout their history, the tribes of Judah and Benjamin encountered numerous adversaries. These conflicts, while often resulting in hardship and suffering, also served as opportunities for divine intervention and the demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant people.