Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Allotted to the Tribe of Benjamin

◄ Jerusalem: Allotted to the Tribe of Benjamin ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and theological significance, is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible. It holds a unique place in the narrative of the Israelites and their relationship with God. One of the notable aspects of Jerusalem is its allotment to the tribe of Benjamin, as described in the Old Testament.

Biblical Allotment

The allotment of Jerusalem to the tribe of Benjamin is detailed in the Book of Joshua, which describes the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel. In Joshua 18:28, the city is listed among the cities given to Benjamin: "Zelah, Haeleph, Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), Gibeah, and Kiriath—fourteen cities, along with their villages. This was the inheritance of the clans of the tribe of Benjamin" . The mention of "Jebus" refers to the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of Jerusalem before its conquest by the Israelites.

Historical Context

Jerusalem's location on the border between the tribes of Benjamin and Judah made it a city of strategic importance. Although it was allotted to Benjamin, the city was not fully controlled by the Israelites until the time of King David. The Jebusites maintained control over Jerusalem until David captured it, as recorded in 2 Samuel 5:6-7: "Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. And the Jebusites said to David, 'You will never get in here; even the blind and lame can repel you.' For they thought, 'David cannot get in here.' Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)" .

Religious Significance

Jerusalem's religious significance is deeply rooted in its role as the center of worship and the location of the Temple. Although initially allotted to Benjamin, the city's spiritual importance transcended tribal boundaries. It became the political and religious heart of the united monarchy under David and Solomon. The construction of the First Temple by Solomon further solidified Jerusalem's status as the focal point of Israelite worship.

Prophetic and Messianic Themes

Throughout the prophetic literature, Jerusalem is often depicted as the city of God's chosen people and the future site of divine intervention and restoration. The prophets frequently speak of Jerusalem in eschatological terms, envisioning a time when the city will be the center of God's kingdom on earth. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where Jerusalem is central to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection.

Conclusion

Jerusalem's allotment to the tribe of Benjamin is a testament to its early significance in the history of Israel. While initially a city on the periphery of Israelite control, it rose to become the epicenter of religious and political life for the nation. Its enduring legacy is reflected in its continued importance in biblical prophecy and Christian theology.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 18:28
And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which is Jerusalem, Gibeath, and Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... THE HOLY CITY; OR, THE NEW JERUSALEM. ... In our Lord's days there was union among his
disciples, as there must be under his personal reign in the New Jerusalem. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... [2830] I will return to Jerusalem and, passing ... is still shewn to-day, and where the
tribe of Benjamin ... they then devoted themselves to their allotted tasks, and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... that we know of, any particular cities allotted them. ... to the old name Salem, Peace,
will be Jerusalem; and since ... to be on the one side, and the tribe of Judah ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... At the instigation of Adoni-zedeck, King of Jerusalem, the Canaanites ... set about dividing
the spoil, and assigned to each tribe his allotted portion of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Jerusalem, possibly in part to be attributed to the reign ... These were the Amorites
which the tribe of Dan ... dislodge from the lands which had been allotted to them ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... polity, which is formed upon the model of the church at Jerusalem. ... These men of God,
each of them filled his allotted sphere. ... Let every kingred, every tribe,. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... saints which slept arose, and were seen in the heavenly Jerusalem." [1814] Then ... my
secretary makes is so much gone from my allotted time ... 1826] A Thracian tribe. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm

Letter Lxix. To Oceanus.
... heaven and earth, and to this is allotted the name ... [2030] A Scottish tribe, cannibals
according ... 19:34: Jerome here follows Tertullian and Cyril of Jerusalem. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxix to oceanus.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the revolt of Tyre and of Judah: the siege and destruction of Jerusalem"The last ...
Each one of these tribes occupied its own allotted territory, the limits of ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... requested that a special bazaar might be allotted to them ... was master in his own city
of Jerusalem or Samaria ... time of Jehoshaphat, a member of the tribe of Judah ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm