Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the Old Testament. He was part of the 12 tribes of Israel that descended from the 12 sons of Jacob. Benjamin’s story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Here is an overview of the key details about Benjamin in the Bible:
Benjamin’s Birth
Benjamin was born in Canaan as Jacob was traveling back to his homeland after living with his uncle Laban for many years (Genesis 35:16-18). Rachel went through a very difficult labor and died giving birth to Benjamin. Before she passed away, Rachel named her son Ben-Oni, meaning “son of my sorrow.” But Jacob renamed him Benjamin, meaning “son of my right hand.”
Benjamin was deeply loved by his father Jacob, being the second son born to his most beloved wife Rachel. Jacob had previously thought Rachel was unable to have children, so Benjamin was considered a gift (Genesis 30:22-24). Rachel’s sudden death while giving birth to Benjamin made him even more precious to Jacob.
Benjamin and His Brothers
Benjamin was much younger than his brothers, being the twelfth son of Jacob born later in his life. When Benjamin was a young boy, his older brothers cruelly sold their brother Joseph into slavery in Egypt out of jealousy (Genesis 37:12-36). Benjamin was not involved in this, being too young at the time.
Many years later, during a great famine, the brothers traveled to Egypt seeking food, not knowing Joseph was now second-in-command. Joseph demanded the brothers return with their youngest brother Benjamin to test them (Genesis 42:1-38). When they did, Joseph framed Benjamin for stealing, threatening to make him his slave (Genesis 44:1-34). This was a test to see if the brothers had changed from their jealous, heartless ways towards Joseph years before. In the end, the brothers passed the test by begging for mercy for Benjamin, showing they would not abandon him as they had Joseph. This led to a tearful reunion and reconciliation.
The Lineage of Benjamin
Benjamin had ten sons, whose descendants became the tribe of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, Numbers 26:38-41). This tribe was known as fierce warriors (Judges 20:15-16). The apostle Paul came from the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:4-5). Also, Israel’s first king Saul was from this tribe. The tribe of Benjamin stayed loyal to the line of David when civil war broke out during Rehoboam’s reign (1 Kings 12:21). Along with the tribe of Judah, they formed the southern kingdom of Judah while the other ten tribes formed the northern kingdom of Israel.
Key Events in Benjamin’s Life
Here are some key events and facts about Benjamin’s life according to Scripture:
- Benjamin was deeply loved by his father Jacob as the second son of his beloved wife Rachel (Genesis 35:16-18)
- He was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, much younger than his brothers (Genesis 35:23-26)
- Benjamin was too young to be involved when his brothers cruelly sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37:12-36)
- Many years later, during the famine, Jacob reluctantly allowed Benjamin to go to Egypt with his brothers to buy food (Genesis 42:1-5)
- Benjamin was falsely accused of stealing a silver cup by Joseph as a test of his brothers (Genesis 44:1-13)
- His brothers begged for mercy for Benjamin, showing they had changed from their past jealousy and cruelty (Genesis 44:14-34)
- This led to a tearful reunion and reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 45:1-15)
- Benjamin had ten sons who became the progenitors of the Israelite tribe of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, Numbers 26:38-41)
Benjamin’s Character
Though Benjamin was much younger than most of his brothers, the Bible gives some insight into his character both as a youth and later as an adult:
- He was deeply loved by his father Jacob, which suggests a close bond between them (Genesis 44:20)
- He was innocent of his brother’s past sins, as he was just a child when Joseph was sold into slavery (Genesis 37:26-27)
- Later as an adult, he appears responsible and trustworthy, as his father entrusted him to his brothers on their journey to Egypt (Genesis 42:1-5)
- He endured the false accusation of stealing with humility, not reacting in anger (Genesis 44:1-13)
- His brothers’ fierce defense of him later in life shows he was well-liked and not jealousied as Joseph had been (Genesis 44:18-34)
So although details are limited, Benjamin seems to have been a virtuous contrast to his older brothers’ past jealousy and cruelty. He was faithful to follow God like his father Jacob.
Benjamin as a Foreshadow of Christ
Many Bible scholars see Benjamin as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ in several ways:
- He was the beloved son of his father Jacob, just as Jesus was the beloved Son of God the Father (Matthew 3:17)
- Benjamin faced false accusation and was willing to become a slave for the good of others, just as Jesus was crucified despite being perfect (Philippians 2:5-8)
- Benjamin’s suffering led to redemption and reconciliation, just as Christ’s suffering brought salvation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
- The tribe of Benjamin was known for producing Israel’s first king Saul and eventually the apostle Paul, both of whom spread the message of the coming Messiah
So in many ways, Benjamin foreshadows how the suffering of the perfect Son of God brings redemption. His story points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ.
Lessons from Benjamin’s Life
Though Benjamin’s story only occupies a small portion of Genesis, important lessons can be drawn from his life:
- No one is beyond redemption – Benjamin’s brothers cruelly sinned against Joseph, but later were reconciled. No matter how terrible the sin, redemption is possible.
- Evil actions have consequences – Joseph’s brothers lived with guilt and regret over selling him into slavery for many years.
- Jealousy destroys relationships – The brothers’ jealousy of Joseph led them to commit a terrible sin against him that haunted them for years.
- Sibling rivalry causes strife – Favoritism and rivalry between siblings can lead to devastating consequences.
- Trials can cultivate humility and wisdom – Benjamin endured false accusation humbly and his brothers became wiser through years of guilt and regret.
Overall, Benjamin represents how God can redeem families and use trials to instill wisdom and humility in believers. His story is one of hope despite human failure.
Benjamin in Jewish Tradition
In Jewish Rabbinic tradition beyond the Bible, Benjamin’s character is further elaborated on. Here are some key views about Benjamin:
- He was considered innocent and righteous from birth, in contrast to his older brothers.
- He refrained from evil speech and was known for his wisdom and prophetic abilities.
- He defended his brothers’behavior to Joseph to appeal for mercy and reconciliation.
- He later fiercely defended the land allotted to his tribe when others tried to drive them out.
- His devotion to God was used as an example to inspire later generations.
So Jewish tradition paints an even more virtuous picture of Benjamin beyond what is stated explicitly in the Bible. He was considered an exemplary leader of character and faith.
Key Passages about Benjamin
Here are some of the most insightful and important passages from Genesis about Benjamin’s birth, life and character:
“And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.” (Genesis 35:18)
“Now the sons of Jacob were twelve…The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.” (Genesis 35:22-24)
“Now Joseph was seventeen years old when he was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought a bad report of them to their father…Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.” (Genesis 37:2-3)
“Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. I will be a pledge of his safety. From my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.” (Genesis 43:8-9)
“As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. They had gone only a short distance from the city. Now Joseph said to his steward, “Up, follow after the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Is it not from this that my lord drinks, and by this that he practices divination?” (Genesis 44:1-5)
These key passages reveal details about Benjamin’s birth, his father’s love for him, his innocence compared to his brothers, and his unwavering loyalty to his family.
Conclusion
In summary, Benjamin was the deeply cherished youngest son of Jacob and Rachel in the book of Genesis. He was innocent of his older brothers’ sins against Joseph and passed difficult tests of loyalty and humility later in life. Benjamin foreshadowed Christ as the perfect, beloved Son who brings redemption through suffering. His life offers timeless lessons on sin, jealousy, redemption, trials and favoritism within families. The lineage of Benjamin became one of fierce warriors and eventual kings and apostles. Both the Bible and Jewish tradition portray Benjamin as a man of character and faith despite the dysfunctions of his family.