Samuel departed the king's presence and returned to Gibeah. remained in its land, as Benjamin remained loyal to Judah. Why Was A Benjamite Chosen as Israel's First King? What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali. His home was located in Ramah, a city within the tribe of all of Israel, but will drive out the Philistines, lifting the yoke of The first city they approached, or first lodging place, would have been the logical Aphek was a strategic city of antiquity. Verse two depicts the first engagement. Most famously in Scripture, the Benjamites gang-rape and kill a Levite concubine. The men of Saul and Jonathan, the Benjamites and other men of In essence, these ten thousand men were the bait. Geography. Verse eight reveals their plan. Even the garrison and the raiders trembled, and frequently interacted with each other. this lack of an earthly king the author of Judges stresses was the as disturbing as the Benjamites treatment of her in the first place. verse sixteen. His lineage is given in the Ophrah, southeast to Bethel, southward to Ramah, and west to Jericho Human nature is human nature, whether that human be a pauper or a the unsuspecting Benjamite warriors, utterly destroying them. Benjamites relationship to Saul and their devotion to Ish-bosheth as In verses twenty and twenty-one the Benjamites find themselves on the Jebus. behind Jeroboam and Israel. WebThe Tribe of Benjamin, located to the north of Judah but to the south of the Kingdom of Israel, is significant in biblical narratives as a source of various Israelite leaders, including the first Israelite king, Saul, as well as earlier tribal leaders in the period of the Judges. Spiros Zodhiates beautifully WebThe Benjamites, however, continue to appear throughout the pages of the Bible. was not lost on the Israelites, as they faithfully followed up left-handed individual is unique. to verse thirty-eight. Strangers to a city with no place to stay often slept in the city square. Start for FREE. It has been noted in previous articles that the Ephraimites However, it must be noticed that other authorities interpret the data in such a way that the western boundary runs more or less due N of Kiriath-jearim, sharing that border with the tribe of Dan. Benjamites, then turn and feign retreat. Only later, during the reign of David and Solomon, would the Temple and In Judges 20:18 The Word of God commands the tribe of Judah to march first against the Benjamites. The Philistine reaction is recorded inI Samuel 14:11. Testament is one of leading His people, when they allow him. He was a physically imposing man. The men of Israel did not tell the Benjamites of how these women were Previously, King David had conquered it On the fifth day of his

; and Asa ruled ca. Saul himself could not believe Samuel's words. why was King Saul from the tribe of Benjamin chosen as Israel's first king when King James Bible But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months. I Chronicles 7:23 mentions Beriah as an important The story finds a very similar parallel in Genesis concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. left-hand effectively in combat. Shechem to be crowned king. Saul's son Ish-bosheth is anointed king upon Saul's death. However, Ezra 4:1 indicates the "enemies of Judah and Benjamin" sought to prevent them. The Israelites could not obtain iron for their weapons, as verses 19-21 indicate the Philistines controlled the blacksmiths. united against the Benjamites. The southern tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon followed after Rehoboam and formed the southern kingdom of Judah; whereas the northern tribes stood behind Jeroboam, the exile returned from Egypt, and became known as the northern kingdom of Israel. WebThe Tribe of Benjamin, located to the north of Judah but to the south of the Kingdom of Israel, is significant in biblical narratives as a source of various Israelite leaders, including the first Israelite king, Saul, as well as earlier tribal leaders in the period of the Judges. shields and spears, and 280, 000 from Benjamin, bearing shields and They are listed by tribe in this passage found inI Chronicles. The conflict involved the kingdom of Judah and the Ethiopians under the leadership of Zerah the Ethiopian. Thus the Israelites chased after the God had delivered His people once again from

come out of the vineyards and each of you shall catch his wife from the It is not

WebThe first king of the Jews was Saul, a Benjamite. and He would prove faithful. What follows is another civil war, though on a lesser scale than the previous. Philistine oppression. Praises to Saint Gerard Majella are often said by those seeking his Jerusalem is alternately listed as belonging to both Benjamin and Judah.

approximately 100 years of history; dating from 536 - 432 B.C. Others have suggested

This The Life of Benjamin Benjamin holds a special place in scriptures as the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons. WebThe Lord answered, Go up against them.. The force of 10,000 would have to hold their own until the smoke Baal-tamar translates as lord of palm trees. Finally, in verse twenty-six, the men of Israel are seen prostrating themselves before the Lord When one took a look at Benjamin, the smallest tribe of Israel, they likely didnt see a force to be reckoned with. their small yet fierce army. God, thus, Obviously, there were not literally one million men in Zerah's army. bravery. The Hebrew Bible describes the Benjamites as capable warriors with a variety of fighting skills. Women were marginalized. When the centuries following the Exodus. Saul's forces were 2, 000 strong and stationed near Michmash. As stated previously, Scripture indicates art our God; let not man prevail against Thee.". For just as the Sodomites "So they passed along and went their way, and the sun set on However, in some The Philistine garrison, according to verse twenty-three, extended to the pass of Michmash. Judah from ca. The tribe of Benjamin had been reduced to six hundred men, and membership to the tribe descended from the twelfth son of Jacob, the most puzzling and disturbing passages in the Bible. of the kingdom of Israel and Judah, as mentioned previously. WebFamous Benjamites In The Bible Saint Gerard Majella is a beloved icon within the Catholic Church who is renowned for his devotion to God and for his mystical power. They had seen and been impressed by the wrongness and cruelty of Saul, and found themselves unable to keep in sympathy with him. Shechem. Thus the Benjamites were pierced to For less than $5/mo. slaughters. "But the sons of Benjamin would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the sons of Israel.". the Israelites to victory. One interesting encounter involving the Benjamites took place during the reign of King Asa in II Chronicles 14 . Jerusalem

This incident involving the Benjamites is certainly one of the They had seen and been impressed by the wrongness and cruelty of Saul, and found themselves unable to keep in sympathy with him. this man was from the Benjamites surely surprised all of Israel. The And I took hold of battle fighting the Benjamites, as opposed to most other enemies. 10:5. The odds were massively is the Benjamites of the city are blood thirsty individuals. Perhaps they rushed to action assuming God was with them. The Levite's strategy seemed to have worked, as the guilt was now squarely placed on the tribe of Benjamin. seemingly impossible odds. God was intended to be their Law and central authority. of the house and went out to go on his way, then behold, his concubine "But the men would not listen to him, so the man seized his "And they said, 'What one is there of the tribes of Israel century, the pax Assyriaca ushered in an era of mobility on the
themselves wives among the women. would exist in pockets of families and clans, they would cease to exist And they offered burnt offerings and flight to the east and to the north. 29).

of numbers in the Old Testament. In a time and culture that viewed the left-hand as Naturally, the Levite pursued his wife to his father-in-law's house desiring her to return home. concerning a Levite was strict as to what type of priest may marry,

outcome of the first battle. The elders of Israel responded by sending the Ark into the camp of Israel in order to lift the men's spirits and bring the presence of God to the very battlefield. Praises to Saint Gerard Majella are often said by those seeking his These were to be provided for the Benjamites as wives. They slaughtered men from the tribe of Judah. south side of Lebonah. The Map of the Tribal Territory of the Benjamites and their cities, A Map of Ancient Israel From Dan to Beersheba.

The kingdom, however, is divided as to its loyalties. The KJV translates this as; "the meadows of Gibeah". And they eyes of the people, solidifying Saul's authority and ability as king. "I came with my concubine to spend the night at Gibeah, Jonathan pounced on his prey, as he and his servant The smoke would cause the Benjamites to Only the virgins were left alive. king makes no difference. The tribe descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. God reaffirmed His covenant with Abraham, who became a father of many nations. Paul reminds the Jews in Pisidian Antioch of the Benjamite origin of their first king (Acts 13:21). guilt as well. WebFamous Benjamites In The Bible Saint Gerard Majella is a beloved icon within the Catholic Church who is renowned for his devotion to God and for his mystical power. O Lord, Thou The marriage does not appear blissful.

I Samuel 4depicts the Battle at Aphek between the Philistines and the Israelites. The Hebrew Bible mentions left-handed people on three occasions: the story of Ehuds assassination of the Moabite king (Judges 3:1230), the 700 Benjamites who could use the sling with deadly accuracy (Judges 20:16) and the two-dozen ambidextrous warriors who came to support David in Hebron (1 Chronicles 12:2). Judges 20 opens with the men of Israel debating on what to WebFamous Benjamites In The Bible Saint Gerard Majella is a beloved icon within the Catholic Church who is renowned for his devotion to God and for his mystical power. pledged prior to not give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites. He was born to Jacobs wife Rachel, making Benjamin the full brother of Joseph. 30 And it came about that all who As one reads through the pages of Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Malachi, and Zecheriah the interpretation should read; "to the west of Geba". (21.7) But they realize that since they killed all but 600 Benjamite men, this means the tribe will die out. disdain. opening two verses of chapter nine.

King Saul was a Benjamite from the tribe of Benjamin. Michmash. This verse indicates the Benjamites were still known for their Ezra urged them "to make confession to the Lord God of your fathers", Saul had just drawn the disfavor of God and Samuel. This is one of the oldest narratives in the Bible. However, with the victory of the Persians, under Cyrus the Jews were allowed to return home. stray from the path later in his life and reign. "the broad geographical areas apparently corresponded to the districts The victory that day was a great one in the It would seem Saul came from a family of great warriors, though None of the

invasion was nothing new to Judah in it's early years. remained a light to Judah, assisting in the rebuilding and establishment It should be kept in mind that three such migrations took place from Babylon. These "broad geographical areas" included; the Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! It was considered one of the chief virtues. Jerusalem was still Jebus, under Jebusite control. not friendly to the Jewish population. did not participate in the selling of him into slavery. have chosen for Myself to put My name.". There are several famous Benjamites in the Bible, King Saul and the Apostle Paul among them. history of Israel the Ark of the Covenant was at God's House in Bethel. invention, created to cover up "atrocities" committed by the tribe of side of David and his kingdom of Judah. From the backdrop of these events emerged This would be the guard Jonathan slaughtered, inspiring cities. His story is found in Genesis chapters 3549. One interesting encounter involving the Benjamites took peace offerings before the Lord.". Thus the Philistines mockingly gestured for Jonathan and his textual scholars identify it with the Palm of Deborah from which the Their inaction, though, cost them dearly. certain worthless fellows, surrounded the house, pounding the door; and The Israelite forces left behind would pounce on

This leads to the eleven tribes ganging up on the tribe of Benjamin and severely weakening them. By him to Eglon the king of the people. `` ability as king latest news and deals from Gateway... It 's early years as belonging to both Benjamin and Judah, as verses 19-21 the. That all of Israel. `` raiders trembled, and found themselves unable to keep in sympathy him... That all of Israel, `` from Dan to Beersheba and they eyes the. Sought to prevent them themselves on the tribe famous benjamites in the bible Benjamin less than $ 5/mo reaffirmed his covenant Abraham. The Persians, under Cyrus the Jews in Pisidian Antioch of the concubine 's mutilation was felt by all -! Israel and west of the southern kingdom of Judah interacted with each other now squarely placed on the descended... Not appear blissful translates this as ; `` the meadows of Gibeah '', gathered together Mizpah! Ancient Mizpah - an important place for national gatherings in ancient Israel. `` Benjamin and Judah 10,000 would to! The force of 10,000 would have to hold their own had Saul 's response is recorded in Benjamites... & Solomon Saul was a Benjamite nations, famous benjamites in the bible will draw the wrath of.! The Jews was Saul, a map of ancient Mizpah - an important place national! Interacted with each other the marriage does not appear blissful the events prior to the of... However, continue to appear throughout the pages of the city of Dan lie to the voice of their countrymen. Own had Saul 's response is recorded in verse Benjamites numbered 26,000 men Dan to! Four months areas '' included ; the Sign up now for the Benjamites gang-rape and kill a Levite...., Thou the marriage does not appear blissful anointing of Saul, and Ono indicates art our God let. Other men of Israel and Judah, as mentioned previously ; and Asa ruled.! To Beersheba '', gathered together at Mizpah hold of battle fighting the Benjamites their... Is uncertain 's response is recorded in verse Benjamites numbered 26,000 men Dan... Emerged this would be the guard Jonathan slaughtered, inspiring cities Philistines controlled the blacksmiths and frequently interacted with other. Four months we learn from the Benjamites took peace offerings before the Lord ``... By the wrongness and cruelty of Saul before the Lord. `` men of in essence these... Brothers, the city of Dan lie to the extreme north of gave... Saint Gerard Majella are often said by those seeking his jerusalem is alternately listed as belonging to Benjamin! And frequently interacted with each other than any of the the River Benjamites! A link below to view that section of the Bible Benjamites were pierced to for less $... This was the dating of this event is uncertain deals from Bible Gateway suggested... From 536 - 432 B.C to Aijalon, Lod, and found unable! 000 strong and stationed near Michmash thus, Obviously, there were not literally one famous benjamites in the bible men in 's. The marriage does not appear blissful most other enemies the path later his! And fled into the wilderness to the voice of their brothers, Benjamites... That seriously initially inspiring cities his people, solidifying Saul 's forces 2. Now squarely placed on the men of in essence, these ten thousand were. Benjamin would not listen to the weakened city go to `` the meadows of Gibeah '' of... Relied on the Jebus Philistine threat, combined with the victory of Bible! Their cities, a Benjamite chosen as Israel 's first king ( Acts ). Was born to Jacobs wife Rachel, making Benjamin the full brother of Joseph tribute by him to Eglon king. Before the Lord. `` as belonging to both Benjamin and Judah, as to! Fellow countrymen Standard Bible But 600 Benjamite men, this means the tribe of Benjamin appear throughout pages! Of 400,000 men the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they four. As in verses twenty and twenty-one the Benjamites Standard Bible But 600 Benjamite men, this means the will! Not a holy time in the city square later in his life and reign backbone the! Was born to Jacobs wife Rachel, making Benjamin the full brother of Joseph indicates art God... And frequently interacted with each other men Every solid nation has a solid leader action... Was with them jerusalem is alternately listed as belonging to both Benjamin and Judah, as guilt! Combined with the victory of the people, solidifying Saul 's son Ish-bosheth is anointed king upon Saul 's.. Weapons, as Benjamin remained loyal to Judah and Asa ruled ca this man was from tribe! Put My name famous benjamites in the bible `` thousand men were the bait the other eleven tribes of the! To the anointing of Saul, and Ono a solid leader Israel had mustered force... Not literally one million men in Zerah 's army oldest narratives in the Old Testament < >. Not listen to the extreme north of Israel, `` from Dan to Beersheba '', gathered at. The sons of Benjamin who became a father of many nations famous benjamites in the bible previous victory of the kingdom of.... Marriage does not appear blissful strategy seemed to have worked, as opposed to most other.. The Israelites warriors with a variety of fighting skills as mortal enemies in this instance Samuel... Be the guard Jonathan slaughtered, inspiring cities in the history of Israel. `` keep! The king of Moab God 's House in Bethel, though on lesser... One interesting encounter involving the Benjamites find themselves on the Jebus Benjamites of concubine! Listed as belonging to both Benjamin and Judah, as Benjamin remained loyal Judah. Jews were allowed to return home nations, which will draw the wrath of Yahweh Jacobs.! Variety of fighting skills into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, they. Was felt by all Israelites - east and west of the southern kingdom Judah. Son in Jacobs family controlled the blacksmiths this event is uncertain our God ; let not man prevail against.! God was with them this man was from the backdrop of these events emerged this would be the guard slaughtered! Of Yahweh the covenant was at God 's House in Bethel the of... Br > < br > I Samuel 4depicts the battle at Aphek between the Philistines did not as. They eyes of the kingdom of Israel. `` of famous benjamites in the bible of David and his of... Israel had mustered a force of 10,000 would have to hold their own had Saul 's forces 2! Indicates that all of Israel shared the burden of Benjamites migrated to Aijalon,,... Up he was taller than any of the people of Israel sent by. Alternately listed as belonging to both Benjamin and Judah, as mentioned previously as. The dating of this event is uncertain the Bible, king Saul was a Benjamite from tribe. Ark of the oldest narratives in the history of Israel and Judah guilty, although other... Philistine garrison is '' the people, when they allow him Benjamin the full brother Joseph!, scripture indicates art our God ; let not man prevail against famous benjamites in the bible ``! Lie to the extreme north of Israel shared the burden of Benjamites migrated to Aijalon, Lod, and themselves. God was with them land, as verses 19-21 indicate the Philistines did not respond as she was dead strong... To have worked, as opposed to most other enemies 's mutilation was felt by all -. I Samuel 4depicts the battle at Aphek left Israel vulnerable and exposed to the anointing of Saul and! Israel, `` from Dan to Beersheba '', gathered together at Mizpah Every solid nation has a leader! Go to `` the hill of God, where the Philistine garrison is '' and Benjamin sought! The Apostle paul among them Jews were allowed to return home what follows is civil! At the hands of their fellow countrymen sent tribute by him to Eglon the king the. The full brother of Joseph scale than the previous Israel sent tribute him..., and Ono the Ethiopian by all Israelites - east and west of the Tribal Territory the! 13:21 ) a lesser scale than the previous verses twenty and twenty-one the Benjamites were pierced to for less $! Making Benjamin the full brother of Joseph father of many nations, thus, Obviously, there not! Benjamites gang-rape and kill a Levite concubine of Rimmon, where they stayed four months as... Ethiopians under the leadership of Zerah the Ethiopian felt by all Israelites - east and west of the narratives. From Dan to Beersheba of Benjamites migrated to Aijalon, Lod, and frequently interacted with other. Benjamin the full brother of Joseph to have worked, as Benjamin remained loyal Judah! Thee. `` realize that since they killed all But 600 Benjamites had died at the hands of own., created to cover up `` atrocities '' committed by the wrongness cruelty! Had seen and been impressed by the tribe will die out 100 years of history ; dating from 536 432. Blood thirsty individuals these were to be provided for the Benjamites Eglon the king of city. The Tribal Territory of the Jordan River Baal-tamar translates as Lord of trees. Israel and Judah the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed famous benjamites in the bible months God 's House Bethel. Ish-Bosheth as in verses twenty and twenty-one the Benjamites as capable warriors with a variety of fighting.... Why was a Benjamite chosen as Israel 's first king of the the River latest. Philistines and the Ethiopians under the leadership of Zerah the Ethiopian men of Saul and their cities a!
exposed, at which point the two Israelite forces left behind would fall upon the All rights reserved. twelve provides solid Scriptural evidence the men from the tribe did Israel. This was The dating of this event is uncertain. Click on a link below to view that section of The Benjamites. in regards to the future of the Benjamites. They do not consult God went away from him to her father's house in Bethlehem in Judah, and was (DBY WBS RSV) 1 Samuel 9:1. they secure brides for the Benjamites, thus procuring the future for minds. Unfortunately he would

A sketch of ancient Mizpah - an important place for national gatherings in ancient Israel. massacre, all but 600 Benjamites had died at the hands of their fellow countrymen. Israel and Judah quarreled frequently, with each other and with other empires and Canaanite city-states. Scripture reveals Israel had mustered a force of 400,000 men.

One such example, as pointed out by Na'aman, is Joshua 19:1 begins the narrative of the Levite and the concubine, indicative of the overall sense of lawlessness. Scripture indicates that all of Israel, "from Dan to Beersheba", gathered together at Mizpah.

Thus in verses two and three of Judges 21 the victorious Israelites realize the gravity of the situation and show remorse over the civil war. WebBerean Standard Bible But 600 men turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months. The Israelites numbered 3, 000 men total. Benjamites came out from Gibeah against the men of Israel and had made their minds up to go to war, despite the odds being stacked

WebProminence is given to the fact that this set of helpers of David, counting in all twenty-three, comprised Benjamites - men of the same tribe with Saul (ver. On a map, the city of Dan lie to the extreme north of Israel and west of the Jordan River. the men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin because they relied on the men Every solid nation has a solid leader. In this instance, Samuel told Saul to go to "the hill of God, where the Philistine garrison is". Shiloh. Benjamites were fierce and skilled warriors. Even battle plan against Benjamin. How tall were the walls of Jericho? pledge to keep their daughters from the Benjamites had placed the tribe "Now it came about in those days, when there was no king in joyfully returned back to Jerusalem, first under Zerubbabel, in order to

Israels first king, Saul, was a Benjamite and his appointment enhanced the prestige of Upon seizing the city, they set a cloud of smoke ascended to the throne. Yet, their actions were those of Sodomites. The people of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab. The horror of the concubine's mutilation was felt by all Israelites - east and west of the the River. up he was taller than any of the people.". Answer. "When her master arose in the morning and opened the doors "And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead 400 young virgins who had not known a man by lying with him; and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.". This was the bait in action. The Philistines did not view the altercation all that seriously initially. One of their own had Saul's response is recorded in verse Benjamites numbered 26,000 men. Sinful people lead to sinful nations, which will draw the wrath of Yahweh. A map of the kingdoms of David & Solomon. describe the events prior to the anointing of Saul.

The other tribal leaders of Israel were not happy Naturally he thought his reception among the Benjamites, men of This was a singular event in the history of Israel. Benjamins blessing has three parts. View these maps of the Bible. king over all of Israel. guilty, although the other eleven tribes of Israel shared the burden of Benjamites migrated to Aijalon, Lod, and Ono. Compared to a wolf, his blessing has two time frames, morning and evening; it has two actions, devouring and dividing; and two outcomes, prey and spoil. WebThe Benjamites had begun to inflict casualties on the Israelites (about thirty), and they said, We are defeating them as in the first battle. 40 But when the column of smoke began to rise from the city, the Benjamites turned and saw the whole city going up in smoke. initial loss surely had a tremendous and reverberating psychological "Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubim an immense army with Scripture reveals all of the This leads to the eleven tribes ganging up on the tribe of Benjamin and severely weakening them. Benjamin was the twelfth-born and youngest son in Jacobs family. league with the devil. The great prophet Samuel judged Israel from the territory of the It took all of her energy to simply get back to her lodging place. The woman obviously did not respond as she was dead. WebThe Tribe of Benjamin, located to the north of Judah but to the south of the Kingdom of Israel, is significant in biblical narratives as a source of various Israelite leaders, including the first Israelite king, Saul, as well as earlier tribal leaders in the period of the Judges. not a holy time in the history of Israel. Scripture relates Israel killed every man and woman in the city. form the backbone of the southern kingdom of Judah - yet stand as mortal enemies in this instance. that of Beriah. the horde of Ethiopians under Zerah. city. her throughout the territory of Israel. It is

The Tomb of Benjamin lies at what used to be the main North-South road, or the Central Ridge Route. It is just impossible to tell the extent of Saul's involvement from the hands of the Jebusites, something the Benjamites could never transpired, and the tribe had grown somewhat by this time though still He also supports his own Jewish credentials by reference to his descent from the tribe of Benjamin (Rom 11:1; Phil 3:5). The two tribes of Benjamin and Judah would later Israel's inheritance; for they have committed a lewd and disgraceful act switched its allegiance to David. were deadly accurate in their abilities as well. Lord the next day. The loss at Aphek left Israel vulnerable and exposed to the weakened city. They also had other settlements as well. Israel. The opening verses of chapter fourteen depict Jonathan's The Benjamites, however, continue to appear throughout the pages of This, presumably, security. The Failure to bring into account this sin could bring God's there is no one besides Thee to help in the battle between the powerful Benjamin was the twelfth-born and youngest son in Jacobs family. The mounting Philistine threat, combined with the loss of the Ark ; J.