Benjamin is the 11th son of Jacob to Rachel. So, let us begin. Benjamin was the 2nd son of Rachel next to Joseph. At the time of Benjamin's birth, Rachel died. I can't imagine the pain Jacob was going through during this time. He loved Rachel so much. Just before she died, she requested that his son be named "Benoni" which means "son of my sorrow." But Jacob named him Benjamin instead, which means "the son of the right hand."
Genesis 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Jacob so loved Benjamin. When the brethren needed to go to Egypt to get some food during that great famine in the land, Benjamin was not allowed to go with them for it was the last son he thought he had to Rachel.
Genesis 42:38 And he said, My son shall not go down with you; for his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye go, then shall ye bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.
He was a loved son to Jacob whom he was not willing to lose. It was all he thought he had left of Rachel. But we know Jacob was alive in Egypt. And of course, when the brethren went to Egypt to gather food because of the famine in the land, it was Judah who stood to be a surety for Benjamin. If you remember the story, Joseph had asked his brothers during their visit in Egypt if they had any more brethren and they said yes, and His name was Benjamin. Joseph had then requested that he wanted to see him, and to make sure the safekeeping of Benjamin and his safe transport to Egypt, Joseph kept Simeon and bound him as it was Simeon who had bound Joseph and sold him to the slave traders.
And again, there is not much record of Benjamin's personal life, so let us take a look at Jacob's parting blessings to him:
Genesis 49:27 Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
Jacob's parting words to Benjamin do not seem to be promising. It seems that Benjamin's character is not worth to be copied. It is rather a description of a child who is always given what he wanted until he became self-willed and ill-tempered as the youngest son in a large family would become because he was spoiled, especially when he had no mother to help him be raised. I am not saying that all the youngest sons of the family are like this, but just a few out there.
This same stubborn character was shown by the tribe of Benjamin when they were supposed to deliver up the wicked men of Gibeah to be punished because of the evil they did. But the children of Benjamin did not listen to the voice of their brethren.
Judges 20:13 Now therefore deliver [us] the men, the children of Belial, which [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:
There is one positive trait of the tribe of Benjamin as warriors. There were mighty men among them and skillful in using the sling.
Judges 20:16 Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.
And about hundred years later, they were not only able to use the left hand but also the right hand.
Judges 20:16 Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.
Bible records that the tribe of Benjamin is the only tribe which seemed to pursue archery to any purpose.
2 Chronicles 17:17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand.
Moses' prophetic words to the tribe of Benjamin indicate that this tribe will have a decided change of their character as portrayed by Jacob.
Deuteronomy 33:12 And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
The stubborn character of Benjamin that Jacob compared it to a wolf who is ready to destroy everything before it, whose character is fearless, is changed by the converting power of the Spirit of God; and his strength that was once used to destroy others is now used to protect the people and the cause of God.
Brethren, there are some of us who have this stubbornness and fearlessness at one point in our life or in the first steps we took in our faith with Christ. We wanted to do whatever we want regardless if we were moving ahead of God or simply doing the wrong thing. Also, at a point in our lives, we wanted to do things that seemed pleasing to our senses of our flesh. From being an angry and easily irritated person, we become subdued and slow to anger. Nahum 1:3 "The LORD [is] slow to anger,…" Christ dealt with life's little annoyances just as we should. Some of us love to debate and are quick to think with our emotions, which results usually to anger and brings out a spirit that wants to argue, but by the power of God, we remain calm or will remain calm, only giving answers when needed, and when our words are not being hearkened to, we move on with calm and composed demeanor displaying no unChrist-like traits.
But when we came to the realization that we have to overcome these evil traits by the power of God, then we have decided to change our lives. And yes, our battle continues until we are found spotless and without wrinkle before the eyes of the Lord. This we have to continue to strive and do, so that Christ can present us to the Father as a people who are prepared for that great day.
Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
This is what God is requiring for His church, a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle. Now, let us take a look at some noted characters from the tribe of Benjamin.
Noted characters from the tribe of Benjamin:
1. Apostle Paul
It is interesting to note that the character of the leading apostle to the gentile was similar to the character of Benjamin.
Romans 11:1 I For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.
Saul, who was later then called Paul, was first introduced to us as witnessing the stoning of Stephen; he even consented his death. Absolutely amazing to know this!
Acts 7:58 And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Can you imagine what was going on in the church when they saw this happened and then later came to find out that Saul had been converted?
Benjamin was like a ravening wolf as Saul was, persecuting Christians and killing them whenever, entering into every house, bringing men and women to prison, etc. This is mentioned in
Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.
And so, he was likened to a wolf in a way that he was threatening people and slaughtering the disciples of the Lord. What a similar description to the character of Benjamin as described by Jacob and which appears to be a prophetic statement from Jacob about Benjamin.
Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord...
None of Christ's disciple were safe around Saul. They had to hide. Saul feared no one. He was bold and brave ready to go and persecute and kill. This same strength of character that caused him to raven as wolf and to hurt and destroy God's people was changed in a moment, and when Paul was converted, his strength of character shielded and protected the honor of God and His cause. He became a wonderful protector to the flock of God. He was not timid or afraid. He met the enemy head on and contended for the faith. Jesus can change lives brethren. Pray, and He can change yours, mine and anyone you pray for. Anyone on this earth who has the breath of life in them has a chance. Don't forget that.
Most of you may know about Saul or the apostle Paul who was converted one day when he was on his way to persecute more believers. There was a bright shining light from heaven. From that time, the Benjamite, Saul, had a view of Jesus which turned his hate for his neighbor into love. That is the power of God. If someone like Saul can be changed, then anyone can be. Have faith for your loved ones. Oh, how many souls would be converted to the truth if we would bear the same love as Christ. This event was recorded in Acts chapter 9 if you would like to read about it.
So, after his conversion, his wolf-like nature departed from him. This is where the church of God was able to dwell safely with him and call him brother. No more persecuting but protecting the church and the cause of God. The saints were no longer in danger. Paul became a protector or a shepherd to the flock of God. He who designed to destroy them was now their friend, ready to protect them at any time. So good to hear.
The act of Saul was returned back to him. God never forgets to return any act of kindness.
1 Samuel 2:30 but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
Because Saul shielded and protected the church of God, the Lord covered him all the rest of his days. There was nothing that could harm him. A poisonous serpent could not even harm him.
Acts 28:3-6 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid [them] on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
We can see how the Lord protected the one who is after the church and the cause of God. This can also be applied to any of us who will shield and protect the church against any deception of Satan.
In addition to what God can do to His faithful one, there was not enough water in the sea that could drown him on his travels to work in the Lord's vineyard. Acts 27:23-25. God covered him all day long.
Deuteronomy 33:12 And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.
These were the words of blessings from Moses pronounced to Benjamin.
Now, what does it mean to be covered by God all day long? This means that God will protect us from harms and dangers. In our journey in this narrow and strait path, when we see impossibilities like mountains in front of us, when things come to us, truly we cannot rely on our own strength because we can't and we will never stand, our Heavenly Father will have to lift us up, place us in His mighty arms and will carry us safely over that which is impossible for us to accomplish. What we can't do, He will do as long as we are faithful obedient children. What a wonderful Father we have. He is worthy of praises, honor and our strict obedience as a proof that we love Him back. Like the description of the blessings to Benjamin, "dwell between his shoulders," like a child resting between his dad's shoulders, we can accomplish that which is beyond all human power. Many of us who are working out there in the front lines of this battle, who are actively doing the work do see how the Heaven Godhead family protects us when we strive so hard to do the right thing, remain obedient and do the work we are called to do. Let us strive to glorify God into the 144,000. What a blessed place to be dear brothers and sisters, isn't it? But remember, God's promises are conditional. This can only be claimed by those obedient children as Saul. Somebody who willfully choose to do the things he wants to do even if it is out of God's will cannot claim His promises and therefore God is not under the obligation to fulfill His promises to.
2. Another character from the tribe of Benjamin is Ehud.
According to the story in Judges 3:21-26, he killed the king of Moab who was oppressing the Israelites. He was said to be left-handed too. So here is another one who protected the church of God.
3. Next notable character is Saul. Yes, the first king of the Israelites. Saul was from the tribe of Benjamin.
1 Samuel 9:21 And Saul answered and said, [Am] not I a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou so to me?
Saul was chosen to be the king over Israel and God anointed him. He was not only anointed but that God gave him another heart as well.
1 Samuel 10:9 And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.
We can see that God gave him a new heart. This new heart is a sign of a converted person. All things are made new. This is the type of heart that God requires from His people.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Saul was also associated with men whose hearts were touched by God.
1 Samuel 10:26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.
The Lord was with Saul as long as he stayed humble. But we know the story. He became exalted in his own mind. His once new heart became stubborn and was full of rebellion. And because of this, the Lord rejected him as king over Israel and he was replaced. God is of no respecter of persons. If the king of Israel can be removed from his job by God, how much more us who fail to do our part in the battle for the lost souls that we are called to warn? How much more for continuing to rebel in willful sinning, continuous backbiting, sowing discord among the brethren causing division, but choosing your own ways and not walk and do as the Lord has said. Saul rebelled and so he was removed.
1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Then the wolf-like character of a Benjamite was clearly seen. He was like a wolf, ravening, chasing David for years like he was hunting a partridge in the mountains.
1 Samuel 26:20 Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains.
He was looking to kill David like he was seeking a flea. Hunting him like a bird in the mountains. His soul desired to kill David, the beloved of the Lord. This is an opposite character of the one who loves to serve God and protect His church and His cause. And for this, he was removed.
4. Another noted character from the tribe of Benjamin Mordecai. He is a direct contrast to Saul who plotted to kill David.
The history of the life of Mordecai was about delivering people from trouble. Among these noble deeds were as follows:
1. Saving the king of Persia. The story is found in Esther 2:21-23.
2. Seeking for deliverance for the people of God against the plan of satan to destroy every believer. - Esther 4:1-3. His kindness that he showed to the king was used by God as a means of escape. Esther 6:1-11.
God used Mordecai to shield and protect His people. This is a true noble character of a Benjamite. And all of us who desire to be part of the living saints who will never taste death till Jesus comes will have to reproduce this type of character of Benjamin.
The natural heart of a Benjamite is a character of the unconverted heart in every age of the world. We know the nature of the natural heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Brothers and sisters, our natural heart is deceitful. It needs to be converted. It needs to be renewed by the power of God otherwise our heart will bring us to ruin. Like Mordecai, we have to stand true to principle, true to the church, true to the work in sharing the truth to all the lost and will risk all to protect the church and God's cause. When we can do this, then we can claim the promise given to Benjamin. This promise is that the Lord will cover us all day long and that we shall dwell between His shoulders.
Some of us may be of stubborn temper, get easily upset, ill-tempered and such, but God can change that. We may react to the slightest word of criticism or to someone doing wrong to us, where our heart is filled with anger and where we want and are ready to retaliate, but if we give all to God, we can be converted and none of these evil traits will be seen in us but only the love and the will of God. Let us put self away, give our life to the service of Christ, pick up our cross and follow Him. Be protectors of the flock in your families, be protectors of the church and be protectors of the lost by going out there into the world and helping the people see the same truth you see. Be found faithful as the tribe of Benjamin who will have this name written on one of the pearly gates in heaven. May 144,000 fighting soldiers walk through this gate during this generation. Let us not be found sleeping in the field because time in coming to an end. Wake up, stop getting tired, cry out for more power to overcome, desire to overcome, desire to help the lost and go do it and help bring a harvest for the Lord as did the noted characters of Benjamin did.
Let us search ourselves and see if there is a trace of this wolf-like nature of Benjamin. Let us ask God to remove it from us and renew our hearts and that the godly side of a Benjamite character be reflected in our lives so that Christ and Him alone be glorified with the Holy Spirit. May the Godhead family be glorified in all of us who love and obey God in all our striving through the power of God. Stand strong brothers and sisters and stay in the fight. It is about to get rough and if we don't stand closer to Christ now and do what we are called to do, we are going to spiritually die and be removed from our place in the flock of GOD and be replaced. I pray that this alerts and wakes us up. Time is getting shorter. Take your stand, your post and let us do our duty...for the way to the house of God is narrow and a few will find it because of their own choices and choosings. Fight, fight and strive to victory. It is time to take the next step in obedience. Whatever we have not been overcoming, it is time to step forward and do it. Pray, pray and pray till tears fall before the throne of God. Knock the Laodicean out of yourselves, myself, and this half-hearted lukewarm condition before we find ourselves spued out like the Laodicean church. Let us take our stand with the fruits of the Remnant church and walk perfectly through the power of God into the 144,000 and maybe into or under the tribe of Benjamin.