Interesting Facts

• Benjamin, son of Rachel, was the youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons.
• Jacob did not initially send Benjamin with his other sons to Egypt to buy corn, fearing that mischief might befall him like his brother Joseph.
• During the second trip to Egypt, Joseph gave Benjamin a portion seven times larger than that of any of his brothers.
• Benjamin was able to interpret Joseph’s map of the stars to discern that the ruler in Egypt was indeed his brother Joseph.
• Benjamin’s brothers were so concerned for his safety during the silver cup incident that they smote him in their distress as they returned to Joseph.

Genealogy

• Benjamin was the son of Jacob and Rachel.
• He was the full brother of Joseph.
• Benjamin married Mechalia the daughter of Aram. He was ten years old at the time of this marriage.
• Mechalia bore Benjamin five sons: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman.
• Benjamin later took another wife, Aribath, the daughter of Shomron, and had five more sons: Achi, Vosh, Mupim, Chupim, and Ord.
• The sources list his sons as Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. Benjamin named some of his sons after his brother Joseph, whom he had not seen.

Historical Context

Benjamin’s early life was marked by his status as the youngest and the favored son of Rachel, particularly after the disappearance of Joseph. The famine in Canaan forced Jacob to send his sons to Egypt for sustenance, a situation that directly involved Benjamin when Joseph insisted on seeing him as a condition for further trade. This period highlights the critical role of Egypt as a source of food during regional hardship and the complex power dynamics between Jacob’s family and the Egyptian authorities. The interactions in Egypt, orchestrated by Joseph, reveal the customs of the time regarding trade, suspicion of foreigners (as spies), and the severe consequences of theft. The eventual reunion and the subsequent move of Jacob’s entire family to Goshen reflect the socio-political influence Joseph had attained in Egypt and the security offered to his family during the famine. Benjamin’s life in Egypt under Joseph’s protection provided a period of security and prosperity for him and his growing family.

Narrative

Benjamin’s personal story begins with his father’s reluctance to let him travel to Egypt, reflecting Jacob’s deep affection and protectiveness towards Rachel’s remaining son after Joseph’s presumed death. When his brothers returned from their first trip to Egypt with the demand that Benjamin accompany them on the next, Jacob was initially distraught, fearing further loss. However, the severity of the famine and the persuasive arguments of his sons, particularly Judah’s willingness to take responsibility for Benjamin, eventually led to Jacob’s consent. Upon arriving in Egypt, Benjamin was brought before Joseph, who, concealing his identity, showed him favor, notably with the disproportionately large food portion at the meal. Joseph then tested his brothers by concealing a silver cup in Benjamin’s sack, leading to a dramatic confrontation. During this ordeal, Benjamin remained largely silent while his brothers vehemently defended his innocence and their commitment to him. The intense emotional exchange between Judah and the disguised Joseph, with Judah offering himself as a substitute for Benjamin, ultimately led to Joseph’s emotional revelation of his true identity. Following the reunion, Benjamin was embraced by Joseph and played a role in facilitating the move of Jacob and the entire family to Egypt. In Egypt, Benjamin continued to live securely with his brothers and his growing family under Joseph’s care, honoring his father’s commands. He received generous gifts from Joseph, signifying his special bond with his brother. Even after Joseph’s passing, Benjamin and his descendants remained in Egypt.