Interesting Facts

• Benmalich became king of Gerar at a young age, only twelve years old, following the death of his father, Abimelech.
• The people of Gerar had a custom of naming the son after the father, so Benmalich was also called Abimelech.
• Benmalich (or Abimelech the son) reigned in Gerar.
• The text mentions the reign of Benmalich in Gerar within the timeframe of Abraham and Keturah’s children being born.
• No specific actions or decisions of Benmalich are detailed in the sources beyond assuming the throne.

Genealogy

• Benmalich was the son of Abimelech.
• His lineage connects him to the previous king of Gerar, establishing a dynastic succession.
• The sources do not mention his mother, wife, or any children.

Historical Context

Benmalich’s reign begins after the death of his father, Abimelech. The text places this event within the 44th Jubilee year, specifically between the years 2090-2099 AM when Abraham and Keturah’s children were born. This period follows Abraham’s dealings with the previous Abimelech, during which a covenant and oath were established. The cultural context of Gerar at this time included the custom of naming the son after the father, which explains why Benmalich is also referred to as Abimelech. This practice suggests a strong emphasis on familial legacy and continuity of rule within Gerar.

Narrative

The narrative involving Benmalich is brief, primarily focusing on his ascension to the throne of Gerar at the young age of twelve following the death of his father, Abimelech. His introduction into the narrative serves to mark a change in leadership in Gerar during Abraham’s later years. The text highlights the custom of the people of Gerar to rename the son after the father, indicating a continuation of the name “Abimelech” in the royal lineage. While his reign is mentioned, the provided sources do not detail any specific interactions or events directly involving Benmalich. His significance in the narrative lies in his role as the successor to the Abimelech who had dealings with Abraham, suggesting a potential continuation of the relationship between Abraham’s descendants and the Philistines of Gerar, although the specifics of this relationship during Benmalich’s time are not elaborated upon in these excerpts.