Bible Dictionary
Benjamin, The Tribe Of
The tribe descended from Benjamin. It was known for skilled archers and slingers, endured a nearly disastrous civil war, and later became closely associated with Judah.
Definition
The tribe of Benjamin was the tribal family descended from Benjamin. It was distinguished by a warlike character and particular skill with the bow and sling. After conflicts surrounding Saul and the civil war with the other tribes, its history became closely connected with the southern kingdom.
Biblical Usage
Benjamin defended the deed recorded in Judges and later supplied important places such as Ramah, Mizpeh, Bethel, and Gibeon. After the struggles following Saul’s death, the tribe’s history was largely merged with that of Judah.
Historical Background
Benjamin’s territory occupied a strategically important central position. Its warriors were celebrated as archers and slingers, and its location included major routes and historic towns.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The contrast between the warlike character of the tribe and the peaceful image of its progenitor comes out in many scattered notices. Benjamin was the only tribe which seems to have pursued archery to any purpose, and their skill in the bow, (1 Samuel 20:20,36; 2 Samuel 1:232; 1 Chronicles 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chronicles 17:17) and the sling, (Judges 20:16) is celebrated. The dreadful deed recorded in Judges 19 was defended by Benjamin. Later the tribe seems, however, to assume another position, as Ramah, (1 Samuel 9:12) etc., Mizpeh, (1 Samuel 7:5) Bethel and Gibeon, (1 Kings 3:4) were all in the land of Benjamin. After the struggles and contests which followed the death of Saul, the history of Benjamin becomes merged in that of the southern kingdom.