benjamin, the tribe of Summary and Overview

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, #1Sa 20:20,36; 2Sa 1:232; 1Ch 8:40; 12:2 2Ch 17:17| and the sling, #Jud 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, #1Sa 9:12| etc., Mizpeh, #1Sa 7:5| Bethel and Gibeon, #1Ki 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.