Benjamin was the youngest and, next to Joseph, favorite son of Jacob. His name means son of my right hand. Joseph was Benjamin’s older brother. The two were sons of Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. The story of the great affection between these brothers is told in the last eight chapters of Genesis.
In Biblical history, Benjamin was the founder of the Israelite tribe called the Benjamites. It is recorded that this tribe had a place of honor next to the Tabernacle in the march through the wilderness. The Benjamites settled in a small territory north of Judah. The southern boundary of their land passed through Jerusalem. This is the meaning of the saying that the Lord “dwelleth between his [Benjamin’s] shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).
The Benjamites were famous warriors. Israel’s first king, Saul, and many other heroes came from this tribe. The tribe was almost destroyed in a war against all the other tribes of Israel, but recovered and joined with Judah at the division of the kingdom.
