Who was Benjamin the son of Bilhan in the Bible?

Benjamin, the son of Bilhan, was a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin. He is listed in the genealogy of the tribe's founder, Benjamin, the son of Jacob, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:10.

Why is Benjamin the son of Bilhan mentioned in the Bible?

He is mentioned to show the continuation and growth of the tribe of Benjamin through its family lines. His inclusion in the genealogy (1 Chronicles 7:6-12) highlights God's faithfulness in multiplying the tribes of Israel as promised.

What is significant about Benjamin being a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin?

The tribe of Benjamin held a special place in Israel's history, producing Israel's first king, Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-2). Being a descendant connects this individual to that important tribal lineage and God's covenant promises to the patriarchs.

Benjamin

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleSon

This Benjamin was a son of Bilhan and a descendant of Benjamin.

Benjamin

Biography

This Benjamin was a descendant of the patriarch Benjamin, listed among the sons of Bilhan in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles 7:10. Bilhan was a son of Jediael, who in turn was a son of the patriarch Benjamin, making this Benjamin a third-generation descendant of the tribal ancestor. He appears in the Chronicler's account of the tribe of Benjamin's lineage, which emphasizes the tribe's warriors and military heritage during the period of the Divided Monarchy. No individual narratives or specific deeds are attributed to this Benjamin beyond his genealogical placement. He is one of several figures in the Benjaminite registers who carry the patriarchal name, reflecting the practice of honoring ancestral identity through naming within Israelite families.

Significance

This Benjamin, though sharing only a name with the great patriarch, carries symbolic significance in the continuity of tribal identity across Israel's history. The repetition of the name Benjamin within the tribe's own lineage reflects the deep reverence Israelite families held for their founding ancestor and the promises attached to him. The tribe of Benjamin held a unique place in Israelite identity, producing Israel's first king (Saul), remaining loyal to the Davidic house after the division, and later providing the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5). Each bearer of the name Benjamin participates in the living memory of the covenant family, reminding the community that God's promises extend from generation to generation.

Authority Records

Wikidata VIAF Library of Congress GND

FatherJacobMotherRachelChildBelaChildArdChildNaamanChildAshbelChildBecherChildEhiChildGeraChildHuppimChildMuppimChildRoshSiblingGadSiblingDinahSiblingJosephSiblingLeviSiblingJudahSiblingDanSiblingZebulunSiblingReubenSiblingIssacharSiblingNaphtaliSiblingSimeonSiblingAsher

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 7:10

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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