Benjamin
the youngest of the twelve
Who was Benjamin?
- The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. His mother died giving birth to him. Genesis 35:16-19
- He was the only full brother Joseph had left. Jacob did not want to be separated from him. Genesis 42:4, 38
- In Egypt, Joseph blessed him and went out to weep alone. When Joseph made himself known, they embraced in tears. Genesis 43:29-30; Genesis 45:14
What the Bible says
Genesis 35:16-19
16And going forth from thence, he came in the springtime to the land which leadeth to Ephrata: wherein when Rachel was in travail, 17By reason of her hard labour she began to be in danger, and the midwife said to her: Fear not, for thou shalt have this son also. 18And when her soul was departing for pain, and death was now at hand, she called the name of her son Benoni, that is, The son of my pain: but his father called him Benjamin, that is, The son of the right hand. 19So Rachel died, and was buried in the highway that leadeth to Ephrata, this is Bethlehem.
Genesis 42:4, 38
4Whilst Benjamin was kept at home by Jacob, who said to his brethren: Lest perhaps he take any harm in the journey. 38But he said: My son shall not go down with you: his brother is dead, and he is left alone: if any mischief befall him in the land to which you go, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to hell.
Genesis 43:29-30; Genesis 45:14
29And Joseph lifting up his eyes, saw Benjamin his brother, by the same mother, and said: Is this your young brother, of whom you told me? And he said: God be gracious to thee, my son. 30And he made haste because his heart was moved upon his brother, and tears gushed out: and going into his chamber he wept.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
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