LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JACOB #84 : BENJAMIN #6

Lesson 3585

LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JACOB #84

JACOB'S PROPHECIES ABOUT THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL #19

BENJAMIN #6

BENJAMIN AND JUDAH #2

Judah and Benjamin have linked again prophetically as ministry partners.

We see this in the encampment of the tribes around the Tabernacle of Moses.

Judah ( with Zebulun and Issachar ) faced east - the entrance into the Tabernacle.  Benjamin ( with Ephraim and Manasseh ) faced west.

Whenever the glory cloud moved, the tribe of Judah led all the tribes like ensigns with the Levites carrying the Ark of Covenant.

Who took the rearguard in guarding the safety of the portable tabernacle of Moses - the most vulnerable part of the twelve tribes in their march towards the Promised Land?

None other than the fierce and warlike tribe of Benjamin.

There is a prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 58:8 that the glory of God shall be their rear guard. Thus the bearers of God's glory fell on Benjamin.

Glory is used to describe the manifestation of God's presence as perceived tangibly by humans.

What is today's lesson for us?

Just as Judah brought God's glory into the camp as a people of praise, Benjamin maintained and guarded that glory by being glory-bearers.

If indeed God's glory rises upon us as temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to draw God's presence and maintain it like Judah and Benjamin in the unity of the brethren in the Church. 

For there is a blessing we can claim in Psalm 133 among the Psalms of Ascent.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is

    when brothers dwell in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head,

    running down on the beard,

on the beard of Aaron,

    running down on the collar of his robes!

3 It is like the dew of Hermon,

    which falls on the mountains of Zion!

For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,

    life forevermore."