JOSEPH #72 | JOSEPH IN EGYPT #54 | LAST WORDS OF JACOB #43
Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3668
JOSEPH #72
JOSEPH IN EGYPT #54
LAST WORDS OF JACOB #43
13. BENJAMIN #6
BENJAMIN: CATALYST FOR RECONCILIATION #3.
From our study of Benjamin, we may think he was a mere passive recipient of Joseph's favour.
For example, when Joseph invited his father Jacob and all his brothers to join him in Egypt, he gave Benjamin 300 pieces of silver and 5 sets of garments as a special favour.
But Benjamin in fact paid honour to Joseph.
The children of Benjamin included ten sons: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
Scholars think each name is a tribute to Joseph:
-Bela, means, “swallow,” and refers to Joseph being swallowed up.
-Becher, means, “firstborn,” and honors Joseph as being Rachel’s firstborn.
-Ashbel means “capture,” a reference to Joseph’s captivity.
- Gera means "grain,” a reference to Joseph’s role as governor in Egypt.
-Naaman means “grace,” and refers to Joseph’s eloquent speech.
- Ehi means “my brother,” and refers to Joseph as being Benjamin’s only full brother.
- Rosh means “elder,” referring to Joseph being older than Benjamin.
- Muppim means “double mouth,” in reference to Joseph carrying on Jacob’s legacy.
- Huppim means “marriage canopies” a reference to Joseph’s marriage.
- Ard means “wanderer/fugitive,” a reference to Joseph’s early life in Egypt.
Moreover, the tribe of Benjamin had many famous descendants that honoured Joseph's legacy.
Upon his deathbed, Jacob gives a blessing for Benjamin.
He says, “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf, in the morning devouring the prey, and at evening dividing the spoil.”
Indeed, the Tribe of Benjamin is known for its warriors:
- Ehud a Judge of Israel
- Saul and Jonathan ( the covenantal brother of David from Judah )
- Esther and Mordecai in Persia
- Paul who gave us two-thirds of the New Testament.
The takehome lesson is to be grateful for God's blessings, augment them as blessings to others and leave behind a legacy that glorifies God.
