Benjamin

Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel, who died in childbirth (Genesis 35:16–20). He was especially dear to Jacob after Joseph's disappearance, and his welfare is central to the tension in Genesis 42–44, where Joseph tests his brothers by demanding Benjamin's presence in Egypt. The tribe of Benjamin occupied territory between Judah and Ephraim and produced Israel's first king, Saul (1 Samuel 9:1–2). The apostle Paul identifies himself as 'of the tribe of Benjamin' (Philippians 3:5; Romans 11:1), making Benjamin's lineage significant in both the Old and New Testaments.