Who was Benjamin:

Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob (also known as Israel). When the 12 tribes of Israel were established among the 12 sons of Jacob, the descendants of Benjamin became known as the tribe of Benjamites.

According to Scripture, Benjamin’s father (Jacob) loved Benjamin and Joseph (the two youngest sons) more than his other sons because they were the sons of Rachel (the wife Jacob loved most).

Biblical Passages Regarding Benjamin:

The birth of Benjamin:

Then they moved on from Bethel. While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth and had great difficulty. And as she was having great difficulty in childbirth, the midwife said to her, “Don’t despair, for you have another son.” As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.

Genesis 35:6-18

Joseph demands the presence of Benjamin:

Joseph’s brothers were jealous of their father’s love for Joseph. Out of spite they sold Joseph as a slave and told Jacob (their father) that Joseph was killed. Ultimately, Joseph was sent to Egypt where, through the authority of God, he demonstrated remarkable abilities and spared Egypt from a famine. As a result Egypt’s Pharaoh placed Joseph in a position of authority within Egypt.

When Joseph’s brothers arrived in Egypt to buy food, Joseph recognizes them. Joseph knowingly falsely accuses them of being spies and demand the presence of Benjamin.

And this is how you will be tested: As surely as Pharaoh lives, you will not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.

Genesis 42:15

Jacob refuses to allow Benjamin to go to Egypt:

But Jacob said, “My son will not go down there with you; his brother is dead and he is the only one left. If harm comes to him on the journey you are taking, you will bring my gray head down to the grave in sorrow.”

Genesis 42:38

Jacob allows Benjamin to go to Egypt:

Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift—a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.

Genesis 43:11

Joseph orders his servants to frame Benjamin for theft of a silver cup:

Now Joseph gave these instructions to the steward of his house: “Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry, and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.” And he did as Joseph said.

Genesis 44:1-2

Benjamin is caught with the silver cup:

Each of them quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. 12 Then the steward proceeded to search, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest. And the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 At this, they tore their clothes. Then they all loaded their donkeys and returned to the city.

Genesis 44:11-13

Joseph demands Benjamin become his slave:

But Joseph said, “Far be it from me to do such a thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace.”

Genesis 44:17

Judah volunteers to be a slave in Benjamin’s place:

“Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father.”

Genesis 44:33-34

Joseph reveals himself to Benjamin and his brothers:

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it…Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

Genesis 45:1-2,14-15

Benjamin had 10 sons:

The sons of Benjamin:
Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim and Ard.

Genesis 46:21

The descendants of Benjamin were known as Benjamites:

The LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords.

Judges 20:35