Genesis 46:21

Commentary on Genesis 46:21

Genesis 46:21 is a specific entry within a longer list of Jacob's (Israel's) descendants who journeyed with him from Canaan to Egypt to escape a severe famine and reunite with Joseph. This verse meticulously names the ten sons of Benjamin, Jacob's youngest and beloved son, born to Rachel. These individuals would become the progenitors of the future tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial passage (Genesis 46:8-27) that details the seventy souls of Jacob's immediate family who entered Egypt. The listing serves a vital purpose: to confirm the size and composition of the nascent nation of Israel at this pivotal moment in their history. Their migration to Egypt was not accidental but divinely orchestrated to preserve God's chosen people during a time of great hardship, setting the stage for their later growth and eventual exodus. The inclusion of Benjamin's sons highlights the family's expansion and the importance of each lineage within God's unfolding plan.

Key Themes

• Genealogy and Lineage: The meticulous recording of names underscores the significance of family lines in ancient Israel. Genealogies were essential for establishing identity, tribal affiliation, inheritance rights, and ultimately, tracing the lineage of the Messiah.
• Fulfillment of Promise: This catalog of names demonstrates God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, promising that their descendants would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2, Genesis 15:5). Each name listed is a testament to this promise taking root.
• Divine Providence: The migration to Egypt, facilitated by Joseph's earlier arrival and rise to power, was a testament to God's guiding hand. Even in famine and displacement, God preserved and positioned His people for future growth, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan.
• Foundation of a Nation: The individuals listed in this chapter are not merely names; they are the founding fathers of the tribes that would form the nation of Israel. Benjamin's sons, in particular, would establish a powerful tribe known for its warriors (e.g., Judges 20:16) and later, for giving Israel its first king, Saul, and eventually, the Apostle Paul.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew names listed in Genesis 46:21, like many biblical names, often carry specific meanings. For instance, "Benjamin" (בִּנְיָמִן - Binyamin) means "son of the right hand" or "son of good fortune," a name given by Jacob after Rachel's dying breath, who called him "son of my sorrow" (Ben-oni). While the individual meanings of Belah, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard are not explicitly detailed here, their inclusion emphasizes the unique identity and significance of each member within the larger family unit. The act of listing them by name underscores a personal and divine interest in every individual life that contributes to God's grand narrative.

Practical Application

This seemingly simple list of names holds profound lessons for us today. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire. Just as He meticulously kept track of every individual in Jacob's family, He knows and cares for each one of us. Our individual lives, though seemingly small, contribute to God's larger story of redemption and purpose. The passage encourages us to trust in God's providence, recognizing that He works through individuals and families to accomplish His will across generations. It also highlights the importance of our heritage and the legacy we pass on, whether physical or spiritual, as part of God's continuing work in the world.