Ten Tribes Vs. One Tribe/2
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Ten Tribes Vs. One Tribe
Exegetical Approaches
Binyamin
Achiyah had included the tribe of Binyamin with Yehuda.
Evidence that Binyamin was loyal to the Davidic line – The fact that Rechovam gathers "כׇּל בֵּית יְהוּדָה וְאֶת שֵׁבֶט בִּנְיָמִן" to quell Yerovam's rebellion supports the idea that both tribes together had been left to the Davidic dynasty. During the reign of Asa, as well, Binyamin is explicitly grouped with Yehuda (Divrei HaYamim II 15:1-10).
Why isn't Binyamin mentioned? These sources explain that since Binyamin was both less important and less numerous than the tribe of Yehuda, it is not mentioned on its own but only included as part of the more glorified Yehuda. In addition, sine Yerushalayim fell within the borders of both tribes, they were considered as one.
Status of Yerushalayim and Binyamin's siding with Yehuda – According to this approach, Yerushalayim was, and was always meant to be, firmly under the control of the Davidic dynasty. as such, Radak suggests that since Yerushalayim was within the territory of Binyaimn, it too had of necessity to be under control of the Davidic dynasty.
Why would Binyamin side with Yehuda? From a political perspective, it does not make sense that Binyamin would have wanted to join Yehuda, its rival from the days of Shaul. The tribe would appear to be a prime candidate to join a rebellion rather than back Rechovam!
- Hoil Moshe suggests that they only sided with Rechovam out of fear.
- Alternatively, it is possible that their allegiance demonstrates that David's attempts at reconciliation with the tribe had in fact succeeded.1
Status of Yerushalayim – According to this approach, Yerushalayim was, and was always meant to be, firmly under the control of the Davidic dynasty.
"לְמַעַן עַבְדִּי דָוִד וּלְמַעַן יְרוּשָׁלִַם הָעִיר אֲשֶׁר בָּחַרְתִּי" – These sources could suggest that Hashem kept Yehuda "לְמַעַן עַבְדִּי דָוִד" and Binyamin "לְמַעַן יְרוּשָׁלִַם".
Shimon?
Shimon
Achiyah had not intended that Binyamin was to join Yehuda. The missing twelfth tribe was Shimon, which had been subsumed under its neighbor already in the period of the Conquest.
