Let's delve into the offerings of the tribe of Benjamin, and see what stories they tell.
According to Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, the sanctuary's placement – first in Shiloh, within Joseph's territory, and later in Jerusalem, within Benjamin's – meant that Benjamin's tribe and its sacrifices followed the pattern established by Joseph's. It’s all interconnected, you see.
The "charger," a large platter, is particularly evocative. It signified Rachel, Benjamin’s mother. The story goes that Rachel bore Benjamin to Jacob when he was a hundred years old. The charger weighed 130 shekels, a number chosen to commemorate this event, and also Benjamin's age of thirty when he journeyed to Egypt. Think about that for a moment: numbers aren't just numbers; they're historical markers.
Then there's the bowl, which represents the cup Joseph used to test his brothers' feelings toward Benjamin. Both the charger and the bowl were filled with fine flour. Why? Because both Joseph's and Benjamin's lands were deemed worthy to house God's sanctuary. It’s a beautiful image of blessing and worthiness.
The spoon, made of ten shekels of gold and filled with incense, corresponds to the ten sons of Benjamin. The legend emphasizes that all ten were pious men. In essence, the incense becomes a symbol of their righteousness rising to the heavens.
Now, things get even more interesting. The three burnt offerings represent the three Temples built in Jerusalem, which was located in Benjamin's territory. We're talking about Solomon's Temple, the Temple built by the exiles returning from Babylon, and the future Temple to be built by the Messiah. Each offering a promise, a hope, a fulfillment.
But what about the sin offering, the kid of the goats? This points to a darker chapter: the building of the Temple by the infamous King Herod. He was considered wicked, and he atoned for executing learned men by erecting the sanctuary. Talk about a complicated legacy!
And finally, the two oxen of the peace offering symbolize the two deliverers of the Jews who came from the tribe of Benjamin: Mordecai and Esther. Think about the story of Purim — the courage, the cunning, the ultimate triumph!
Even the smaller details are packed with meaning. The five heads each of the three kinds of small cattle for the peace offering symbolized the triple distinction of Benjamin and his tribe. How? Well, Joseph honored Benjamin five times more than his other brothers. When Joseph revealed himself, he gave Benjamin five changes of clothing. And Mordecai, a Benjamite, received five garments of state from Ahasuerus. It’s a recurring motif, a visual echo of honor and distinction.
What does it all mean? These offerings weren't just ritualistic acts; they were a living history, a way to connect the past, present, and future. They reminded the people of their origins, their struggles, and their hopes. They wove together stories of family, faith, and redemption, all embodied in the simple act of bringing a sacrifice. As we delve into these ancient narratives, we gain a profound understanding of the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.