We know the big stories, the miracles, the struggles. But what about their last days? Let's turn our attention to Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob's sons, and how the Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg) paints his final chapter.
The text tells us, simply, "And when he had made an end of saying these words, he commanded them to bury him in Hebron. And he sank into sweet sleep, and died." A peaceful end. His sons, fulfilling his wishes, carried him to be buried with his fathers. A simple, yet profound act of filial piety.
But what about the man himself? What thoughts filled his mind as the end approached? The Legends of the Jews offers a glimpse.
Benjamin, at the venerable age of one hundred and twenty-five, called his children to him. Imagine the scene: the aged patriarch, surrounded by his descendants, ready to impart his final wisdom. He kissed them, a gesture of love and farewell, and then he spoke.
"As Isaac was born unto Abraham in his old age, so was I born unto Jacob when he was stricken in years. Therefore I was called Benjamin, 'the son of days.'" The name itself, Benjamin, carries weight. In Hebrew, Ben Yamin means "son of the right hand," but here we see another interpretation, "son of days," connecting his birth to a later, more mature stage in Jacob's life.
He continues, revealing more about his origins: "My mother Rachel died at my birth, and Bilhah her slave suckled me." A poignant reminder of loss and surrogate motherhood. Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, paid the ultimate price bringing him into the world. Bilhah, her handmaid, stepped in to nurture him, a testament to the bonds that can form in the face of tragedy.
And then, a detail that adds depth to Rachel's story: "Rachel had no children for twelve years after bearing Joseph. Therefore she prayed to God, and fasted twelve days, and she conceived and bare me." Twelve years of longing, of yearning for another child. Twelve days of prayer and fasting, a testament to her faith and determination. It paints a picture of a woman deeply devoted to her family.
Our father loved Rachel fondly, and he had longed greatly to have two sons by her." Jacob's love for Rachel is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. This longing for two sons with her underscores the depth of their connection. Benjamin's existence is therefore not just a birth, but a symbol of enduring love, answered prayer, and the continuation of a legacy.
What does this brief vignette tell us? It's more than just a record of a death. It's a glimpse into a life shaped by love, loss, and faith. Benjamin's final words connect him to his family history, to the struggles and triumphs that defined his lineage. He is a link in a chain, a son of days, forever bound to the stories of his parents and ancestors. And through the Legends of the Jews, we, too, become connected to that story, invited to reflect on the enduring power of family, faith, and the legacies we leave behind.