Benjamin was the twelfth son of Jacob, and the twelfth point of the ancient English lectures, symbolizing this tribe and referring to the closing of the Lodge. He was the last of the sons of Jacob, and thus closed his father's strength.
The name Benjamin is also significant in several of the degrees which refer to the Second Temple, because the tribes of Judah and Benjamin were the only tribal representatives in its construction. Hence in the Masonry of the Second Temple the names Judah and Benjamin superseded the names Jachin and Boaz of the First Temple. Genesis 35:16-20 – Genesis 42:4 – Genesis 49:27
Biblical References
Genesis 35:16-20
16 And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. 19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
Genesis 42:4
But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
Genesis 49:27
Benjamin shall raven as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
