Four reasons why Benjamin merited the Temple in his territory Zevakhim 53b-54

When the land of Israel was divided amongst the tribes, Benjamin received the territory in which the Temple, or at least the altar and the holy of holies was going to be built. Nevertheless, the tribe of Judah encroached upon Benjamin’s territory. Yesterday’s daf TB Zevakhim 53b and today’s daf TB Zevakhim 54 describes this situation and partially explains why the Benjamin was awarded with the building of the Temple in his territory.

“The Gemara asks: What is the reason that there was no base on the southeast corner of the altar? Rabbi Elazar says: Because it was not in the portion of land of the one who tears, i.e., the tribe of Benjamin, as he is described in the following manner: “Benjamin is a wolf that tears apart; in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil” (Genesis 49:27). As Rav Shmuel, son of Rav Yitzḥak, says: The altar would consume, i.e., occupy, one cubit of the portion of Judah. The part of the altar in Judah’s portion was the southeast corner of the base, and therefore there was no base on that corner.

“Rabbi Levi bar Ḥama says that Rabbi Ḥama, son of Rabbi Ḥanina, says: A strip of land emerged from the portion of Judah and entered into the portion of Benjamin, and the southeast corner of the base was on that strip. And the tribe of Benjamin the righteous would agonize over it every day, desiring to take it into its portion, due to its unique sanctity. As it is stated in Moses’ blessing to the tribe of Benjamin:

 

“‘He covers it throughout the day, and He dwells between his shoulders” (Deuteronomy 33:12). The term “covers it” is understood to mean that Benjamin is continually focused upon that site. Therefore, Benjamin the righteous was privileged and became the host of the Holy One, Blessed be He, as the Holy of Holies was built in his portion. As it is stated: “And He dwells between his shoulders.’” (Sefaria.org translation)

 

Midrash Yalkut Shimoni simon 957 provides four reasons why Benjamin merited the Temple was going to be built in his territory.

 

1)    Benjamin was the youngest and smallest of the tribes. A midrash uses a parable of a king visiting his sons; the youngest (Benjamin) felt unworthy to host the king entirely, which showed humility and triggered God's compassion, leading to the Temple being placed in his portion.

 

2)    Benjamin was the only brother who was born in the land of Israel.

 

3)     Benjamin had no portion in the selling of Joseph.

 

4)    Benjamin was the son who took care of his father in his father’s old age.