במדבר, פרק י׳, פסוק כ״ד

As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, their massive camp was organized under specific banners. The tribe of Benjamin, joining the groups stationed just before them, completed the formation that made up the camp of Ephraim [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The leader of Benjamin carries a name rich with family history and deep emotional resonance. Benjamin had a strong tradition of naming his children in honor of his beloved brother, Joseph, to remember his life and their bond. The leader of the tribe continues this profound legacy through his own name.

His name tells a story of both historical grief and ultimate triumph. His first name hints at their father, Jacob, who sorrowfully concluded that Joseph was completely lost to the world. This tragic assumption is reflected in his father's name, which echoes the idea of being violently cut down. Yet, the underlying truth of this family legacy points to a very different reality. Joseph was not only alive, but his ultimate destiny was to cut down the power of Esau. The tradition teaches that the moment Joseph was born, the specific force capable of confronting and defeating Esau entered the world [נחל קדומים].