Benjamin was the last of the two sons of Jacob and Rachel in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition. He was also the progenitor of the Israelite Tribe of Benjamin. Unlike Rachel's first son, Joseph, Benjamin was born in Canaan according to biblical narrative.
Engraving by Jacob de Gheyn II, c. 1590
Benjamin (right) embracing his brother Joseph
An illustration from the Morgan Bible of Benjamin being returned to Egypt (Genesis 44)
An exterior view of a Mamluk caravanserai complex, including the mausoleum of Nabi Yamin, traditionally believed to be the tomb of Benjamin, located outside Kfar Saba, Israel
Jacob, later given the name Israel, is regarded as a patriarch of the Israelites and is an important figure in Abrahamic religions, such as Judaism, Samaritanism, Christianity, and Islam. Jacob first appears in the Book of Genesis, originating from the Hebrew tradition in the Torah. Described as the son of Isaac and Rebecca, and the grandson of Abraham, Sarah, and Bethuel, Jacob is presented as the second-born among Isaac's children. His fraternal twin brother is the elder, named Esau, according to the biblical account. Jacob is said to have bought Esau's birthright and, with his mother's help, deceived his aging father to bless him instead of Esau. Later in the narrative, following a severe drought in his homeland of Canaan, Jacob and his descendants, with the help of his son Joseph, moved to Egypt where Jacob died at the age of 147. He is supposed to have been buried in the Cave of Machpelah.
Jacob Wrestling with the Angel, by Rembrandt
Russian Orthodox Icon of St. Jacob, 18th century (Iconostasis) of Kizhi monastery, Russia
Jacob's Dream statue and display on the campus of Abilene Christian University
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City