Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>]

You're too rooted in modern cartography, Jim. Although Mesopotamia is 
actually east of Israel-Palestine as we look at them on a map, it was still 
considered in ancient times to be to the north because that is the direction 
you headed in order to get there. To the east is the Syrian-Arabian Desert, 
which is uncrossable. So, if the name Benjamin is meant to be a reference to 
the birthplace of the youngest son in contrast to the other sons, then 'Son 
of the South' is plausible.

Whether this is actually the case with Benjamin or not is another question. 
I'm merely trying to show a false assumption in your previous post.


GEORGE ATHAS
Director of Postgraduate Studies,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia