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 _______________________________________________ b-hebrew mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-hebrew
