January Birthstone Garnet & The tribe of Benjamin

In the Bible, the tribe of Benjamin is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and is associated with the birthstone of January, which is garnet.

The name "Benjamin" means "son of the right hand" or "favored son," and the tribe of Benjamin was known for their skill in archery and for being the youngest of the twelve tribes. The tribe of Benjamin was also associated with the city of Jerusalem and the Temple, as well as with King Saul, who was the first king of Israel.

In terms of the association with garnet, there is no direct mention of garnet in the context of the tribe of Benjamin in the Bible. However, garnet is a gemstone that is known for its deep red color, and the color red is associated with power and passion in the Bible. For example, the book of Exodus describes the red blood of a sacrificed animal being sprinkled on the altar, while the book of Revelation describes a rider on a red horse representing war and bloodshed.

Garnet is also associated with healing and protection, and in ancient times was believed to have the power to protect the wearer from harm and ward off evil. This association may have been seen as fitting for the tribe of Benjamin, which was known for their skill in warfare and their close association with the Temple and the city of Jerusalem.

In some Christian traditions, the apostle Paul is associated with the tribe of Benjamin, and garnet is associated with him as well. According to tradition, Paul was a zealous defender of the faith and was willing to suffer persecution and hardship for his beliefs. Garnet is sometimes seen as a symbol of this passion and dedication, and is associated with the courage and commitment required to follow one's convictions.

While there is no direct mention of garnet in the context of the tribe of Benjamin in the Bible, the color red and the associations of power, passion, and protection may have made it a fitting birthstone for this tribe. The enduring association of garnet with the apostle Paul and his dedication to the faith underscores the power of symbolism and tradition in shaping our understanding of the world.