Genesis 49:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They exhibit little susceptibility to fear, regardless of the challenges they face, much like dogs in a hunt, as they confront those who attempt to divert them from righteous deeds and words. Rather, they stand firm against such opposition. They have learned to boldly proclaim, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Rom. 8:35). They will not be led astray by false shepherds who mercilessly cast them into despair, as noted (Zech. 11:5). Enduring great hardship, they view suffering as a form of life, declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Thus, while they are metaphorically likened to wolves and predators, this characterization does not serve as an insult, for the Savior Himself refers to Himself as a lion, tiger, and panther, stating, “For I am like a lion to Ephraim, and like a young lion to the house of Judah; I, I will tear, and go away; I will carry off, and no one shall rescue” (Hos. 5:14).

The beasts of the field He designates as referring to His followers, as expressed through Isaiah: “The beasts of the field will honor Me, the jackals and the ostriches, because I will give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert to give drink to My chosen people. This people I formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise" (Isaiah 43:20-21). Do you comprehend how He refers to the chosen race as beasts of the field and singing birds, indicating the most melodic of creatures? They are considered beasts of the field because they do not yield to Satan’s temptations that seek to ensnare them; instead, they courageously confront him, thwarting those who wish to lead them astray. They are described as singing birds because they beautifully proclaim the works of Christ through their words and hymns of praise. Thus, Benjamin, the wolf, symbolizes a new and faithful people, demonstrating readiness to grasp the truths that promote goodness and the potential to benefit others. It is stated that “It is too early to eat and to provide food for the evening.” The learner is often compared to one who consumes food, for just as nourishment sustains the body, so does teaching nourish the mind. The instructor serves as a provider of sustenance. Likewise, the Apostle Paul compares teaching to food, declaring that solid food belongs to the mature (Heb. 5:14), those whose senses have been trained to discern good from evil through experience. Therefore, Benjamin the wolf is likened to an active predator in the morning, prepared to provide nourishment for the evening. It suggests that those who are still on the path of learning can still be a source of benefit to others, and it does not take long for new believers to rise as teachers. Concerning the Israelites, in their ignorance and lack of understanding, it was said, “A foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear” (Jeremiah 5:21). Once again, it is spoken: “Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by Me from your birth, carried from the womb even to your old age” (Isaiah 46:3). The wise John, in his epistle to those in faith and in Christ, writes, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things” (1 John 2:27). For they possess the mind of Christ the All-Knowing and lack nothing in comforting and teaching each other.

Should it be proper to say that the prophecy regarding Benjamin was fulfilled in the blessed Paul himself, it would indeed be fitting and true. After he had persecuted the Church and opposed those who loved Christ like a wolf, he was transformed in a remarkably short time. He began preaching the very faith he had sought to destroy and expressed gratitude to God that he had been appointed to the apostleship, despite having previously been a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man (1 Tim. 1:13). He acknowledged his maleness as descended from the tribe of Benjamin (Phil. 3:5). I contend that even the divine David explicitly speaks to this history in Psalm sixty-seven: “There is Benjamin the youngest, ruling over them; the princes of Judah are their leaders, the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali” (Psalms 67:28). Being Jewish and descended from the line of Israel, the blessed disciples became leaders to those justified through faith in Christ; among these was Paul himself, from the tribe of Benjamin, who stated in his letter, “For whether we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or whether we are sober, it is for your benefit” (2 Corinthians 5:13). He preached to Jews and Gentiles the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom and with whom be glory to God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

He was a wolf when he unleashed threats and violence against the disciples of the Lord, seeking authority from the chief priests to apprehend the servants of Christ, as seen in Acts 9:1-2. The Lord blinded him with a brilliant light, akin to a wolf navigating through the shadows (Acts 9:3-9). Thus, when Rachel gave birth to Benjamin, she named him "son of my sorrow," foretelling that from this lineage would arise Paul, who would afflict the sons of the Church during his time of persecution, causing his mother profound grief. Nevertheless, this same Paul later dined with rulers, proclaiming the Word of God to the Gentiles and leading many to faith; they found favor with the Lord through his preaching, including the proconsul Paul (Acts 13:7-12) and the leader Publius (Acts 28:7-10). Moses proclaimed eloquently when blessing the tribe of Benjamin, "The one dear to the Lord will dwell secure, for the Most High protects him all day long, and he rests between His shoulders" (Deuteronomy 33:12). He who abides securely in the house dwells within the tents of Christ; he who roamed like a wolf in the wilderness was shielded by God when Christ revealed Himself to him. Though he remained blind in his physical sight, he perceived Christ (Acts 9:8). Indeed, he rightly witnessed Christ's presence and heard Him speak: that covering does not result from blindness but from divine grace (2 Corinthians 3:13-16). Ultimately, it is declared to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1:35).

Initially a blasphemer and persecutor, he later repented and shared spiritual nourishment with all, becoming the first to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles (see Acts 5:42), and we who have faith in Him will offer praise to God. For His glory endures forever. Amen.