Ehi (Hebrew: ’Ēḥî) was a member of the tribe of Benjamin during the patriarchal period. His name, likely a shortened form of Ahiram (meaning “my brother is exalted”), appears in the genealogical records of those who descended into Egypt with the patriarch Jacob.
1. A Son of Benjamin
In the book of Genesis, Ehi is listed as one of the ten sons of Benjamin. He was among the seventy souls of the house of Jacob who moved from Canaan to Egypt to escape the great famine, under the protection of Joseph.
- The Genesis Record: > “And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard.” (Genesis 46:21, KJV)
2. Genealogical Variations
The tribe of Benjamin underwent significant upheaval and restructuring throughout biblical history (most notably after the events at Gibeah in the book of Judges). Consequently, the names of Benjamin’s descendants appear with slight variations in different genealogical lists.
- Identification with Ahiram: In the census taken by Moses in the wilderness of Moab, a family of Ahiramites is mentioned as descendants of Benjamin. Most biblical scholars and linguists identify Ehi with Ahiram.”Of Benjamin after their families… of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:” (Numbers 26:38, KJV)
- Identification with Aharah: Similarly, in the detailed lineage of the kings and warriors of Benjamin found in Chronicles, he appears to be listed under the name Aharah.”Now Benjamin begat Bela his firstborn… Aharah the third,” (1 Chronicles 8:1, KJV)
Historical & Theological Significance
Ehi’s inclusion in the “seventy souls” of Genesis 46 is a testament to the Providence of God in preserving the specific families of Israel. Even though his name is rendered differently in later administrative records (as Ahiram or Aharah), his place in the covenant line remained secure.
For the student of the Word, Ehi represents the “multiplication of the seed.” Though Benjamin was the youngest of Jacob’s sons, his household was remarkably large upon the entry into Egypt, fulfilling the promise that God would make of the patriarchs a great nation. Ehi was a foundational link in a tribe that would eventually produce Israel’s first king (Saul) and the great Apostle to the Gentiles (Paul).