Abdon עַבְדּוֹן
A minor judge of Israel from Ephraim
Who is Abdon in the Bible?
Abdon was a minor judge of Israel from the tribe of Ephraim, serving for eight years after succeeding Elon in leadership (Judges 12:13-15). The son of Hillel the Pirathonite, Abdon was notable for his large family, including forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode on seventy donkeys, a clear indication of his wealth and social standing in ancient Israel. Though little is recorded of his judicial accomplishments or military exploits, his prominence is reflected in his family's resources and the fact that he was buried in his hometown of Pirathon in Ephraim. Abdon represents one of the lesser-known judges whose primary significance lies in maintaining Israel's leadership continuity during the period of the judges.
Biography
Abdon, the son of Hillel the Pirathonite, is mentioned in Jdg.12.13-15 as a minor judge of Israel. He was from the tribe of Ephraim and succeeded Elon as a judge. Abdon judged Israel for eight years. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys, which was a sign of wealth and status in ancient Israel. Abdon died and was buried in Pirathon, located in the hill country of the Amalekites within the territory of Ephraim.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookJudges 2 verses
- Judges 12:13
"After Elon, Abdon son of Hillel, from Pirathon, judged Israel."
- Judges 12:15
"Then Abdon son of Hillel, from Pirathon, died, and he was buried at Pirathon in Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עַבְדּוֹן |