Abidan אֲבִידָן
Leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Exodus
Who is Abidan in the Bible?
Abidan, son of Gideoni, was the leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Israelites' wilderness journey following the Exodus from Egypt. He is mentioned in the book of Numbers as one of the tribal leaders who assisted Moses in conducting the census of the Israelite population (Numbers 1:11) and who led Benjamin's forces during the wilderness encampment and marches (Numbers 2:22; 10:24). Abidan also represented his tribe by presenting the offering of Benjamin on the ninth day of the dedication of the altar in the tabernacle (Numbers 7:60, 65). While Scripture records these specific administrative and ceremonial responsibilities, no additional details about his personal life or leadership achievements are provided, making him a representative figure of the tribal leadership structure God established during Israel's formative wilderness period.
Biography
Abidan, the son of Gideoni, was the leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. He is mentioned several times in the book of Numbers. Abidan was one of the leaders who assisted Moses in taking a census of the Israelite population (Num.1.11). He also led the Benjamite tribe when the Israelites camped and marched in the wilderness (Num.2.22; 10.24). Additionally, Abidan presented the offering of the tribe of Benjamin during the dedication of the altar in the tabernacle (Num.7.60,65). Beyond these specific roles, no other details about Abidan's life or leadership are provided in the Bible.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical bookNumbers 5 verses
- Numbers 1:11
"from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni;"
- Numbers 2:22
"Next will be the tribe of Benjamin. The leader of the Benjamites is Abidan son of Gideoni,"
- Numbers 7:60
"On the ninth day Abidan son of Gideoni, the leader of the Benjamites, drew near."
- Numbers 7:65
"and a peace offering of two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Abidan son of Gideoni."
- Numbers 10:24
"and Abidan son of Gideoni was over the division of the tribe of Benjamin."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲבִידָן |
Abidan
epresent his tribe at the census in the wilderness of Sinai (Nu 1:11). When, on the erection, anointing and sanctification of the Tabernacle, the heads of Israel offered, Abidan offered on the ninth day (Nu 7:60,65).
a-bid': Old English word signifying progressively to "await," "remain," "lodge," "sojourn," "dwell," "continue," "endure"; represented richly in Old Testament (King James Version) by 12 Hebrew and in New Testament by as