Gideoni גִּדְעֹנִי
Leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Exodus.
Who is Gideoni in the Bible?
Gideoni, son of Abidan, was the leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Israelites' wilderness journey following the Exodus. He is first mentioned in Numbers 1:11 during the census of military-age men, where he represents Benjamin, and appears again in Numbers 2:22 as the commander of the Benjamite camp positioned on the west side of the tabernacle alongside Ephraim and Manasseh. Gideoni presented the dedicatory offering for Benjamin at the altar on the ninth day, as recorded in Numbers 7:60 and 7:65, and led his tribal division during Israel's march through the wilderness in Numbers 10:24. His recurring mention throughout the wilderness narrative underscores his importance as a trusted leader responsible for organizing and directing one of Israel's twelve tribes during their foundational period of covenant formation and wilderness wandering.
Biography
Gideoni, the son of Abidan, is mentioned in the book of Numbers as the leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. He is first introduced in Num.1.11 during the census of the Israelite men of military age, where he is listed as the representative of Benjamin. In Num.2.22, Gideoni is described as the leader of the Benjamite camp, which was positioned on the west side of the tabernacle, along with the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. During the offering of the dedicatory gifts for the altar, Gideoni presented the offering for the tribe of Benjamin on the ninth day (Num.7.60, 65). In Num.10.24, Gideoni is mentioned again as the leader of the Benjamite division during the Israelites' march through the wilderness. His presence as a tribal leader throughout the book of Numbers highlights the importance of organization and leadership during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land.
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 | גִּדְעֹנִי |