Judges 12:13-15 – Abdon
Last of the minor judges is Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite. It is clear that Abdon was wealthy and powerful. His forty sons and thirty grandsons rode on seventy donkeys, suggesting Abdon had gathered a great deal of wealth, even before his brief eight-year judgeship. Again, we note that God’s creation intent for marriage between one man and one woman was probably not honored. That Abdon had forty sons suggests he had multiple wives.
Despite his shortcomings, the LORD used Abdon for the security, peace, and stability of Israel. Pirathon was a town of the tribe of Ephraim where Abdon was born, lived, and was buried. Twenty-three years after a civil war between Gilead and Ephraim, during the judgeship of Jephthah the Gileadite, an Ephraimite is judging Israel. (Why the Scripture says this part of Ephraim where Abdon was buried was called the “hill county of the Amalekites” is unknown. Whether this is a reference to a time when the nation of Amalek invaded with the Midianites in the time of Gideon, or if it refers to a village known as Amalek in that region is unclear).
Here we see God’s gracious healing of the divisions among His people. We may look forward to the day when He heals all the divisions present in the Church today.
Questions
- What makes us think Abdon did not honor God’s creation principle for marriage?
- Where was Pirathon? Why is it significant that Abdon was a Pirathonite?
- Why is it remarkable that an Ephraimite would be judge over Israel at this time?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters