Judges 12:11

And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(11) Elon.—The name means “a terebinth.” Orientals to this day are often named from trees. (One of the author’s muleteers in Palestine was named Ab Zeitûn, “father of olives.”)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

12:8-15 We have here a short account of three more of the judges of Israel. The happiest life of individuals, and the happiest state of society, is that which affords the fewest remarkable events. To live in credit and quiet, to be peacefully useful to those around us, to possess a clear conscience; but, above all, and without which nothing can avail, to enjoy communion with God our Saviour while we live, and to die at peace with God and man, form the substance of all that a wise man can desire.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

A Zebulonite - The tribe of Zebulon had shown its bravery, patriotism, and prowess in the time of Barak Judges 4:10; Judges 5:18.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. Jephthah died—After a government of six years, this mighty man of valor died; and however difficult it may be for us to understand some passages in his history, he has been ranked by apostolic authority among the worthies of the ancient church. He was followed by a succession of minor judges, of whom the only memorials preserved relate to the number of their families and their state [Jud 12:8-15].

Matthew Poole's Commentary

This is added to distinguish it from other Aijalons, of which see Judges 1:35 1 Chronicles 6:69 8:13.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And after him Elon a Zebulonite judged Israel,.... One of the tribe of Zebulun:

and he judged Israel ten years; administered justice to them, preserved them in the true religion, and from idolatry; though it does not appear that any enemies arose in his time against them, from whom he delivered them.

Geneva Study Bible

And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Judges 12:11

Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament

His successor was Elon the Zebulunite, who died after filling the office of judge for ten years, and was buried at Aijalon, in the land of Zebulun. This Aijalon has probably been preserved in the ruins of Jaln, about four hours' journey to the east of Akka, and half an hour to the S.S.W. of Mejdel Kerun (see V. de Velde, Mem. p. 283).