Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name Abi-e'zer means "my father is help" or "father of help" in Hebrew. It reflects a common practice in biblical times of naming individuals in a way that acknowledges divine assistance or attributes. Biblical References: Abi-e'zer is mentioned in several passages in the Old Testament, primarily in the context of genealogies and tribal affiliations. 1. Tribal Affiliation: Abi-e'zer is identified as a descendant of Manasseh, one of the sons of Joseph. In the genealogical records, Abi-e'zer is listed as a son of Gilead, who was a descendant of Manasseh. This places Abi-e'zer within the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled on the west side of the Jordan River. The descendants of Abi-e'zer are referred to as the Abiezrites. · Joshua 17:2 : "So this was the allotment for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans." 2. Gideon the Judge: One of the most notable figures from the clan of Abi-e'zer is Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, who was a judge of Israel. Gideon belonged to the Abiezrite family, and his account is recounted in the Book of Judges. He was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. · Judges 6:11 : "Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites." · Judges 6:34 : "So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him." 3. Military Role: The Abiezrites played a significant role in the military campaigns led by Gideon. They were among the first to rally to his call when he began his mission to free Israel from Midianite control. Historical and Cultural Context: The Abiezrites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, were settled in the central region of Canaan. This area was strategically important and often contested by various groups. The account of Gideon highlights the Abiezrites' role in the broader narrative of Israel's struggle for survival and autonomy during the period of the Judges. Significance in Israelite Society: The mention of Abi-e'zer and his descendants underscores the importance of tribal and familial identities in ancient Israel. The Abiezrites, through Gideon, became instrumental in one of the pivotal moments of Israel's history, demonstrating how individual clans could impact the nation's destiny. Legacy: Abi-e'zer's legacy is primarily carried through the narrative of Gideon, whose leadership and faith are celebrated in the biblical text. The Abiezrites' willingness to follow Gideon into battle is a testament to their loyalty and courage, qualities that were highly valued in the tribal society of ancient Israel. Concordance Abi-e'zer (6 Occurrences)Joshua 17:2 Judges 8:2 2 Samuel 23:27 1 Chronicles 7:18 1 Chronicles 11:28 1 Chronicles 27:12 Thesaurus Abi-e'zer (6 Occurrences)Abi-e'zer. Abi-ezer, Abi-e'zer. Abiezrite . Multi-Version Concordance Abi-e'zer (6 Occurrences). Joshua 17:2 And the lot was for ... /a/abi-e'zer.htm - 8k Abi-ezer (3 Occurrences) Abiezrite (1 Occurrence) E'phraim (146 Occurrences) Resources Who was Huram / Hiram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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