Abiron
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Overview:
Abiron, more commonly known as Abiram, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament. He is primarily recognized for his role in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. Abiram was a member of the tribe of Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, and is often associated with his brother Dathan in the narrative of their defiance.

Biblical References:

1. Numbers 16:1-35 · The most significant account of Abiram is found in this passage, which details the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. The text describes how these men, along with 250 leaders of the congregation, challenged the leadership and authority of Moses and Aaron. The rebellion was seen as an affront to God's chosen leaders, and as a result, divine judgment was pronounced. The earth opened up and swallowed Abiram, Dathan, their families, and all their possessions, signifying God's disapproval of their actions. The Berean Standard Bible states: "The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all Korah’s men and all their possessions" (Numbers 16:32).

2. Deuteronomy 11:6 · This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by Abiram and Dathan for their rebellion. It recounts how the earth swallowed them up, emphasizing the severity of their punishment and serving as a warning to the Israelites about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion against God’s appointed leaders.

3. Psalm 106:17 · In this psalm, the psalmist reflects on the history of Israel and mentions the incident involving Dathan and Abiram as an example of God's judgment against those who oppose His will. The verse reads: "The earth opened up and swallowed Dathan; it covered the assembly of Abiram" (Psalm 106:17).

Historical and Theological Context:

Abiram's account is set during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after their exodus from Egypt. The rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is significant in the narrative of the Israelites as it highlights issues of authority, leadership, and divine appointment. The incident underscores the importance of obedience to God's chosen leaders and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pride and insubordination.

Theologically, the account of Abiram and his fellow rebels is often interpreted as a demonstration of God's justice and holiness. It illustrates the seriousness with which God regards rebellion and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of His established order. The dramatic nature of the punishment—being swallowed by the earth—serves to reinforce the gravity of their transgression and the power of God to uphold His covenant with Israel.

Tribal Affiliation:

Abiram was a member of the tribe of Reuben. The tribe of Reuben, as the descendants of Jacob's firstborn son, held a significant position among the tribes of Israel. However, the actions of Abiram and his brother Dathan reflect a moment of discord and challenge to the established leadership, which ultimately led to their downfall.

Legacy:

The legacy of Abiram is one of caution. His account is often cited as a warning against the dangers of rebellion and the importance of respecting divine authority. The narrative serves as a reminder of the consequences of challenging God's appointed leaders and the need for humility and obedience in the community of faith.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ABIRON

a-bi'-ron (Abeiron):

(1) The Septuagint form (Ecclesiasticus 45:18 the King James Version) of Abiram, one of the sons of Eliab, who, with his brother Dathan, and with one of the same tribe, joined the conspiracy against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:1, 12, 24, 25, 27; Numbers 26:9 Deuteronomy 11:6 Psalm 106:17).

(2) The eldest son of Hiel, the Bethelite, who died prematurely, thus fulfilling the doom pronounced on the posterity of him who should undertake to rebuild Jericho (1 Kings 16:34). See ABIRAM.

Library

There Followed the Revolt of Those, Who, with Dathan and Abiron as ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter XXI. There followed
the revolt of those, who, with Dathan and Abiron as leaders? ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxi there followed the.htm

On the Government of God
... ON THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD INDEX. Aaron, 60, 63 Abel, 50. Abihu, 62. Abiron, 62. Abraham
's life as proof of God 's judgment, 53 f. Absalom, 71, 74. Achar, 157, 214 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/index 2.htm

The Treasure Hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the True Exposition ...
... the Church of God, [shall] remain among those in hell (apud inferos), being swallowed
up by an earthquake, even as those who were with Chore, Dathan, and Abiron ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi the treasure hid in.htm

Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned ...
... Gn.19). Again, for the sin of Dathan and Abiron their children were swallowed
up together with them (Numbers 16). Moreover, dumb ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether vengeance should be taken.htm

Now it came to Pass, when She was Fourteen Years Old...
... Then Abiathar the high priest said to him: Remember, Joseph, how Dathan and Abiron
and Core perished, because they despised the will of God. ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 8 now it came.htm

Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus.
... sacrifice are set? Chapter XXI. There followed the revolt of those, who,
with Dathan and Abiron as leaders? Chapter XXII. After the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... What! did not the earthquake swallow up Dathan, Abiron, and Korah because
of their dissension? [3725] For when Korah, Dathan, and ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

Text-Divisions: Stichi, Chapters, Lections, Catenae.
... xvi.1. Peri Kore kai Dathan kai Abiron kai Aunan. Peri tes epanastaseos tes kata
Mosen para tou Kore sunagoges. xvii.1. Peri tes rhabdou Aaron tes blastesases. ...
/.../chapter vi text-divisions stichi chapters.htm

Thesaurus
Abiron
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABIRON. a-bi'-ron (Abeiron): (1) The
Septuagint form (Ecclesiasticus 45:18 the King James Version ...
/a/abiron.htm - 7k

Abi'ram (8 Occurrences)
Abi'ram. Abiram, Abi'ram. Abiron . Multi-Version Concordance Abi'ram (8
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Abiram, Abi'ram. Abiron . Reference Bible.
/a/abi'ram.htm - 8k

Abisei
Abisei. Abiron, Abisei. Abishag . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ABISEI.
ab-i-se'-i. See ABISSEI. Abiron, Abisei. Abishag . Reference Bible.
/a/abisei.htm - 6k

Resources
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Abiram: Son of Hiel
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