Ja'ir is a notable figure in the Hebrew Bible, recognized for his leadership and influence among the Israelites during the period of the Judges. His account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, with additional references in the Books of Numbers and 1 Chronicles.

Lineage and Background

Ja'ir is identified as a Gileadite, a descendant of Manasseh, one of the sons of Joseph. This tribal affiliation places him within the half-tribe of Manasseh that settled east of the Jordan River. The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles 2:22-23 mention Ja'ir as the son of Segub, who was the son of Hezron, through Machir, the father of Gilead. This lineage underscores his connection to the prominent families of Israel.

Role as a Judge

Ja'ir served as one of the judges of Israel, a role that entailed both military leadership and judicial authority. His tenure is briefly mentioned in Judges 10:3-5: "After him, Ja'ir the Gileadite arose and judged Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys, and they had thirty towns in the land of Gilead, which are called Havvoth-jair to this day." This passage highlights his long period of leadership and the prosperity experienced under his judgeship.

Havvoth-jair

The term "Havvoth-jair" translates to "villages of Ja'ir" and refers to the group of towns or settlements that were under his control. The mention of his thirty sons riding on thirty donkeys and governing thirty towns suggests a period of stability and wealth. The donkeys symbolize status and authority, indicating that Ja'ir's family held significant influence in the region.

Historical and Theological Significance

Ja'ir's leadership is noted for its peaceful and prosperous nature, contrasting with the turbulent times often depicted in the Book of Judges. His ability to maintain order and governance over a substantial territory reflects the blessings of God upon Israel during his judgeship. The account of Ja'ir serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and the divine provision of leaders to guide the nation.

Legacy

The legacy of Ja'ir is preserved through the continued reference to Havvoth-jair, which signifies the lasting impact of his governance. His account, though brief, is a testament to the role of judges in Israel's history and the importance of righteous leadership in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

In summary, Ja'ir stands as a figure of stability and prosperity in the biblical narrative, exemplifying the qualities of leadership and faithfulness that were essential for the well-being of the Israelite community during the era of the Judges.Ja'ir (8 Occurrences)

Numbers 32:41
Jair the son of Manasseh went and took its towns, and called them Havvoth Jair.
(See RSV)

Deuteronomy 3:14
Jair the son of Manasseh took all the region of Argob, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and called them, even Bashan, after his own name, Havvoth Jair, to this day.)
(See RSV)

Joshua 13:30
Their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities.
(See RSV)

Judges 10:3
After him arose Ja'ir the Gileadite, who judged Israel twenty-two years.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 10:5
And Ja'ir died, and was buried in Kamon.
(DBY RSV)

1 Kings 4:13
Ben Geber, in Ramoth Gilead (to him pertained the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; even to him pertained
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:22
Segub became the father of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead.
(See RSV)

Esther 2:5
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite,
(See RSV)

Ja'ir (8 Occurrences)
Ja'ir. Jair, Ja'ir. Jairite . Multi-Version Concordance Ja'ir (8 Occurrences).
Numbers 32:41 Jair the son of Manasseh went and took ...
/j/ja'ir.htm - 8k

Havvoth-ja'ir (1 Occurrence)
Havvoth-ja'ir. Havvoth-jair, Havvoth-ja'ir. Hav'voth-ja'ir . Multi-Version
Concordance Havvoth-ja'ir (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles ...
/h/havvoth-ja'ir.htm - 6k

Hav'voth-ja'ir (3 Occurrences)
Hav'voth-ja'ir. Havvoth-ja'ir, Hav'voth-ja'ir. Hawk . Multi-Version
Concordance Hav'voth-ja'ir (3 Occurrences). Numbers 32:41 And ...
/h/hav'voth-ja'ir.htm - 7k

Havvoth-jair (5 Occurrences)
Havvoth-jair. Havvothjair, Havvoth-jair. Havvoth-ja'ir . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia HAVVOTH-JAIR. hav-oth-ja'-ir (chawwoth ...
/h/havvoth-jair.htm - 9k

Jair (14 Occurrences)

/j/jair.htm - 14k

Havvothjair
... hav-oth-ja'-ir (chawwoth ya'ir "the encampments" or "tent villages of Jair"; the
King James Version Havoth-Jair, ha-voth-ja'ir): The word chawwoth occurs only ...
/h/havvothjair.htm - 8k

Hawk (6 Occurrences)

/h/hawk.htm - 14k

Jairite (1 Occurrence)

/j/jairite.htm - 7k

Bashanhavvothjair
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BASHAN-HAVVOTH-JAIR. ba'-shan-hav'-
oth-ja'-ir (bashan chawwoth ya'ir). See HAVVOTH-JAIR. ...
/b/bashanhavvothjair.htm - 6k

Bashan-havvoth-jair
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BASHAN-HAVVOTH-JAIR. ba'-shan-hav'-oth-ja'-ir
(bashan chawwoth ya'ir). See HAVVOTH-JAIR. Bashanhavvothjair, ...
/b/bashan-havvoth-jair.htm - 6k

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