Pira'thon is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal territories of ancient Israel. It is primarily noted as the hometown of Abdon, one of the judges of Israel, and is situated in the land of Ephraim.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 12:13-15 : "After him, Abdon son of Hillel, from Pirathon, judged Israel. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys. And he judged Israel eight years. Then Abdon son of Hillel, the Pirathonite, died and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites."

This passage introduces Abdon, a judge of Israel, who hailed from Pira'thon. His leadership is characterized by his large family and the notable detail of his sons and grandsons riding on donkeys, a symbol of status and wealth in ancient Israel. The mention of his burial in Pira'thon underscores the town's significance as his place of origin and final resting place.

2. 1 Chronicles 27:14 : "The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel; there were 24,000 men in his division."

While this verse does not directly mention Pira'thon, it is part of a broader context in which the tribal and familial affiliations of Israel's leaders are detailed. The reference to the hill country of the Amalekites in Judges 12:15 suggests a geographical and historical context that would have been familiar to the chroniclers of Israel's history.

Geographical and Historical Context:

Pira'thon is located in the hill country of Ephraim, a region known for its rugged terrain and strategic importance. The mention of the Amalekites in Judges 12:15 indicates that this area was once contested or inhabited by these ancient foes of Israel. The hill country of Ephraim was a central part of the tribal allotments given to the descendants of Joseph, specifically the tribe of Ephraim, one of the leading tribes of Israel.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

The account of Abdon and his association with Pira'thon highlights several cultural and theological themes. The role of judges in Israel was to deliver the people from oppression and to lead them in times of crisis. Abdon's tenure as a judge, though brief and less detailed than some of his predecessors, reflects the cyclical nature of Israel's history during the period of the judges, characterized by periods of peace followed by apostasy and oppression.

The mention of Abdon's large family and their donkeys suggests prosperity and stability during his judgeship. In the broader narrative of the Book of Judges, this period of leadership, though not marked by significant military exploits, contributes to the overall tapestry of Israel's history, where God raises leaders to guide His people according to His purposes.

Pira'thon, as the hometown of Abdon, serves as a reminder of the diverse and often humble origins of Israel's leaders. It underscores the biblical theme that God can raise up deliverers from any place, using them to fulfill His divine plan for His chosen people.Pira'thon (4 Occurrences)

Judges 12:15
Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites.
(Root in DBY RSV)

2 Samuel 23:30
Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of Nahale-gaash;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 11:31
Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 27:14
The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim; and in his course were twenty and four thousand.
(See RSV)

Pira'thon (4 Occurrences)
Pira'thon. Pirathon, Pira'thon. Pirathonite . Multi-Version Concordance
Pira'thon (4 Occurrences). Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son ...
/p/pira'thon.htm - 7k

Pirathonite (5 Occurrences)

/p/pirathonite.htm - 9k

Pirathon (2 Occurrences)

/p/pirathon.htm - 8k

Pira'thonite (2 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried
at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites. ...
/p/pira'thonite.htm - 6k

Amal'ekites (24 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried
at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites. ...
/a/amal'ekites.htm - 13k

E'phraim (146 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried
at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites. ...
/e/e'phraim.htm - 35k

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