Overview:
Pirathon is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is known as the hometown of Abdon, one of the judges of Israel. Pirathon is situated in the territory of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. The site holds historical and theological significance as part of the narrative of the judges who led Israel before the establishment of the monarchy.

Biblical References:
The primary biblical reference to Pirathon is found in Judges 12:13-15, which states: "After Abdon son of Hillel, the Pirathonite, 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."

Historical Context:
Pirathon is located in the region assigned to the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel. The mention of the "hill country of the Amalekites" suggests that this area was once inhabited or influenced by the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe frequently in conflict with Israel. The reference to the Amalekites highlights the historical tensions and the ongoing struggle for control and settlement in the Promised Land.

Significance in the Book of Judges:
The Book of Judges chronicles a period of Israel's history characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges like Abdon were raised by God to deliver Israel from its oppressors and to lead the people in times of need. Abdon's leadership, though briefly mentioned, is part of this larger narrative of divine intervention and guidance.

Abdon's Role:
Abdon, the son of Hillel, is noted for his large family and the wealth implied by the mention of seventy donkeys. His role as a judge, though not detailed extensively, suggests a period of relative peace and stability. The mention of his burial in Pirathon underscores the importance of familial and tribal ties, as well as the practice of honoring leaders by burying them in their hometowns.

Archaeological and Geographical Insights:
While the exact location of ancient Pirathon is not definitively identified, it is generally believed to be in the modern-day West Bank region. Archaeological efforts continue to explore sites that may correspond to biblical locations, providing insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Theological Implications:
Pirathon, as the home of a judge of Israel, serves as a reminder of God's provision of leaders for His people. The judges were often unlikely heroes, chosen by God to fulfill His purposes despite the challenges and moral failings of the time. The account of Abdon and his connection to Pirathon highlights the themes of leadership, legacy, and the faithfulness of God in guiding His people through turbulent times.Pirathon

his dissipation or deprivation; his rupture

Pirathon

(princely), "in the land of Ephraim in the mount of the Amalekite," a place in (Judges 12:15) Its site, now called Ferata , is about one mile and a half south of the road from Jaffa, by Hableh , to Nablus . Pirathonites are mentioned in (Judges 12:13,15) and 1Chr 27:14

Prince, or summit, a place "in the land of Ephraim" (Judges 12:15), now Fer'on, some 10 miles south-west of Shechem. This was the home of Abdon the judge. PIRATHON; PIRATHONITE

pir'-a-thon, pir'-a-thon-it (pir`athon, pir`athoni; Codex Vaticanus Pharathom; Codex Alexandrinus Phraathom, Pharathuneites): The home of Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite (Judges 12:13 the King James Version), where also he was buried, "in the land of Ephraim in the mount of the Amalekites." The latter name may have clung to a district which at some former time had been held by the Amalekites. From this town also came Benaiah, one of David's chief captains (2 Samuel 23:30 1 Chronicles 11:31; 1 Chronicles 27:14). It is probably to be identified with Fer`ata, about 6 miles Southwest of Nablus. A possible rival is Fir`on, 15 miles West of Nablus. G.A. Smith suggests a position at the head of Wady Far`ah (HGHL, 355). Moore thinks it may have been in Benjamin, Abdon being a Benjamite family (1 Chronicles 8:23, 30; 1 Chronicles 9:36). It is just possible that the place may be identical with Pharathon, one of the towns fortified by Bacchides (1 Maccabees 9:50).

W. Ewing

6552. Pirathon -- perhaps "height," a place in Ephraim
... 6551, 6552. Pirathon. 6553 . perhaps "height," a place in Ephraim. Transliteration:
Pirathon Phonetic Spelling: (pir-aw-thone') Short Definition: Pirathon. ...
/hebrew/6552.htm - 6k

6553. Pirathoni -- inhab. of Pirathon
... inhab. of Pirathon. Transliteration: Pirathoni Phonetic Spelling: (pir-aw-tho-nee')
Short Definition: Pirathonite. Word Origin from Pirathon Definition inhab. ...
/hebrew/6553.htm - 6k

Pirathon (2 Occurrences)
... This was the home of Abdon the judge. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PIRATHON;
PIRATHONITE. ... W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Pirathon (2 Occurrences). ...
/p/pirathon.htm - 8k

Pirathonite (5 Occurrences)
... (2.) Benaiah the Ephraimite (2 Samuel 23:30), one of David's thirty heroes.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PIRATHON; PIRATHONITE. ...
/p/pirathonite.htm - 9k

Abdon (8 Occurrences)
... 15). The account says that he was the son of Hillel the Pirathonite, and
that he was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim. ...
/a/abdon.htm - 13k

Hillel (2 Occurrences)
... hil'-el (hillel, "he greatly praised"; Septuagint Ellel): An inhabitant of Pirathon
in the hill country of Ephraim, and father of Abdon, one of the judges of ...
/h/hillel.htm - 7k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... and Ammon. Mount of the Amalekites. A place near Pirathon (qv), in the tribe
of Ephraim (Judges 12:15). Mount of the Amorites. The ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Piram (1 Occurrence)

/p/piram.htm - 7k

Pharathon
... athon. If it is to be taken strictly as in Judean territory, it cannot
be identified with PIRATHON (which see) of Judges 12:15. ...
/p/pharathon.htm - 7k

Pira'thon (4 Occurrences)
Pira'thon. Pirathon, Pira'thon. Pirathonite . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Pirathon, Pira'thon. Pirathonite . Reference Bible.
/p/pira'thon.htm - 7k

Amalekites (36 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon
in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. ...
/a/amalekites.htm - 18k

Amalekite (12 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon
in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. ...
/a/amalekite.htm - 16k

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