Numbers 1:11 Study Bible: Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.

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from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni;

from Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin holds a significant place in Israel's history. Named after Jacob's youngest son, Benjamin, this tribe is known for its fierce warriors and strategic location between the northern and southern tribes. The Hebrew root for Benjamin, "Binyamin," means "son of the right hand," symbolizing strength and favor. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin produced notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. This phrase reminds us of God's providence in raising leaders from unexpected places, emphasizing that divine purpose often transcends human expectations.

Abidan
The name Abidan means "my father is judge" in Hebrew. This name reflects a deep-seated belief in God's sovereignty and justice, a central theme throughout the Scriptures. Abidan, as a leader of the tribe of Benjamin, signifies the importance of righteous judgment and leadership under God's authority. His name serves as a reminder that true leadership is rooted in divine wisdom and justice, encouraging believers to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life.

son of Gideoni
The mention of Gideoni, whose name means "hewer" or "one who cuts down," provides insight into the lineage and character of Abidan. This phrase highlights the importance of heritage and the passing down of faith and values through generations. In a broader biblical context, it underscores the significance of spiritual legacy and the impact of godly ancestors. The reference to Gideoni serves as an inspiration for believers to cultivate a legacy of faithfulness and to recognize the influence of their spiritual heritage in shaping their identity and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin is one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin is known for its warriors and played a significant role in Israel's history.

2. Abidan
The son of Gideoni, Abidan is appointed as the leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the census in the wilderness. His name means "my father is judge," reflecting a heritage of leadership and justice.

3. Gideoni
The father of Abidan, though not much is detailed about him, his name means "hewer" or "one who cuts down," which may imply strength or decisiveness.

4. Census in the Wilderness
This event, commanded by God, was a military census to organize the Israelites for their journey and eventual conquest of the Promised Land. It was a time of preparation and organization for the people of Israel.

Teaching Points

Leadership and Heritage
Abidan's role as a leader of the tribe of Benjamin highlights the importance of godly leadership and the legacy we leave for future generations. Reflect on how your actions today can impact your family and community.

Identity and Purpose
The census was not just about numbers; it was about identity and purpose. Each tribe and leader had a role in God's plan. Consider how God has uniquely positioned you in your community and church for His purposes.

Preparation and Obedience
The census was a step of preparation and obedience to God's command. In our lives, preparation and obedience to God's Word are crucial for fulfilling His plans. Evaluate areas where you need to prepare or be more obedient to God's leading.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the leadership qualities of Abidan, and how can we apply these qualities in our own roles within the church or community?

2. How does the tribe of Benjamin's history, from its origin to its role in Israel's monarchy, reflect God's faithfulness and sovereignty?

3. In what ways does understanding our identity in Christ help us fulfill our purpose, similar to how the tribes of Israel were organized for their journey?

4. How can we ensure that we are preparing ourselves spiritually and practically for the tasks God has set before us, as the Israelites did during the census?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to step into a leadership role. How did your faith influence your decisions and actions, and what can you learn from Abidan's example?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 35:18
This verse recounts the birth of Benjamin, providing background on the tribe's origin and its significance in Israel's history.

1 Samuel 9:21
This verse highlights the tribe of Benjamin's role in Israel's monarchy, as Saul, the first king of Israel, was from this tribe.

Revelation 7:8
This verse mentions the tribe of Benjamin as one of the tribes sealed in the vision of the 144,000, indicating its continued significance in God's plan.

Sermons

An Honest Pedigree		Numbers 1:4-16
Bank and Service	W Jones.	Numbers 1:4-16
God's Knowledge of His People	W. Jones.	Numbers 1:4-16
The Lord Knows the Number and the Names of All Who Belong to Him	W. Attersoll.	Numbers 1:4-16
The Pedigree Declared	C. H. Mackintosh.	Numbers 1:4-16
The Men of Renown Who Managed the Census	D. Young	Numbers 1:5-16

People

Aaron, Abidan, Ahiezer, Ahira, Ammihud, Amminadab, Ammishaddai, Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Deuel, Eliab, Eliasaph, Elishama, Elizur, Enan, Gad, Gamaliel, Gideoni, Helon, Israelites, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Manasseh, Moses, Nahshon, Naphtali, Nethaneel, Ocran, Pagiel, Pedahzur, Reuben, Reuel, Shedeur, Shelumiel, Simeon, Zebulun, Zuar, Zurishaddai

Places

Egypt, Sinai

Topics

Abidan, Abi'dan, Benjamin, Gideoni, Gideo'ni

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Numbers 1:1-16

5700 headship

Numbers 1:1-49

5249 census

Library

The Consolation
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received at the LORD 's hand double for all her sins. T he particulars of the great "mystery of godliness," as enumerated by the Apostle Paul, constitute the grand and inexhaustible theme of the Gospel ministry, "God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Census of Israel
Thirty-eight years had passed away since the first numbering at Sinai, and the people had come to the borders of the Promised Land; for they were in the plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. The time had come for another census. The wisdom which commanded the counting of Israel at the beginning of the wilderness journey, also determined to count them at the end of it. This would show that he did not value them less than in former years; it would afford proof that his word of judgment had been fulfilled …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Genealogy According to Luke.
^C Luke III. 23-38. ^c 23 And Jesus himself [Luke has been speaking about John the Baptist, he now turns to speak of Jesus himself], when he began to teach, was about thirty years of age [the age when a Levite entered upon God's service--Num. iv. 46, 47], being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son [this may mean that Jesus was grandson of Heli, or that Joseph was counted as a son of Heli because he was his son-in-law] of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Numbers
Like the last part of Exodus, and the whole of Leviticus, the first part of Numbers, i.-x. 28--so called,[1] rather inappropriately, from the census in i., iii., (iv.), xxvi.--is unmistakably priestly in its interests and language. Beginning with a census of the men of war (i.) and the order of the camp (ii.), it devotes specific attention to the Levites, their numbers and duties (iii., iv.). Then follow laws for the exclusion of the unclean, v. 1-4, for determining the manner and amount of restitution …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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