Name Meaning: The name "Abidan" means "my father is judge" in Hebrew. This name reflects a common practice in ancient Israel of incorporating the name of God or a divine attribute into personal names.

Biblical References: Abidan is mentioned in the Book of Numbers as a leader of the tribe of Benjamin during the Israelites' wilderness journey. His role is primarily administrative and ceremonial, as he represents his tribe in various capacities.

1. Tribal Leader: Abidan is identified as the son of Gideoni and serves as the leader of the tribe of Benjamin. His position is significant as he is responsible for the organization and representation of his tribe among the Israelites. Numbers 1:11 states, "from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni."

2. Census Participation: Abidan is listed among the leaders who assisted Moses and Aaron in taking a census of the Israelite community. This census was crucial for organizing the tribes and preparing for their journey to the Promised Land. Numbers 1:16-17 mentions, "These were the men appointed from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel. So Moses and Aaron took these men who had been designated by name."

3. Camp Arrangement: In the arrangement of the Israelite camp, Abidan's role is again highlighted. The tribe of Benjamin, under his leadership, was positioned on the west side of the tabernacle, alongside the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. Numbers 2:22-23 records, "Then the tribe of Benjamin: The leader of the Benjamites is Abidan son of Gideoni, and his division Numbers 35,400."

4. Offering at the Tabernacle: Abidan is also noted for his participation in the dedication of the altar. Each tribal leader brought offerings for the dedication, and Abidan's offering is detailed in Numbers 7:60-65. On the ninth day, Abidan son of Gideoni presented his offering, which included a silver platter, a silver bowl, and a gold dish filled with incense, along with various animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings.

Historical and Cultural Context: Abidan's role as a tribal leader during the wilderness period reflects the organizational structure of the Israelite community. Leaders like Abidan were essential for maintaining order and facilitating communication between the tribes and the central leadership of Moses and Aaron. The detailed records of offerings and census data underscore the importance of ritual and order in the Israelite camp.

Significance: Abidan's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, highlights the importance of leadership and representation within the tribal system of ancient Israel. His participation in key events such as the census and the dedication of the altar illustrates the collaborative effort required to maintain the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land.Abidan

father of judgment

Abidan

(father of the judge), chief of the tribe of Benjamin at the time of the Exodus. (B.C. 1491.) (Numbers 1:11; 2:22; 7:60,65; 10:24)

Father of judgment; judge, head of the tribe of Benjamin at the Exodus (Numbers 1:11; 2:22). ABIDAN

a-bi'-dan ('abhidhan, "father is judge"): Abidan, son of Gideoni, was a "prince" of the children of Benjamin (Numbers 2:22; Numbers 10:24). He was chosen to represent his tribe at the census in the wilderness of Sinai (Numbers 1:11). When, on the erection, anointing and sanctification of the Tabernacle, the heads of Israel offered, Abidan offered on the ninth day (Numbers 7:60, 65).

27. Abidan -- "my father is judge," a Benjamite leader
... 26, 27. Abidan. 28 . "my father is judge," a Benjamite leader. Transliteration:
Abidan Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-dawn') Short Definition: Abidan. ...
/hebrew/27.htm - 6kAbidan (5 Occurrences)
...ABIDAN. a-bi'-dan ('abhidhan, "father is judge"): Abidan, son of Gideoni, was a
"prince" of the children of Benjamin (Numbers 2:22; Numbers 10:24). ...
/a/abidan.htm - 8k

Gideoni (5 Occurrences)
... gid-eo'-ni (gidh`oni): The father of Abidan who was prince of Benjamin, mentioned
only in connection with the son (Numbers 1:11; Numbers 2:22; Numbers 7:60, 65 ...
/g/gideoni.htm - 8k

Abi'dan (5 Occurrences)
Abi'dan. Abidan, Abi'dan. Abide . Multi-Version Concordance Abi'dan (5 Occurrences).
Numbers 1:11 Of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni. (See RSV). ...
/a/abi'dan.htm - 7k

Gideo'ni (5 Occurrences)
... Numbers 1:11 Of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni. ... Numbers 7:60 On the ninth day
Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin: (See RSV). ...
/g/gideo'ni.htm - 7k

Benjamin (167 Occurrences)
... Their place in the host was with the standard of the camp of Ephraim on the west
of the tabernacle, their prince being Abidan the son of Gideoni (Numbers 2:22 f ...
/b/benjamin.htm - 50k

Leader (183 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 2:22 "The tribe of Benjamin: and the prince of the children
of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/leader.htm - 35k

Yearling (48 Occurrences)
... This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni. (DBY). Numbers 7:69 one young
bullock, one ram, one yearling lamb, for a burnt-offering; (DBY). ...
/y/yearling.htm - 19k

Ninth (35 Occurrences)
... Numbers 7:60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children
of Benjamin (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/n/ninth.htm - 18k

Tribal (25 Occurrences)
... Pedahzur. (See NAS). Numbers 10:24 And over the host of the tribe of the children
of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni. (See NAS). ...
/t/tribal.htm - 13k

Abi (2 Occurrences)
... For example, Abidan is "father of a judge." It explained different instances as
being different varieties of the genitive construction; for instance, Abihail ...
/a/abi.htm - 12k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus