Abiezer: Also Called Jeezer, Progenitor of the Abiezrites
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Etymology and Name Variations:
Abiezer, also known as Jeezer, is a biblical figure whose name means "my father is help" or "father of help." The name reflects a common practice in ancient Hebrew culture of attributing divine assistance or protection to one's lineage or personal identity.

Genealogy and Tribal Affiliation:
Abiezer is recognized as a descendant of Joseph through Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons. He is specifically mentioned as a son of Gilead, who was a descendant of Manasseh. This places Abiezer within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The genealogical record in the Book of Numbers identifies him as a progenitor of the Abiezrites, a clan within the tribe of Manasseh.

Biblical References:
1. Numbers 26:30 · "These were the descendants of Gilead: the Iezerite clan from Iezer, the Helekite clan from Helek."
· In this passage, Abiezer is referred to as Iezer, highlighting the variation in the name. The Iezerite clan is synonymous with the Abiezrites, indicating the lineage and tribal affiliation.

2. Joshua 17:2 · "So this allotment was for the rest of the descendants of Manasseh—the clans of Abiezer, Helek, Asriel, Shechem, Hepher, and Shemida. These are the male descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph by their clans."
· This verse outlines the territorial inheritance of the descendants of Manasseh, including the clan of Abiezer. It underscores the significance of Abiezer's lineage in the distribution of land among the tribes of Israel.

3. Judges 6:34 · "So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him."
· Here, the Abiezrites are mentioned in the context of Gideon's leadership. Gideon, a judge of Israel, belonged to the Abiezrite clan, and this passage highlights the clan's role in the military and spiritual activities of Israel during the period of the judges.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The Abiezrites, as descendants of Abiezer, played a notable role in the history of Israel, particularly during the time of the judges. The clan's association with Gideon, a prominent judge, underscores their importance in the narrative of Israel's deliverance from oppression. The Abiezrites were part of the larger tribal confederation of Manasseh, which held significant territory on both sides of the Jordan River.

Legacy:
Abiezer's legacy is primarily carried through the Abiezrites, who are remembered for their association with Gideon and their contribution to the military and spiritual leadership of Israel. The clan's mention in various genealogical and historical records of the Bible highlights the enduring significance of Abiezer's lineage within the tribal structure of ancient Israel.
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Numbers 26:30
These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:
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Joshua 17:2
There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families.
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Judges 6:34
But the Spirit of the LORD came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
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Judges 8:2
And he said to them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
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Resources
Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

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