Elon: A Hebrew Judge
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Elon, a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, served as one of the judges of Israel. His account is briefly mentioned in the Book of Judges, where he is recognized for his leadership and contribution to the nation of Israel during a time of relative peace and stability.

Biblical Account

Elon's account is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 12:11-12. The Berean Standard Bible states: "After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel, and he judged Israel ten years. Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun." This passage provides the primary details of Elon's tenure as a judge, highlighting his tribal affiliation and the duration of his judgeship.

Tribal Affiliation

Elon was a member of the tribe of Zebulun, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Zebulun was known for its strategic location in the northern part of the land, which played a significant role in trade and military activities. As a Zebulunite, Elon would have been familiar with the challenges and opportunities faced by his tribe and the broader Israelite community.

Judgeship

Elon served as a judge for ten years. The role of a judge in Israel during this period was multifaceted, involving leadership in military, judicial, and spiritual matters. Judges were often raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and to guide the people in adherence to the covenant with Yahweh. Although the biblical text does not provide specific details about Elon's actions or achievements, his decade-long judgeship suggests a period of relative peace and stability for the nation.

Burial and Legacy

Elon was buried in Aijalon, a location within the territory of Zebulun. The mention of his burial place indicates the respect and honor accorded to him by his contemporaries. While the biblical narrative does not elaborate on his legacy, Elon's inclusion in the list of judges signifies his importance in the history of Israel during the time of the judges.

Historical and Theological Context

The period of the judges was marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, deliverance, and peace. Each judge played a crucial role in guiding the Israelites back to faithfulness to God. Elon's judgeship, though not detailed in exploits or battles, fits within this broader context of divine providence and leadership. His role as a judge underscores the importance of faithful leadership and the impact of godly governance on the well-being of the nation.

Elon's account, though brief, is a testament to the diverse ways God used individuals to fulfill His purposes for Israel. His judgeship serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and leadership in the service of God's people.
Nave's Topical Index
Judges 12:11,12
And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

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... probabilities, as physicians and soothsayers judge from natural ... According to Judges
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
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Resources
Questions about Judges | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Zebulun? | GotQuestions.org

Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Elon

Elon: A Hebrew Judge

Elon: A Son of Zebulun

Elon: A Town of Dan

Elon: Father-In-Law of Esau

Related Terms

Elon (8 Occurrences)

Elon-meonenim (1 Occurrence)

Elon-beth-hanan (1 Occurrence)

Elon-beza-anannim (1 Occurrence)

Adah (8 Occurrences)

Zebulonite (2 Occurrences)

Oak (22 Occurrences)

Zeb'ulun (41 Occurrences)

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)

Zaanannim (2 Occurrences)

Zebulunite (3 Occurrences)

Zeb'ulunite (2 Occurrences)

Jahleel (2 Occurrences)

Elonites (1 Occurrence)

E'lonites (1 Occurrence)

E'lonbeth-Ha'nan (1 Occurrence)

Elonite (1 Occurrence)

Elonbethhanan (1 Occurrence)

Makaz (1 Occurrence)

Basmath (7 Occurrences)

Bashemath (6 Occurrences)

Basemath (7 Occurrences)

Aijalon (10 Occurrences)

Shaalbim (2 Occurrences)

Sered (2 Occurrences)

Hittite (45 Occurrences)

Plain (113 Occurrences)

Wives (159 Occurrences)

Elonbeth-hanan (1 Occurrence)

Bethhanan (1 Occurrence)

Beth-hanan

Tabor (12 Occurrences)

Esau (89 Occurrences)

Judges (117 Occurrences)

Daughter (320 Occurrences)

Zibeon (7 Occurrences)

Za-anan'nim (2 Occurrences)

Zib'eon (7 Occurrences)

Oholiba'mah (7 Occurrences)

Oholibamah (7 Occurrences)

Jah'leelites (1 Occurrence)

Jahleelite (1 Occurrence)

Jahleelites (1 Occurrence)

Jah'leel (1 Occurrence)

Judgeth (37 Occurrences)

Judge (297 Occurrences)

Granddaughter (5 Occurrences)

Grove (23 Occurrences)

Ithlah (1 Occurrence)

Terebinth (15 Occurrences)

Timnah (12 Occurrences)

Timnathah (1 Occurrence)

Thimnathah (1 Occurrence)

Eloieloi (1 Occurrence)

Esau's (13 Occurrences)

Ekron (20 Occurrences)

Eloquence (4 Occurrences)

Deker (1 Occurrence)

Mahalath (6 Occurrences)

Meonenim (1 Occurrence)

Moreh (3 Occurrences)

Proper (62 Occurrences)

Beth-she'mesh (20 Occurrences)

Ben (40 Occurrences)

Beeri (2 Occurrences)

Be-e'ri (2 Occurrences)

Ben-deker (1 Occurrence)

Ben-dekar (1 Occurrence)

Bas'emath (7 Occurrences)

Clan (96 Occurrences)

Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences)

Abdon (8 Occurrences)

Ajalon (10 Occurrences)

Allon (3 Occurrences)

Aholibamah (7 Occurrences)

Anah (10 Occurrences)

Sardites (1 Occurrence)

Sardite (1 Occurrence)

Elon the Zebulunite
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