The term "Pira'thonite" refers to an inhabitant of Pirathon, a town in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim, located in the hill country of the Amalekites. This designation is primarily associated with two notable figures in the Old Testament: Abdon the son of Hillel and Benaiah, one of David's mighty warriors.

Abdon the Son of Hillel

Abdon, the son of Hillel, is identified as a Pira'thonite in the Book of Judges. He served as a judge of Israel and is noted for his leadership and the peace that characterized his tenure. Judges 12:13-15 states: "After him, 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." Abdon's leadership is marked by prosperity and stability, as indicated by the mention of his large family and their donkeys, a symbol of wealth and status in ancient Israel.

Benaiah the Mighty Warrior

Another significant Pira'thonite is Benaiah, one of King David's elite warriors, known as the "Thirty." In 2 Samuel 23:30 , Benaiah is listed among these valiant men: "Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash." Benaiah's inclusion in this list highlights his bravery and skill in battle, contributing to the military successes of King David's reign. The mention of his origin as a Pira'thonite underscores the diverse backgrounds of David's mighty men, who were drawn from various tribes and regions of Israel.

Geographical and Historical Context

Pirathon, the town associated with the Pira'thonites, is situated in the hill country of Ephraim, a region known for its strategic importance and fertile land. The reference to the "hill country of the Amalekites" suggests a historical context where the Israelites had established control over territories previously inhabited by other groups, such as the Amalekites, who were frequent adversaries of Israel.

The Pira'thonites, through figures like Abdon and Benaiah, exemplify the diverse and interconnected nature of Israelite society during the period of the Judges and the united monarchy. Their contributions to Israel's governance and military prowess reflect the broader narrative of God's providence and the unfolding of His covenant promises to the nation of Israel.Pira'thonite (2 Occurrences)

Judges 12:13
After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite judged Israel.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 12:15
Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites.
(DBY RSV)

Pira'thonite (2 Occurrences)
Pira'thonite. Pirathonite, Pira'thonite. Piream . Multi-Version Concordance
Pira'thonite (2 Occurrences). Judges 12:13 After him ...
/p/pira'thonite.htm - 6k

Pirathonite (5 Occurrences)

/p/pirathonite.htm - 9k

Pira'thon (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried
at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites. ...
/p/pira'thon.htm - 7k

Amal'ekites (24 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried
at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites. ...
/a/amal'ekites.htm - 13k

Piream (1 Occurrence)

/p/piream.htm - 6k

E'phraim (146 Occurrences)
... Judges 12:15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pira'thonite died, and was buried
at Pira'thon in the land of E'phraim, in the hill country of the Amal'ekites. ...
/e/e'phraim.htm - 35k

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