The term "Pirathonite" 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 Pirathonite 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 at 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 figure associated with Pirathon is Benaiah, one of King David's mighty warriors. In 2 Samuel 23:30 , Benaiah is listed among the valiant men who served David: "Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai from the brooks of Gaash." Benaiah's inclusion in this elite group highlights his bravery and skill in battle, contributing to the military successes of David's reign.

Geographical and Historical Context

Pirathon itself is situated in the region of Ephraim, a central area in the land of Israel. The mention of the "hill country of the Amalekites" suggests a historical context where the remnants of the Amalekite people, long-time adversaries of Israel, were still present in the region. The location of Pirathon in the hill country indicates a strategic position, offering natural defenses and a vantage point over the surrounding areas.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The designation "Pirathonite" underscores the importance of tribal and regional identities in ancient Israel. It reflects the localized nature of leadership and the significance of one's origin in the biblical narrative. The figures associated with Pirathon, particularly Abdon and Benaiah, exemplify the diverse roles individuals played in the unfolding account of Israel, from judicial leadership to military prowess.

In the broader theological context, the accounts of the Pirathonites contribute to the understanding of God's providence and governance over Israel through appointed leaders and warriors. These narratives demonstrate the continuity of God's faithfulness to His people, as He raises up individuals from various tribes and regions to fulfill His purposes in the history of Israel.Pirathonite

a native of or dweller in Pirathon. Two such are named in the Bible:--

1. Abdon ben-Hillel. (Judges 12:13,15)
2. "Benaiah the Pirathonite of the children of Ephraim," (1 Chronicles 27:14)

(1.) Abdon, the son of Hillel, so called, Judges 12:13, 15.

(2.) Benaiah the Ephraimite (2 Samuel 23:30), one of David's thirty heroes.

PIRATHON; PIRATHONITE

pir'-a-thon, pir'-a-thon-it (pir`athon, pir`athoni; Codex Vaticanus Pharathom; Codex Alexandrinus Phraathom, Pharathuneites): The home of Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite (Judges 12:13 the King James Version), where also he was buried, "in the land of Ephraim in the mount of the Amalekites." The latter name may have clung to a district which at some former time had been held by the Amalekites. From this town also came Benaiah, one of David's chief captains (2 Samuel 23:30 1 Chronicles 11:31; 1 Chronicles 27:14). It is probably to be identified with Fer`ata, about 6 miles Southwest of Nablus. A possible rival is Fir`on, 15 miles West of Nablus. G.A. Smith suggests a position at the head of Wady Far`ah (HGHL, 355). Moore thinks it may have been in Benjamin, Abdon being a Benjamite family (1 Chronicles 8:23, 30; 1 Chronicles 9:36). It is just possible that the place may be identical with Pharathon, one of the towns fortified by Bacchides (1 Maccabees 9:50).

W. Ewing

6553. Pirathoni -- inhab. of Pirathon
... inhab. of Pirathon. Transliteration: Pirathoni Phonetic Spelling: (pir-aw-tho-nee')
Short Definition: Pirathonite. ... of Pirathon NASB Word Usage Pirathonite (5). ...
/hebrew/6553.htm - 6kPirathonite (5 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PIRATHON; PIRATHONITE. ...Pirathonite (5 Occurrences).
Judges 12:13 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. ...
/p/pirathonite.htm - 9k

Pirathon (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PIRATHON; PIRATHONITE. ... Pirathon (2 Occurrences).
Judges 12:13 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. ...
/p/pirathon.htm - 8k

Pira'thon (4 Occurrences)
Pira'thon. Pirathon, Pira'thon. Pirathonite . ... (Root in DBY RSV). 2 Samuel
23:30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of Nahale-gaash; (See RSV). ...
/p/pira'thon.htm - 7k

Abdon (8 Occurrences)
... Servile. (1.) The son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, the tenth judge of Israel
(Judges 12:13-15). He is probably the Bedan of 1 Samuel 12:11. ...
/a/abdon.htm - 13k

Benai'ah (43 Occurrences)
... among the three mighty men. (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:30 Benaiah a Pirathonite,
Hiddai of Nahale-gaash; (See RSV). 1 Kings 1:8 But Zadok ...
/b/benai'ah.htm - 18k

Benaiah (44 Occurrences)
... In recognition of his services Solomon appointed him over the host in Joab's place
(1 Kings 2:35; 1 Kings 4:4). (2) Benaiah, a Pirathonite (compare Judges 12:13 ...
/b/benaiah.htm - 26k

Hillel (2 Occurrences)
... Praising, a Pirathonite, father of the judge Abdon (Judges 12:13, 15). Int. ... Judges
12:13 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. ...
/h/hillel.htm - 7k

Valleys (38 Occurrences)
... and the Jebusites: (KJV WBS). 2 Samuel 23:30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai
of the valleys of Gaash, (BBE). 1 Kings 18:5 Ahab said ...
/v/valleys.htm - 18k

Nahale-gaash (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nahale-gaash (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 23:30 Benaiah
a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash. (See JPS). ...
/n/nahale-gaash.htm - 6k

Judgeth (37 Occurrences)
... Israel ten years, (YLT). Judges 12:13 And after him, Abdon son of Hillel,
the Pirathonite, judgeth Israel, (YLT). Judges 12:14 and ...
/j/judgeth.htm - 16k

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