Topical Encyclopedia
The Abi-ezrites are a clan within the tribe of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. They are descendants of Abiezer, who was a son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. The name "Abi-ezrite" is derived from Abiezer, meaning "my father is help" or "father of help."
Biblical References:1.
Judges 6:11 : The Abi-ezrites are prominently mentioned in the narrative of Gideon, a judge of Israel. "Then the angel of the LORD came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites." This verse introduces Gideon, who is from the family of the Abi-ezrites, highlighting their role in the deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression.
2.
Judges 6:24 : "So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." This passage indicates the spiritual significance of the Abi-ezrite location, Ophrah, where Gideon built an altar to commemorate his encounter with God.
3.
Judges 8:2 : After Gideon's victory over the Midianites, he addresses the Ephraimites, saying, "What have I accomplished now in comparison with you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?" This statement reflects the humility of Gideon and the relative status of the Abi-ezrites compared to the larger tribe of Ephraim.
4.
Judges 8:32 : "Gideon son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." This verse marks the end of Gideon's life and confirms the continued presence of the Abi-ezrites in Ophrah, their ancestral land.
Historical and Cultural Context:The Abi-ezrites, as part of the tribe of Manasseh, were settled on the west side of the Jordan River. Their territory included the area around Ophrah, which became significant due to Gideon's leadership and the events that transpired there. The Abi-ezrites were likely involved in agricultural activities, as indicated by Gideon's initial act of threshing wheat in a winepress to conceal it from the Midianites.
Role in Israel's History:The Abi-ezrites played a crucial role during the period of the Judges, particularly through Gideon, who is one of the most notable figures in the Book of Judges. Gideon's leadership and military strategies led to the defeat of the Midianites, bringing peace to Israel for a time. The Abi-ezrites, through Gideon, demonstrated faith and courage, becoming instrumental in God's deliverance of His people.
Legacy:The legacy of the Abi-ezrites is primarily tied to Gideon's account, which is a testament to God's power and faithfulness. The clan's association with Gideon highlights their importance in the biblical narrative and their contribution to the history of Israel during a tumultuous period. The Abi-ezrites, through their connection to Gideon, are remembered for their role in one of the significant deliverances recorded in the Old Testament.
Strong's Hebrew
33. Abi Haezri -- a descendant of AbiezerAbi Haezri. 32, 33. Abi Haezri. 34 . a descendant of Abiezer. Transliteration:
Abi Haezri Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee'-haw-ez-ree') Short Definition:
Abiezrites...44. Abiezer -- "my father is help," a Manassite, also a Benjamite
... Word Origin from ab and Ezer Definition "my father is help," a Manassite, also a
Benjamite NASB Word Usage Abiezer (6),Abiezrites (1). Abiezer....
Library
The Crowning of Abimelech
... And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the
sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of theAbiezrites....
Thesaurus
Abiezrites (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Abiezrites (3 Occurrences). Judges 6:24 Then Gideon
built an altar there to Yahweh, and called it " Yahweh
...Abi-ezrites (2 Occurrences)
Abi-ezrites.Abiezrites,Abi-ezrites. Abiez'rites . Multi-Version Concordance...
(WBS).Abiezrites,Abi-ezrites. Abiez'rites . Reference Bible.
Ophrah (9 Occurrences)
... (2.) "Of theAbi-ezrites." A city... Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh, and called
it " Yahweh is Peace." To this day it is still in Ophrah of theAbiezrites....
Gideon (45 Occurrences)
... 5. Gideon's Army: When the allied invaders were in camp on the plain of Jezreel,
we find Gideon, having recruited theAbiezrites and sent messengers to the...
Yahweh-shalom (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 6:24 Then Gideon made an altar there to the Lord, and gave it the name
Yahweh-shalom; to this day it is in Ophrah of theAbiezrites. (BBE)....
Jehovah-shalom (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto Jehovah, and called it
Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of theAbiezrites. (ASV WBS YLT)....
Jehovahshalom (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom:
unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of theAbiezrites. (KJV)....
Abiez'rites (3 Occurrences)
Abiez'rites.Abi-ezrites, Abiez'rites. Abigail . Multi-Version Concordance...
(DBY RSV).Abi-ezrites, Abiez'rites. Abigail . Reference Bible.
Adonai-shalom (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 6:24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto Jehovah, and called it
Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of theAbiezrites. (See JPS)....
Resources
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