Original Word: אֲבִידָן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Abiydan
Pronunciation: ah-vee-DAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-dawn')
KJV: Abidan
NASB: Abidan
Word Origin: [from H1 (אָב - father) and H1777 (דִּין דּוּן - judge)]
1. father of judgment (i.e. judge)
2. Abidan, an Israelite
From 'ab and diyn; father of judgment (i.e. Judge); Abidan, an Israelite -- Abidan.
see HEBREW 'ab
see HEBREW diyn
Abidan is introduced as "Abidan son of Gideoni" (Numbers 1:11), the divinely appointed head of the tribe of Benjamin during the wilderness years.
Tribal Leadership during the Census
When Moses conducts the first census, Abidan represents Benjamin: "from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni" (Numbers 1:11). Under his oversight 35,400 fighting men are enrolled, confirming Benjamin’s full standing among the sons of Israel.
Position within the Camp
Benjamin, led by Abidan, encamps on the west side with Ephraim and Manasseh (Numbers 2:22-24). The tribe’s nearness to the tabernacle’s rear entrance signifies both privilege and responsibility in guarding Israel’s holiest space.
Service at the Dedication of the Altar
On the ninth day of the altar’s consecration, "the leader of the Benjamites, Abidan son of Gideoni," presents his offerings (Numbers 7:60-65). His silver, gold, grain, and animal gifts match those of every other leader, illustrating equality of worship and wholehearted tribal participation.
Role in the Marching Order
When the cloud lifts, Benjamin moves in the third division: "the leader of the Benjamites was Abidan son of Gideoni" (Numbers 10:24). The precise order underscores discipline and unity under God’s direction.
Spiritual Significance
• Faithful Representation: Abidan embodies servant-leadership—present at every census, ceremony, and march, mirroring Christ’s perfect mediation (1 Timothy 2:5).
• Order and Obedience: His strict adherence to God’s commands models the principle that "all things must be done in a proper and orderly manner" (1 Corinthians 14:40).
• Equality before God: Identical offerings from each tribe point to the shared need for atonement and the equal access all believers possess through grace (Romans 3:22-24).
• Covenant Continuity: Though small, Benjamin’s presence through Abidan affirms God’s unfailing promises to every tribe (Genesis 49:27; Hebrews 10:23).
Legacy
Abidan’s brief scriptural footprint foretells the later influence of Benjamites such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. His steadfast obedience at Israel’s formative hour remains a lasting pattern of leadership that listens for God’s call, contributes when summoned, and marches when commanded.
Numbers 2:22
HEB: לִבְנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֔ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־ גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃
NAS: of Benjamin: Abidan the son
KJV: of Benjamin [shall be] Abidan the son
INT: of the sons of Benjamin Abidan the son of Gideoni
Numbers 7:60
HEB: לִבְנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־ גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃
NAS: day [it was] Abidan the son
KJV: day Abidan the son
INT: the son of Benjamin Abidan of the sons of Gideoni
Numbers 7:65
HEB: זֶ֛ה קָרְבַּ֥ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־ גִּדְעֹנִֽי׃
NAS: [was] the offering of Abidan the son
KJV: this [was] the offering of Abidan the son
INT: This the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni
Numbers 10:24
HEB: בְּנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ן אֲבִידָ֖ן בֶּן־ גִּדְעוֹנִֽי׃
NAS: and Abidan the son of Gideoni
KJV: of Benjamin [was] Abidan the son
INT: the son of Benjamin and Abidan of the sons of Gideoni
5 Occurrences
Strong's Hebrew 27
5 Occurrences
’ă·ḇî·ḏān — 5 Occ.