Bible Dictionary
Abidan
Abidan son of Gideoni was the leader, or prince, of the tribe of Benjamin during Israel’s wilderness journey. He represented Benjamin at the census and in offerings connected with the tabernacle.
Definition
Abidan, son of Gideoni, was the prince or chief of the tribe of Benjamin during Israel’s wilderness journey. His name means “father is judge” or “father of the judge.”
Biblical Usage
Abidan represented Benjamin at the wilderness census. He also offered on behalf of his tribe when the tabernacle was erected, anointed, and sanctified, offering on the ninth day.
Historical Background
Abidan held tribal leadership during the Exodus and the wilderness period. His service belonged to the organized representation of the tribes before the tabernacle.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Father of judgment; judge, head of the tribe of Benjamin at the Exodus (Num. 1:11; 2:22).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(father of the judge), chief of the tribe of Benjamin at the time of the Exodus. (B.C. 1491.) (Numbers 1:11; 2:22; 7:60,65; 10:24)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-bi'-dan ('abhidhan, "father is judge"): Abidan, son of Gideoni, was a "prince" of the children of Benjamin (Nu 2:22; 10:24). He was chosen to represent his tribe at the census in the wilderness of Sinai (Nu 1:11). When, on the erection, anointing and sanctification of the Tabernacle, the heads of Israel offered, Abidan offered on the ninth day (Nu 7:60,65).</p>