p. Abdon (12:13–15)
p. Abdon (12:13–15)
Pirathon has been tentatively identified with the modern Far ‘âtā located about 6 miles west-south-west of Shechem, in the southern fringe of the territory assigned to Manasseh, but the border may have been somewhat flexible, with Ephraim, the stronger tribe, extending its region beyond its designated portion (hence the reference in verse 15). Pirathon was the birthplace of David’s captain, Benaiah (2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chr. 11:31; 27:14). The prestige and wealth of Abdon is revealed in the number of his sons and grandsons (not nephews as in AV) and their mounts (cf. 10:4). The reference to the mount, or hill country, of the Amalekites (15) is perplexing. It has been conjectured that this reference, together with that in 5:14, supports the view that there was a small Amalekite enclave in the territory of Ephraim, a possibility which is not entirely ruled out by the inveterate hostility which existed between the Israelites and the Amalekites generally (but see the note on 5:14). The reference may be connected with one or other of the incursions into Israelite territory by hostile groups which included the Amalekites (3:13; 6:3, 33; 7:12; 10:12). It should be noted that the Amalekites, because of their treacherous attack in the earlier part of the wilderness wanderings, came under permanent condemnation and were to be destroyed (Exod. 17:8–13; Deut. 25:17–19; 1 Sam. 15:2, 3).