Numbers 1:11

KJV

Of Benjamin; Abidan the son of Gideoni.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of Benjamin {H1144}; Abidan {H27} the son {H1121} of Gideoni {H1441}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From Binyamin, Avidan the son of Gid'oni;

Berean Standard Bible

from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni;

American Standard Version

Of Benjamin: Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 1:11 concisely identifies Abidan, son of Gideoni, as the appointed leader from the tribe of Benjamin within the comprehensive census recorded at the outset of the Book of Numbers. This brief entry is part of a meticulously detailed divine mandate to organize the Israelite community for their wilderness journey, military readiness, and eventual settlement in the Promised Land, underscoring God's precise order and the importance of designated leadership within His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 1:11 is embedded within the opening chapter of the Book of Numbers, which details the census taken at God's command in the wilderness of Sinai. Specifically, verses 4-16 list the tribal leaders appointed to assist Moses and Aaron in this undertaking. Each verse, from Numbers 1:5 through 1:15, follows a consistent pattern: "Of [Tribe Name]; [Leader Name] the son of [Father's Name]." This repetitive structure emphasizes the systematic nature of the census and the divine order being established. The immediate preceding verse, [Numbers 1:10](/numbers/1-10 "Numbers 1:10 - Leader of Dan"), names Ahiezer, son of Ammishaddai, as the leader for the tribe of Dan, while the subsequent verse, [Numbers 1:12](/numbers/1-12 "Numbers 1:12 - Leader of Simeon"), names Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai, for the tribe of Simeon. This consistent enumeration highlights the equal importance of each tribe and its designated representative in the national structure. The entire chapter sets the stage for the orderly encampment, march, and military organization of Israel, preparing them for their role as God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The census described in Numbers 1 took place in the wilderness of Sinai, approximately one year after the Exodus from Egypt and following the erection of the Tabernacle, as indicated in [Numbers 1:1](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1 - God Speaks to Moses in Sinai"). This period was crucial for the nascent nation of Israel, transitioning from a collection of families into a structured, divinely-governed community. Censuses in the ancient Near East were often conducted for military conscription, taxation, or land distribution. Here, the primary purpose, as stated in [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - Command for the Census"), was to count all males twenty years old and upward who were "able to go forth to war." This military focus underscores the challenges ahead, including potential conflicts with hostile nations on the journey to Canaan. The appointment of a "prince" or "leader" (נָשִׂיא, _nasi'_) for each tribe, as seen with Abidan, was a standard practice for managing large tribal groups, ensuring accountability, and facilitating communication and command within the Israelite camp. These leaders were not merely administrative figures but held significant authority and responsibility in maintaining order and unity among their respective tribes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyamin'_):** Meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of my sorrow." Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the only son born in the land of Canaan. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and skilled slingers, though it was also a smaller tribe. In this context, the mention of "Benjamin" signifies the inclusion of this specific tribal lineage in the national census and its participation in the divinely ordained structure.
* **Abidan (Hebrew, _'Avidan'_):** Meaning "my father is judge" or "father of judgment." This name is highly significant for a tribal leader. It suggests a person endowed with authority, wisdom, and the capacity to discern and administer justice within his tribe. As the designated "prince" or "leader" (נָשִׂיא, _nasi'_) of Benjamin, Abidan's name aptly reflects the responsibilities associated with his role in guiding and governing his people.
* **Gideoni (Hebrew, _Gid'oni'_):** The name of Abidan's father. While not directly linked to the famous Judge Gideon, the root of "Gideoni" is related to "Gideon," meaning "hewer" or "one who cuts down." This could imply a lineage known for strength, decisiveness, or perhaps a martial background, fitting for the father of a leader appointed for a military census. It situates Abidan within a family line that may have been recognized for its robust character or leadership qualities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of Benjamin;":** This initial phrase immediately identifies the tribal affiliation of the individual being named. It places Abidan within the specific lineage and geographical (future) allotment of the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the tribal structure as the fundamental unit of Israelite society and organization. It also highlights the comprehensive nature of the census, which accounted for every tribe.
* **"Abidan the son of Gideoni.":** This clause provides the specific identity of the appointed leader for the tribe of Benjamin. By naming both the individual (Abidan) and his father (Gideoni), the text establishes his lineage and validates his standing within the tribal hierarchy. This patrilineal identification was crucial in ancient Israelite society for establishing identity, authority, and legitimacy, particularly for a role as significant as a tribal prince.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, as part of a larger list in Numbers 1, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloging**. The systematic listing of each tribe and its appointed leader creates a comprehensive record, emphasizing the meticulous nature of God's organizational plan for Israel. This repetitive structure, seen in verses 5-15, also utilizes **Parallelism** in its phrasing ("Of [Tribe]; [Leader] the son of [Father]"), reinforcing the consistent divine approach to each tribal unit. Furthermore, the inclusion of the father's name alongside the leader's name functions as a form of **Genealogy** or **Patrilineal Succession**, validating the leader's identity and authority through his lineage. The overall effect of these devices is to convey a sense of divine order, thoroughness, and the foundational importance of tribal identity and leadership in the formation of the Israelite nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 1:11, though a single line in a census record, profoundly illustrates God's commitment to order, structure, and the importance of appointed leadership within His covenant community. The meticulous counting and designation of leaders for each tribe underscore a divine blueprint for communal life, where every individual and group has a place and purpose. This is not merely human administration but a divinely mandated preparation for the challenges and responsibilities of nationhood, including military readiness and the eventual inheritance of the Promised Land. It reveals a God who is intimately involved in the practical details of His people's lives, ensuring their readiness to fulfill His purposes. This emphasis on divine order and the necessity of leadership for effective functioning resonates throughout biblical theology.

* [Exodus 18:21](/exodus/18-21 "Exodus 18:21 - Selection of Able Leaders")
* [Deuteronomy 1:15](/deuteronomy/1-15 "Deuteronomy 1:15 - Appointment of Tribal Leaders")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body Has Many Members")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry statistics of Numbers 1:11 offer profound insights for contemporary life. God's meticulous attention to organizing ancient Israel reminds us that He is a God of order, not chaos. This principle applies to our personal lives, our families, and especially our spiritual communities. Just as each tribe had a designated leader and a specific role in Israel's journey, so too does every believer have a unique place and purpose within the body of Christ. We are called to embrace our individual responsibilities and to respect the leadership God has established, whether in the church, our workplaces, or our homes. This verse challenges us to consider how well we are aligned with God's divine order, prepared to fulfill our part in His grand narrative, and willing to submit to the structures He has put in place for our collective flourishing and mission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's emphasis on order and leadership in Numbers 1:11 challenge my own approach to organization and responsibility in my life or community?**
* **In what ways can I better recognize and support the leaders God has placed over me, understanding their role as part of His divine plan?**
* **What is my specific "place" or "purpose" within the body of Christ, and how am I actively preparing myself to fulfill it for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Why was a census so important for the Israelites at this point in their history?**

Answer: The census described in Numbers 1, including the naming of leaders like Abidan in [Numbers 1:11](/numbers/1-11 "Numbers 1:11 - Abidan of Benjamin"), was critically important for several reasons. Primarily, it was a divine command given by God to Moses and Aaron, as stated in [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - Command for the Census"). Its purposes were multi-faceted: military organization (counting men "able to go forth to war"), tribal identification (establishing clear tribal boundaries and identities), and preparation for the structured encampment and subsequent journey towards the Promised Land. This meticulous organization ensured that the vast Israelite community, numbering over 600,000 fighting men, could move and function efficiently as a unified nation under God's guidance, ready for both defense and conquest. It underscored God's desire for order and accountability within His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Numbers 1:11 details a specific leader within the Old Testament tribal structure, it ultimately points to the greater divine order established in Christ. The meticulous census and the appointment of tribal princes like Abidan prefigure God's careful organization of His people, culminating in the New Covenant community. Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect leader, the true "Prince" and "Shepherd" of God's people, far surpassing any earthly tribal head. He is the one who gathers, numbers, and leads His flock, not merely for military conquest or earthly inheritance, but for eternal life and spiritual victory ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The Old Testament emphasis on lineage and tribal identity finds its fulfillment in Christ, through whom all believers, regardless of their earthly heritage, are united into a new spiritual family, the "Israel of God" ([Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). Just as Abidan was appointed to bring order to Benjamin, Christ brings perfect order and unity to His church, equipping His people for their spiritual journey and mission, making them a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race")). He is the head of the body, the church, ensuring its proper functioning and growth according to God's eternal purposes ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 7:60

On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, [offered]:

Numbers 2:22

Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin [shall be] Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Numbers 10:24

And over the host of the tribe of the children of Benjamin [was] Abidan the son of Gideoni.