Pirathon; Pirathonite
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Israelite city in the hill country of Ephraim associated with the judge Abdon and the warrior Benaiah.
What is the meaning of Pirathon; Pirathonite in the Bible?
Pirathon was the residence and burial place of the judge Abdon and the hometown of Benaiah, a commander in King David's army. Archaeological and textual evidence suggests identification with the sites of Fer'ata or Fir'on in the vicinity of Nablus.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Pirathon helps map the territorial extent of the tribe of Ephraim and contextualizes the social networks of military leaders during the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.