Paul in his second letter to Timothy tells us "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV) hence today's puzzle.
The twenty-two words in the Book of Judges tell us everything we know about Elon so I infer that that is all we need to know. But Paul's letter assures us that we need to know that much. Why, then, is it important at all?
The Bible gives us an account of the period in the history in Israel in which the people not having a confederation which could rightly be called a state were led by a series of people that we refer to as judges. There were twelve of them serving consecutively over a period of roughly three hundred years. (Some scholars include Eli and his sons Joel and Abijah as judges, followed by Samuel, bringing the count to sixteen.) This period ended when Saul was anointed King over Israel.
Several of these judges are given considerable space in the scripture with detailed accounts of their accomplishments, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson being chief among them. The others are mentioned, like Elon, scripture giving their roots, the length of time they led the people, and their burial sites. For most a few words are given to some particular in the individual's life, for example of Abdon who ruled eight years it is said that he had forty sons and thirty grandsons, each of whom rode on donkeys. Clearly Abdon was a busy man, a virile man, and one wonders how he had time to consider the disputes and legal differences that arose among the people. But I digress. (Which I am wont to do.)
Then we ask, "Why is Elon mentioned at all?" Short answer, the ten years represented by his leadership are necessary to a completion of the chronology from the Exodus to the development of the kingdom.
As always, you are welcome. Insights and comments?
Go! This is the day the Lord has given the enemy into your hands. The Lord has gone ahead of you!
Deborah, to Barak (Judges 4:14)
Jump to 21st century America. The Lord still goes ahead of you; He gives you the victory!
7 comments:
Elon, the placeholder? This instance, as with many other Old Testament accounts, is a head-scratcher for sure. But, in historical accounts, all spaces need to be filled.
Vee, even placeholders have their-- place?
Indeed.
Placeholders are good but, in different kind of scenario, spare tires are another animal. Hubby and I have been spare tires on two (inescapable) occasions in the not-so-distant past. Last in line to get food, nothing - or only a few scraps - left in containers. The first time we were out in the boonies and after a very long time someone decided to grill some burgers. The second time there was an ice cream store close-by and, since we were not guests of the party or a a part of the conversation, we left and walked there for a treat. Probably not healthy but it did fill the tummy.
As did our mom, regardless of how many are invited, I always plan for enough to feed an army. No one ever goes hungry when I have a party, but the refrigerator and freezer are stuffed afterward.
Vee, fifthe wheel. We have been the fifth wheel on occasion, a device which is useful only in one is towing a trailer and otherwise largely ignored. Relate to the last part of that statement as we don't "tow trailers."
Someone tried to convince me that it is all perception, all in my mind so to speak, and if I would "put myself out there. . . Nope. I know when I am an afterthought or nonthought.
Glad you enjoyed the ice cream.
Vee, wish this had the "edit" feature for comments.
They need to clone the Facebook edit feature.
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