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!
