King James Version
What Does Judges 10:3 Mean?
“And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years.”
Context
1
And after Abimelech there arose to defend Israel Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in Shamir in mount Ephraim. defend: or, deliver: Heb. save
2
And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.
3
And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years.
4
And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which are in the land of Gilead. Havothjair: or, the villages of Jair
5
And Jair died, and was buried in Camon.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **Jair, a Gileadite.**—In Numbers 32:41 we are told of a Jair, the son of Manasseh, who “took the small towns” of Gilead, and called them Havoth-jair. This earlier Jair, with Nobah, plays a splendid part in Jewish legend, which is only alluded to in Scripture (see Deuteronomy 3:14). In what relation the Jair of these verses stood to him we cannot, in the uncertain data of the chronology, decide. The Jair of Numbers 32:41 was descended from Judah on the father’s side, and on the mother’s was a great-grandson of Manasseh.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 10:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 10:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge