The next Judge of Israel after Ibzan was named Elon. In Hebrew “Elon” means “oak tree.”
A HOPEFUL NAME
Perhaps this name was given to Elon by his parents. Were they hoping Elon would become the one from the tribe of Zebulun to actually plant down deeper roots? Maybe they hoped he would be one who would stay planted in one place.
A NOMADIC SEAFARING TRIBE
The tribes of Zebulun and Dan were known for moving and transporting their families from location to location. They did this whenever they wanted or sometimes when they needed to escape.
Since they were nomadic, it was easy for these tribes to be transient. It was because they were seamen. They often located in one spot,moved up the coast in thier ships and later relocated inland again. Often they even traveled back to their original lands.
The other Israelites saw these tribes as traitors who were not doing God’s will for Israel. This was said of them because they moved away from trouble instead staying, fighting and permanently occupying the lands given to them.
WARS WITH CANAANITES
In the defense of Dan and Zebulun; this wasn’t always their fault. The Ammorites in the land were constantly chasing both of these tribes from their homelands to the coastal regions. The two tribes were skilled at sea. Many times they escaped by water then settled in another location until they could return again.
Zebulun was known for taking a stronger stance with the enemies. They defended their land whenever they could. Dan was always running or hiding behind Zebulun’s strength.
The city mentioned as Judge Elon’s home was Aijalon. It was a suburb to the lands of the tribe of Dan but belonged to Zebulun. Although Elon was known as a Zebulunite, the two tribes of Dan and Zebulun often worked together. One tribe might settle near the cities of the other tribe so that this was possible. The defending tribe’s land might join the outskirts of the other tribe’s lands.
THE STRONGER DEFENDING THE WEAKER
Since they were so transient, the tribe of Dan became more and more dislocated from their original claim to the land of promise. This happened mostly because of the enemies of Israel still living within the land. Their people were not as able to defend themselves against the Ammorites and the Philistines.
The tribe of Zebulun was stronger and more courageous than Dan. They fared better. Often they would temporarily occupy homes in and around the lands of The Tribe of Dan. This was in order to protect Israel’s weaker borders on Dan’s side.
Because of these facts, the history of these two tribes is often confusing and hard to explain. Some cities seem to have two locations. Actually adjoining cities are just the way the two tribes enabled each other to be transient and have temporary locations. One tribe’s territory ran into and overlapped the other tribe’s territories. Cities of Dan were found in and around Zebulun’s areas and vice versa.
A PEACEFUL AND UNEVENTFUL REIGN
All we really know of Elon The Judge is the fact that he was of the tribe of Zebulon. Also; he reigned over Israel for ten years.
That isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it may very well mean good things. These years when Elon ruled must have been peaceful as there is no mention of any significant history in Israel.
The man himself must have fared well among his brothers. I can imagine him keeping things simple and at peace, always concentrating on leaving a good name. He did nothing to prevent his family from leaving a good record for the family’s heritage.
A certain amount of atonomous idenity often happens with those who live uncomplicated, good and blessed lives. History forgets all of their daily detials. Yet; they leave blessed descendants and ancestors behind to carry on the good family name they helped to build up and establish.
NOT MUCH SAID IS A GOOD THING
Often the least said about a famous and important person the better. Jesus didn’t worry about how He was remembered because instead of speaking out His truth; he lived it out. He spoke without using words and those things are remembered so much better than words.
So little is said of Elon. Because of that fact, I like to imagine Elon as a man who was intentionally present in the moment he was living. He must have paid careful attention to the times in which he lived.
IMAGINING HOW ELON LIVED
I’m not certain; but I can imagine how his life could have been. Maybe Elon enjoyed his family each fall as he watched God change the season from greens to golds.
IMAGINING THE LIFE OF ELON
Can’t you just see them all together celebrating The Feast of Tabernacles?
Maybe as they gathered together, Elon actually stopped and took the time to breathe in and appreciate the crisp fall air. As he did so, possibly he prayed that God would help him to be a good and successful leader.
Since we don’t have a clue about whether Elon actually prayed or not; I like to imagine that he did. It is hopeful to think that he requested God to be his only compass and guide.
I like to think that whenever the winds of the world swirled and changed around Elon; he probably remained calm.
It is easy to imagine that he was a man of quiet prayer. Perhaps he would sit at dusk and marvel at the fact that Israel had actually become a mighty nation. I’m sure he knew in his heart that God was there for them.
WAS ELON A THANKFUL MAN?
It is quite possible that Elon was recognized as a very thankful man. I doubt he took anything for granted. Perhaps with each changing season he expressed his thanks to God and brought forth new offerings of praise.
Maybe in all of the demands of national leadership, Elon was one steady, solid man who had learned the secret of resting in God. Sabbaths could have been very important to him.
That could be why his children always trusted and returned to him. I’m thinking they loved his strong warm arms which embraced them with a positive and cheerful welcome.
HELPING HIS PEOPLE TO FEEL THEIR IDENTITY
Perhaps all of Israel’s citizens saw these things whenever they looked at their ruler. Maybe it made them think they too were welcomed. Perhaps they were reassured that their own individual presence was wanted and cherished in their nation and among their people
Elon must have appreciate the value of each citizen he ruled.
NOTHING IS RECORDED IN WORDS
I’m not sure if any of the above is true. These thoughts are my own imagined thoughts about Judge Elon. I simply imagine who he was because we have no words from which to record his deeds.
What do you imagine about this Israeli leader of ten years?
When he died, Elon was buried in Aijalon.