The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Abdon the Son of Hillel Died - Judges 12:15

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah, Ibzan and Elon ruled, “Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel. And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years”, and in chapter twelve and verse fifteen of Judges, we learn how, “Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died” where we read,

And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died,

and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.

The verse reads, “And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died,” The writer began with the words, “and Abdon” whose name means “servile” “the son of Hillel the Pirothonite” or ”the male offspring and progeny belonging to Hillel whose name means ‘praising’ and was a native of Pirathon whose name means ‘princely’ in Mount Ephraim, the father of Abdon the judge, “died” which means “became inanimate, breathless and expired”. The writer shared how “Hillel the Pirathonite’s” male offspring expired.

The verse continues, “and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.” The writer added the words, “and was buried in Pirathon” which means “and was entombed within Pirathon whose name means ‘princely’” “in the land of Ephraim” or “within the region, territory and country belonging to Ephram whose name means ‘double ash-heap or I shall be doubly fruitful’ and was the second son of Joseph, blessed by him and given preference over first son, Manasseh”, “in the mount of the Amalekites” which means “within the rising above the plain belonging to the Amalekites or Amalek whose name means ‘people of lapping’ and were the descendants of Amalek who was the grandson of Esau”. The writer shared how “Abdon” was entombed within he city of “Pirathon” within the region belonging to “Ephraim” within the rising above the plain belonging to the “Amalekites”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Abdon’s” ministry within the Kingdom of God came to an end, and he expired. He was entombed within his home city “Pirathon” in “Ephraim” and in the risings above the plain belonging to the “Amalekites”. God employed the services of “Abdon” and blessed His family, and He will do the same for us when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. At the time we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to perform whatever service He desires in His Kingdom. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; Philippians 2:13)

Next time we begin a new chapter and learn how, “the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance.”

Forty Sons and Thirty Nephews - Judges 12:14

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah and Ibzan ruled, “Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun. And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel”, and in chapter twelve and verse fourteen of Judges, we learn how Abdon, “had forty sons and thirty nephews” where we read,

And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts:

and he judged Israel eight years.

The verse reads, “And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts:” The writer began with the words, “and he had forty sons” which means “and he, Abdon, engendered forty male offspring and progeny” “and thirty nephews” or ”and thirty grandsons”, “that rode on threescore and ten ass colts” which means “who mounted upon seventy donkeys”. The writer shared how “Abdon” engendered “forty” male offspring and “thirty” grandsons who mounted upon seventy donkeys.

The verse goes on to say, “and he judged Israel eight years.” The writer continued with the words, “and he judged Israel” which means “and he, Abdon, governed and ruled over Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “eight years” or “for eight annual sets of days”. The writer shared how “Abdon” ruled over “Israel” for eight annual sets of days.

When we mediate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Abdon” engendered “forty” male offspring and “thirty” grandsons who mounted seventy donkeys. The ideas was that they were abundant and elite, and the fact that “Abdon” ruled over “Israel” for “eight years” demonstrated his prominence within the Kingdom of God. God blesses people and their families when they yield themselves to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability and blessings to carry out His will for us in this life and the next. (See John 3:16; Psalm 40:8; 143:10)

Next time we learn how, “Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Abdon the Son of Hillel - Judges 12:13

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah and Ibzan ruled, “Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years. And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirteen of Judges, we learn about, “Abdon the son of Hillel” where we read,

And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel.

The verse reads, “And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, …” The writer began with the words, “and after him Abdon” which means “and following him, Elon, Abdon whose name means ‘servile’” “the son of Hillel” or ”the male offspring and progeny belonging to Hillel whose name means ‘praising’ and was a native of Pirathon in Mount Ephraim, the father of Abdon the judge”. The writer shared how “Abdon” who was “Hillel’s” male offspring followed “Elon” as the ruler over “Israel”.

The verse continues, “… a Pirathonite, judged Israel.” The writer added the words, “a Pirathonite” whose name means “princely” “judged Israel” or “governed and ruled over Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how “Abdon” was from Pirathon ruled and governed over “Israel”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how another “judge”, “Abdon”, ruled over the people of “Israel” after “Elon” died. One by one God sent men to rule over His people “Israel”, and because He desires to rule over us, H sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to fulfill His will for us in His Kingdom. (See Matthew 6:33)

Next time we learn how Abdon, “had forty sons and thirty nephews”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Elon the Zebulonite Died - Judges 12:12

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah “Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem. And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years”, and in chapter twelve and verse twelve of Judges, we learn, “Elon the Zebulonite died” where we read,

And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun.

The verse reads, “And Elon the Zebulonite died, …” The writer began with the words, “and Elon the Zebulonite” which means “and Elon whose name means ‘terebinth or mighty’ who was from Zebulon whose name means ‘exalted’” “died” or “became lifeless, inanimate and expired”. The writer shared how “Elon” who was from the tribe of “Zebulon” expired.

The verse goes on to say, “… and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun.” The writer continued with the words, “and was buried in Aijalon” which means “and was entombed within Aijalon whose name means ‘field of deer’ and was a Levitical city in Dan, 14 miles or 25 km NW of Jerusalem, later ruled by the Amorites, then the Benjamites of Judah, then by the Philistines” “in the country of Zebulun” or “within the territory and region belonging to Zebulon whose name means ‘exalted”. The writer shared how “Elon” was entombed within the city of “Aijalon” in the territory and region of “Zebulon”.

When we think through the words in this verse, how “Elon’s” time and mission on earth was complete, and when his life was over, they entombed him within “Aijalon”. “Elon” served Jehovah God by ruling over “Israel”, and in like manner, He has a place of service for us when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days. When we surrender to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to minister in His Kingdom until it is time for us to go to be with Him in Heaven. (See John 3:16: 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:6, 8)

Next time we learn about, “Abdon the son of Hillel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, November 9, 2026

Elon the Zebulonite - Judges 12:11

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah, “Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem”, and in chapter twelve and verse eleven of Judges, we learn, “after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel” where we read,

And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years.

The verse reads, “And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel;” The writer began with the words, “and after him” which means “and following him, Ibzan” “Elon” whose name means “terebinth or mighty”, “a Zebulonite” which means “a descendant of Zebulun whose name means ‘exalted’ and was a member of the tribe of Zebulun”, “judged Israel” or “governed and ruled over Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how “Elon who was a Zebulonite” governed and ruled over “Israel” following the time of “Ibzan”.

The verse goes on to say, “and he judged Israel ten years.” The writer continued with the words, “and he judged Israel” which means “and he, Elon, governed and ruled over Israel whose name means ‘God prevails;” “ten years” or “for ten annual sets of days”. The writer shared how “Elon” ruled over “Israel” for the length of “ten” annual sets of days.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn about another ruler or “judge” who governed over “Israel”. “Elon” who was from the tribe of “Zebulon” ruled for the length of “ten years”, and although not many details are given about his governorship, He was definitely used by God. God loves His people Israel, and He loves us as well. When we receive His Son Jesus who died on he cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we fulfill His assignment for us in this world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how, “Elon the Zebulonite died”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ibzan Died - Judges 12:10

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah, “Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years”, and in chapter twelve and verse ten of Judges we learn, “then died Ibzan” where we read,

Then died Ibzan, and was buried at Bethlehem.

The verse reads, “Then died Ibzan,” The writer began with the words, “then died” which means “at that time became breathless, without life and inanimate” “Izban” whose name means ” ”their whiteness or literally their tin - as white”. The writer shared how “Ibzan” took his last breath and expired.

The verse continues, “and was buried at Bethlehem.” The writer added the words, “and was buried” which means “and was entombed” “at Bethlehem” or “within Bethlehem whose name means ‘house of bread’ and was “a city in Judah and the birthplace of David”. The writer shared how “Ibzan” was entombed within the city of “Bethlehem”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover another judge, “Ibzan” this time, who served in Jehovah God’s Kingdom for a certain amount of time and expired. God knows how much time we have in this life, (See Psalm 90:12) and because He loves us, He wants us to spend all eternity with Him. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to serve Him all the days of our lives on Earth and throughout eternity. (See Matthew 6:33; John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn, “after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Thirty Son and Thirty Daughters - Judges 12:9

In the book of Judges we learned after Jephthah “Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.”, and in chapter twelve and verse nine of Judges, we learn how Ibzan, “had thirty sons, and thirty daughters” where we read,

And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.

The verse reads, “And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons.” The writer began with the words, “and he had thirty sons” which means “and he, Ibzan, engendered thirty male offspring and progeny”, “and thirty daughters” or ”and thirty female offspring and progeny”, “whom he sent abroad” which means “that he put forth, stretched out and let go outdoors to the highways and fields”, “and took in thirty daughters from abroad” or “and attained, led and caused to be brought in thirty female offspring and progeny separate and apart from the outdoors toward the highways and fields” “for his sons” which means “on behalf of his, Ibzan’s, male offspring”. The writer shared how “Ibzan” not only had “thirty sons and thirty daughters”, but he also dispatched his daughters to go find spouses for his “sons”.

The verse goes on to say, “And he judged Israel seven years.” The writer continued with the words, “and he judged” which means “and he, Ibzan, governed and ruled over” “Israel” whose name means ‘God prevails’ and “is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “seven years” which means “for seven annual sets of days”. The writer shared how “Ibzan” governed over the people of “Israel” for seven annual sets of days.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn about the family of “Ibzan” who “judged” over Israel. His reign was only “seven years”, but in his lifetime he engendered “thirty sons and thirty daughters”. He also sent his daughter to the outdoor region to find “thirty” female offspring from that area for his “sons”. God chose this man to rule over His people Israel, and He blessed him while he served. God will bless us as well when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”. At the time we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we are blessed in this life and in His Kingdom. (See Matthew 6:33; John 3:16: 16:13)

Next time we learn, “then died Ibzan”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…