Abiezer is a Hebrew name meaning “my father is help” or “father of help,” and the Scriptures apply it to two significant individuals—one foundational to the period of the Judges, and another who served in the court of King David.
Abiezer, The Patriarch and Clan of Gideon
The first and most historically influential figure bearing this name is a descendant of the tribe of Manasseh, whose name became the designation for a powerful family clan that played a pivotal role in the days of the Judges.
- The Lineage: Abiezer was a descendant of Manasseh, the son of Joseph. He is mentioned in the genealogies as part of the family that inherited land west of the Jordan River.
“There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families; for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph.” (Joshua 17:2, KJV)
- The Clan of Gideon: Abiezer’s family, known as the Abiezrites, produced one of Israel’s most famous military leaders and judges—Gideon. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he was identified by his family connection:
“And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.” (Judges 6:11, KJV)
- The Rally to Battle: The call to arms for Gideon’s campaign against the Midianites was first directed to his own people, highlighting the Abiezrites’ loyalty and initial strength.
“But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.” (Judges 6:34, KJV)
The name of the patriarch, Abiezer (“father of help”), thus became the name of the clan that provided the “help” and leadership for Israel’s deliverance.
Abiezer, The Anathothite Warrior
The second man named Abiezer served in a different era, as one of King David’s elite corps of soldiers and administrators.
- One of David’s Mighty Men: Abiezer is listed among the Thirty Valiant Men of David. He is distinguished by his hometown of Anathoth, which places him in the tribe of Benjamin.
“Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,” (2 Samuel 23:27, KJV)
- Service as a Captain: His valor and reliability led to a high-ranking position within David’s governmental and military structure. He was one of the monthly captains who commanded a division of the army on a rotational basis.
“The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anetothite, of the Benjamites: and in his course were twenty and four thousand.” (1 Chronicles 27:12, KJV)
This latter Abiezer, the Anathothite, was a man of proven leadership and military skill, confirming the meaning of his name—a man whose life was a testament to “help.”