JAIR

1 A leader in the conquest of Bashan, probably before the Jews crossed the Jordan, B. C. 1451. Twenty-three cities near Argob were called after him Havoth-jair, which see. 2. The eighth judge of Israel, in Gilead of Manasseh, B. C. 1210. He seems to have been a descendant and heir of the former, Jud 10:3- 5.

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Jair. Jair
Enlightener. (1.) The son of Segub. He was brought up with his mother in Gilead, where he had possessions (1 Chr. 2:22). He distinguished himself in an expedition against Bashan, and settled in the part of Argob on the borders of Gilead. The small towns taken by him there are called Havoth-jair, i.e., “Jair’s villages” (Num. 32:41; Deut. 3:14; Josh. 13:30).

(2.) The eighth judge of Israel, which he ruled for twenty-two years. His opulence is described in Judg. 10:3-5. He had thirty sons, each riding on “ass colts.” They had possession of thirty of the sixty cities (1 Kings 4:13; 1 Chr. 2:23) which formed the ancient Havoth-jair.

(3.) A Benjamite, the father of Mordecai, Esther’s uncle (Esther 2:5).

(4.) The father of Elhanan, who slew Lahmi, the brother of Goliath (1 Chr. 20:5).

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Jair. Jairus, my light; who diffuses light

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JAIR. 1. Son of Manasseh. Founder of twenty-three cities in Gilead Nu 32:41; De 3:14; Jos 13:30; 1Ki 4:13; 1Ch 2:22,23 2. A judge of Israel Jud 10:3-5 3. A Benjamite Es 2:5 4. Father of Elhanan 1Ch 20:5

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(1) Son of Manasseh Nu 32:41; De 3:14 (2) A Judge Jud 10:3 --SEE Judges of Israel (2), ISRAEL-THE JEWS