Abdon the Pirathonite is the second to last judge in the Book of Judges. He judged Israel for 8 years. Most of the commentaries or notes on Abdon say see Jair the Gileadite. The major differences being that Abdon is an Ephraimite (eastern side of the Jordan river) and tenure (22 years vs 8 years). Abdon similar to Jair in that they were both incredibly wealthy judges. What we can learn from Abdon mostly comes from what is not said about him.
First, we can learn that all of the eastern tribes of Israel had a judge except the tribe of Simeon, which has its lands swallowed by that of Judah eventually, losing most of its tribal identity. The other tribes not represented in the Judges are Levi (the priests, they are already busy), Gad and Reuben. The may not seem important now, but it is telling that the story has already begun to move away from these tribes as the book of Judges begins wrapping up.
Second, if we look at the context preceding his judgeship we can see that Elon being a quiet judge was even more unique and that the people were increasingly finding their security outside of God. The Israelites find it in military might, money or marital alliance. They have become little different than the people around them.
Are we as Christian Americans any different? Do we not also seek security in politics or military might or monetary support?
I heard a missionary share about how the United States military was pulling out of the Philippines. Many of the Filipinos thought the missionary family would return along with the military, demonstrating how much the Filipinos believed our faith in Christ was tied to our faith in the US military. That family decided to remain in the Phillipines despite the increased danger to their lives.
We can enjoy the benefits of success and power, but our security needs to rely on our faith in God.