The answer is: 8 years

Judges 12:14

In the dusty pages of Judges, we encounter a curious figure named Abdon, son of Hillel, who steered Israel for eight years. While that might appear like just a footnote among the many judges, it invites a deeper look into the fluctuating leadership and tumultuous times that marked Israel's history.

Did you know that “Abdon” means "servant?" This name illustrates a recurring biblical theme: genuine leadership often involves selflessness and service to one's community. Each judge in Israel's history is a reflection of the people's spiritual and social state. Someone stepping into this role during a cycle of lawlessness highlights that call for divine guidance, a notion echoing frequently in these scriptures.

The interesting clash comes from considering how long other judges ruled. Leaders like Othniel led longer times of peace between turmoil, while Ehud’s cycle of leadership featured much braver acts against enemies—such drama packed into a sacred narrative! Abdon himself is often overshadowed by more colorful figures. But as trivial as eight years can seem, in these examples, they accentuate differing leadership styles and convey essential truths about the burdens and responsibilities of serving a group characterized by perpetual challenges.

And as we traverse these tales, it's great to remember that such judges were also a form of divine reality intended for humanity's greater unity and welfare, drawing connections to the broader tradition of ethical and communal governance in any society.