Judges 12:8-10 – Ibzan
As we have noted before, the Book of Judges tells us of twelve judges. Six of these – Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson – are considered major judges, because the book tells us much about their judgeships. The other six are considered minor judges. Again, this is not because they are unimportant individuals, but only because the book tells us little about them. We have already learned of Shamgar, Tola, and Jair. The other three minor judges are mentioned in the last verses of Judges 12.
Jephthah’s judgeship lasted only six years. After that, Ibzan of Bethlehem served as judge for seven years. We know so little of this man that scholars even debate which Bethlehem – Bethlehem of Zebulun or the better known Bethlehem of Judah – was his home. That he had thirty sons and thirty daughters suggests that he likely had multiple wives. That he married his children outside of his clan suggests he either was making many marriage alliances to strengthen his position in Israel, or he wanted simply to encourage closer relationships between the tribes of Israel following the tragic civil war in Jephthah’s day.
The judgeships of Jephthah and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Ibzan demonstrate that God uses flawed people to accomplish His plan. That you and I are fallen, flawed, and even foolish does not mean the LORD will not use us. In Luke 10:21, Jesus thanks the Father that He has hidden the wonders of the Gospel from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children. May we also rejoice that God uses us, flawed though we are.
Questions
- What do the judgeships of Jephthah and Ibzan teach us about God’s use of flawed people?
- Why might Ibzan have married his children to husbands and wives from outside his clan?
- Can God use you, even if you are very flawed?
Prayer Points
- Thank God that He has not chosen many wise or powerful, but has revealed Himself to the unwise, meek, and lowly.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.