Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Ibzan is a lesser-known figure in the biblical narrative, appearing in the Book of Judges as one of the judges of Israel. His account is briefly mentioned in Judges 12:8-10. Ibzan hailed from Bethlehem, although it is not explicitly clear whether this refers to Bethlehem in Judah or another Bethlehem in the territory of Zebulun. His tenure as a judge is noted for its familial and social aspects rather than military exploits or significant judicial reforms.Biblical Account The account of Ibzan is succinctly recorded in Judges 12:8-10 : "After him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. He had thirty sons and thirty daughters. He gave his daughters in marriage to men outside his clan, and he brought in thirty young women from outside for his sons. He judged Israel for seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem." Role and Significance Ibzan's role as a judge is characterized by his efforts to establish alliances and maintain peace through marriage. The mention of his thirty sons and thirty daughters suggests a man of considerable wealth and influence, as such a large family would require substantial resources. By arranging marriages for his children outside his clan, Ibzan likely sought to strengthen political and social ties with other groups, promoting unity and stability within the nation of Israel. His seven-year judgeship, while not marked by notable military victories or significant legal decisions, reflects a period of relative peace and prosperity. The absence of recorded conflict during his tenure suggests that his strategy of alliance-building through marriage may have been effective in maintaining harmony among the tribes of Israel. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriage was often used as a tool for political alliance and social cohesion. Ibzan's actions align with this cultural practice, indicating his wisdom in governance through fostering relationships beyond his immediate community. This approach would have been particularly valuable in a time when Israel was a loose confederation of tribes, each with its own interests and challenges. Theological Insights From a theological perspective, Ibzan's account highlights the importance of family and community in the life of Israel. His emphasis on marriage alliances underscores the biblical theme of unity among God's people. While his judgeship lacks the dramatic narratives of other judges, Ibzan's peaceful leadership serves as a reminder of the diverse ways God provided for and guided Israel during the period of the judges. Legacy Ibzan's legacy, though brief in the biblical record, is one of peace and familial prosperity. His burial in Bethlehem, a town later significant in the lineage of King David and the birthplace of Jesus Christ, adds a layer of historical and theological interest to his account. As a judge, Ibzan exemplifies the role of a leader who prioritizes harmony and relational strength within the community of God's people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Ibzanfather of a target; father of coldness Smith's Bible Dictionary Ibzan(illustrious), a native of Bethlehem of Zebulun, who judged Israel for seven years after Jephthah. (Judges 12:8,10) (B.C. 1137.) ATS Bible Dictionary IbzanThe tenth "judge of Israel," born in Bethlehem. He held office seven years, and was noted for his large and prosperous family, B. C. 1182, Jud 12:8. Easton's Bible Dictionary Illustrious, the tenth judge of Israel (Judges 12:8-10). He ruled seven years. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia IBZANib'-zan (ibhtsan): The 10th judge of Israel. His city is given as Bethlehem (whether of Judah or Zebulun is not stated). He judged Israel 7 years, and when he died he was buried in his native place. The only personal details given about him in the Biblical narrative are that he had 30 sons and a like number of daughters. He sent all of his sons "abroad" for wives and brought husbands from "abroad" for all his daughters. The exact meaning of ha-chuts, "abroad," is mere matter of speculation, but the great social importance of the man and, possibly, alliances among tribes, are suggested in the brief narrative (Judges 12:8-10). Jewish tradition identifies Ibzan with Boaz of Bethlehem-Judah (Talmud, Babha', Bathra', 91a). Strong's Hebrew 78. Ibtsan -- a judge of Isr.... 77, 78. Ibtsan. 79 . a judge of Isr. Transliteration: Ibtsan Phonetic Spelling: (ib-tsawn') Short Definition: Ibzan. ... NASB Word Usage Ibzan (2). Ibzan. ... /hebrew/78.htm - 6k Library That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon Made War with the Adjoining ... The Story of Samson, the Strong Man Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. The Historical Books. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Ibzan (3 Occurrences)...IBZAN. ib'-zan (ibhtsan): The 10th judge of Israel. ... Jewish tradition identifies Ibzan with Boaz of Bethlehem-Judah (Talmud, Babha', Bathra', 91a). ... /i/ibzan.htm - 8k Beth-lehem (49 Occurrences) Bethlehem (49 Occurrences) Ice (20 Occurrences) Judges (117 Occurrences) Judgeth (37 Occurrences) Judge (297 Occurrences) Ibsam (1 Occurrence) Ezbon (2 Occurrences) Resources Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Judges | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ibzan (3 Occurrences)Judges 12:8 Judges 12:9 Judges 12:10 Subtopics Ibzan: A Bethlehemite, and a Judge (Hero) of Israel Related Terms |
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