Topical Bible: Israel: Under the Judges: Led by Ibzan for Seven Years

◄ Israel: Under the Judges: Led by Ibzan for Seven Years ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction to the Period of the Judges

The period of the Judges in Israel's history is marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. After the death of Joshua, the Israelites frequently turned away from God, leading to periods of subjugation by surrounding nations. In response to their cries for help, God raised up judges to deliver them and restore peace. This era is characterized by decentralized leadership and varying degrees of faithfulness to the covenant with Yahweh.

Ibzan as Judge

Ibzan is one of the lesser-known judges of Israel, yet his leadership is recorded in the Book of Judges. His tenure as judge lasted seven years, during which he governed Israel and provided stability. The account of Ibzan is brief, found 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 brought in thirty young women from outside for his sons. He judged Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem." (Judges 12:8-10)

Ibzan's Family and Leadership

Ibzan hailed from Bethlehem, a town that would later gain prominence as the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. His large family, consisting of thirty sons and thirty daughters, suggests a man of considerable wealth and influence. The strategic marriages of his children to individuals outside his clan indicate a diplomatic approach to leadership, fostering alliances and peace among the tribes of Israel.

Cultural and Social Context

During Ibzan's judgeship, Israel was a confederation of tribes rather than a unified nation. The role of a judge was not only judicial but also military and spiritual. Judges were seen as deliverers raised by God to lead the people back to covenant faithfulness. Ibzan's leadership, though not marked by military exploits, contributed to the continuity and stability of Israelite society.

Religious Significance

Ibzan's judgeship reflects the ongoing theme of God's providence and faithfulness to His people despite their recurring unfaithfulness. The brevity of his account in Scripture underscores the transient nature of human leadership compared to the enduring sovereignty of God. Ibzan's role as a judge serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the impact of godly leadership on the community.

Conclusion

Ibzan's seven-year judgeship is a testament to the diverse ways God provided for Israel during the tumultuous period of the Judges. His leadership, characterized by familial alliances and stability, contributed to the preservation of Israelite identity and faith during a time of frequent apostasy and external threats.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 12:8-10
And after him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Historical Books.
... some sort an appendix to the book of Judges, though probably ... forsake her own country
and kindred to trust under the wings of the Lord God of Israel (ch.2 ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... In his time, in the fifteenth year, Israel was carried away ... power and the holy place
shall be trodden under foot ... But Judges 10:1 says Tola, the son of Puah, the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Story of Samson, the Strong Man
... Now we are to learn of three judges who ruled Israel in turn ... when he grows up he
will begin to save Israel from the ... and all upon it upon those that were under it ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of samson the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Story of the Levite of Ephraim (Judges 19.xxi ... those of Southern Canaan to unite under
the leadership ... disaster they had formerly inflicted on Israel, is supposed ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm