Question 1

Who were Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon were three of the judges who led Israel after Jephthah. They were not kings but leaders raised up to guide the people and keep order. Ibzan was from Bethlehem and judged Israel seven years. Elon was a Zebulunite and judged Israel ten years. Abdon was the son of Hillel, from Pirathon in Ephraim, and judged Israel eight years. The passage gives brief notices about them without describing specific battles or deliverances.

Question 2

Why does the passage mention Ibzan’s thirty sons and thirty daughters?

Accepted Answer

The passage points out that Ibzan had thirty sons and thirty daughters and that he arranged marriages for them, sending his daughters abroad and bringing in wives from abroad for his sons. This shows that he had a very large household and broad family connections. It also sets a contrast with the judge before him, Jephthah, who had only one daughter.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Abdon’s sons and grandsons riding on seventy ass colts?

Accepted Answer

Abdon is said to have forty sons and thirty descendants who rode on seventy young donkeys. In that time, riding on donkeys could be a sign of honor and comfort. This picture shows that Abdon’s family was large and respected, with many grown descendants who were able to travel. The passage does not explain their exact roles but presents them as a notable and honored family in Israel.

Question 4

Why are the burial places of these judges mentioned?

Accepted Answer

The passage notes where each judge was buried: Ibzan in Bethlehem, Elon in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun, and Abdon in Pirathon in Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites. This anchors the account in specific places and reminds the reader that these were real people who lived and died in known locations. It also shows that even honored leaders come to the end of their service and are laid to rest.

Question 5

What does this passage show about God’s care for Israel?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God continued to provide judges for Israel over time. Even though it does not record dramatic events or great victories for Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon, it still notes that they judged Israel for many years. Their steady leadership, brief as each notice is, suggests ongoing care for the nation between the more detailed stories of other judges.

Question 6

Why were there several different judges mentioned here?

Accepted Answer

The text simply states that Ibzan judged Israel, then Elon after him, and then Abdon after Elon. Each served for a limited number of years and then died. The passage does not give reasons for the length of their rule or explain why they followed one another so closely; it only records the sequence of leadership and their years of judging.

Question 7

What was happening in Israel during the time of Elon and Abdon?

Accepted Answer

The passage itself does not describe wider events in Israel during the time of Elon and Abdon. It focuses on the basic facts that they judged Israel, how long they served, some details about their families, and where they were buried. Any broader historical setting beyond this is not given in this text.

Question 8

How can this short passage matter for my faith today?

Accepted Answer

This brief passage can remind you that God knows and records the lives of people who serve in quieter ways. Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon are not described with great deeds, yet their names, families, years of service, and burial places are preserved in Scripture. That can encourage you that faithful service, even without public recognition or dramatic stories, is still seen by God.

Judges 12:8

¶ And after him Ibzan of Beth-lehem judged Israel.

Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon

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Judges 12:8

¶ And after him Ibzan of Beth-lehem judged Israel.

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Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon

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