8 After him Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 9 He had thirty sons, and thirty daughters he gave in marriage outside his clan, and thirty daughters he brought in from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. 10 Then Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem.
11 After him Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel, and he judged Israel ten years. 12 Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.
13 After him Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel. 14 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys, and he judged Israel eight years. 15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried at Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.
Section Overview
The final three minor judges are clustered together, likely expressing some sort of escalation or climax. First in the book was Shamgar alone (Judg. 3:31), followed by Tola and Jair in a group of two (10:1–5), and now Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon as three. Since Samson is the final, climactic judge in the book, this grouping of three minor judges prepares us to read the Samson account as the conclusion to the judge accounts that began with Othniel at 3:7. In terms of basic content, the author of the book has recorded certain details regarding these judges’ families but not information related to enemy oppression or victory in battle. Sons, daughters, marriage, grandchildren, and donkeys distinguish these judges as wealthy men with large families.
Section Outline
Response
Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon remind us of the faithfulness of God to his people to raise up leaders who promote love and obedience to their covenant Lord and provide relief from the subjugation and oppression of the enemy. These judges also prepare us for Samson as the last and climactic judge in Judges. As such, they also point beyond Samson to the one true Judge: “I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war” (Rev. 19:11).