Judges 12:9

And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters, [whom] he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.

And he had thirty {H7970} sons {H1121}, and thirty {H7970} daughters {H1323}, whom he sent {H7971} abroad {H2351}, and took {H935} in thirty {H7970} daughters {H1323} from abroad {H2351} for his sons {H1121}. And he judged {H8199} Israel {H3478} seven {H7651} years {H8141}.

He had thirty sons, and he had thirty daughters whom he sent abroad; he brought thirty women from abroad in to marry his sons. He judged Isra'el for seven years.

He had thirty sons, as well as thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage to men outside his clan; and for his sons he brought back thirty wives from elsewhere. Ibzan judged Israel seven years.

And he had thirty sons; and thirty daughters he sent abroad, and thirty daughters he brought in from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years.

Commentary

Judges 12:9 introduces us to Ibzan, one of the lesser-known judges of Israel, whose brief tenure is summarized by his personal prosperity and a period of relative peace for the nation.

Context

This verse follows the tumultuous leadership of Jephthah and precedes the judgeships of Elon and Abdon. The Book of Judges often details the cycles of Israel's disobedience, oppression, and God raising up judges to deliver them. While many judges are highlighted for their military prowess or dramatic acts of deliverance, Ibzan, like some others, is presented more as an administrator and a leader who maintained a period of stability. His seven-year term was characterized not by warfare, but by domestic affairs and family arrangements, suggesting a time of internal order rather than external conflict.

Key Themes

  • Prosperity and Influence: Ibzan's large family of sixty children (thirty sons and thirty daughters) and his strategic arrangement of their marriages demonstrate significant wealth and social standing. In ancient Israel, a large family was often seen as a sign of God's blessing and a source of strength and influence. Sending his daughters abroad and taking in daughters from abroad for his sons suggests the establishment of diplomatic or economic alliances with neighboring families or clans.
  • A Different Kind of Leadership: Unlike figures such as Gideon or Samson, Ibzan's judgeship is not marked by heroic battles or miraculous interventions. His role appears to have been more about maintaining order, administering justice, and fostering stability within Israel. This highlights that God uses various means and leaders with different strengths to guide His people.
  • The Cycles of Judges: Ibzan's peaceful reign fits into the recurring pattern of disobedience and deliverance in the book of Judges. Following a period of trouble (under Jephthah), Ibzan's time represents a period of quiet administration, a lull before future challenges.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sent abroad" (Hebrew: ื™ึดืฉึฐืืœึทื— ื”ึทื—ื•ึผืฆึธื”, yishlach hachutzah) and "took in... from abroad" (ื•ึทื™ึธึผื‘ึตื ืžึดืŸึพื”ึทื—ื•ึผืฅ, vayavey min-hachutz) emphasizes the outward and inward movement of his children for marriage. This was a common practice in the ancient Near East to forge alliances, consolidate power, and expand influence. It was a strategic move that benefited the family's standing and potentially contributed to regional peace.

Practical Application

Judges 12:9 reminds us that leadership takes many forms. While dramatic acts of deliverance often capture our attention, the quiet work of administration, fostering family connections, and maintaining peace are also vital. Ibzan's story underscores that God's favor can manifest not only in military victories but also in domestic prosperity and the establishment of stable, flourishing communities. It also highlights the importance of family and strategic relationships in ancient societies, and by extension, the enduring value of strong community ties today.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 12:14

    And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years.

  • Judges 10:4

    And he had thirty sons that rode on thirty ass colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havothjair unto this day, which [are] in the land of Gilead.