Judges 12; 8 – 15 “After him (Jephthah), Ibzan of Bethlehem led Israel. He had thirty sons and thirty daughters. He gave his daughters away in marriage to those outside his clan, and for his sons he brought in thirty young women as wives from outside his clan. Ibzan led Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem. After him, Elon the Zebulunite led Israel ten years. Then Elon died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun. After him, Abdon son of Hillel, from Pirathon, led Israel. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys. He led Israel eight years. Then Abdon son of Hillel died and was buried at Pirathon in Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.”
Once we get through the story of Jephthah, there is a list of four judges who seem completely obscure. One judge is noted mostly for having his children marry outside their clan. Marriages were generally to remain within the tribes of Israel; however, perhaps here the clan designation refers to clans within the tribe of Judah, since Ibzan is from Bethlehem.
Reading this list, we might be excused if we wonder why someone even bothered to mention these people. But God wanted their names to be remembered. When judges were carrying out their duties, they were acting on behalf of God. Whatever else these people did, they carried out their duties, sired children, lived honorably, and were faithful in what they accomplished.
APPLICATION: Let’s face it, the world is made up largely of obscure people. Most of us live quietly without attracting either fame or notoriety; yet, God knows our names, our personalities, and our very souls. Reading this list, we should be encouraged that God notices the “little people,” as well as their families. We matter to the Lord of the Universe.
The Psalmist David said in Psalm 139 “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.”
God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our thoughts, our wants, our desires, our fears, and the things that frighten us or make us despair. Why should we wander aimlessly through life when we have access to the One who truly knows us and who truly loves us? Let us trust Him!
PRAYER: Father God, help us to trust You and to worship You with every bit of our lives. Thank You for loving us and for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Help us to follow hard after You all the days of our lives. In the matchless Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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