Three Big Zeros

Judges 12:8–15
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After six years of heroic reign Jephthah died. Israel now enters a period of twenty-five years under three minor judges. Dr. J. Vernon McGee in his commentary series says these three judges were practically zeros. They did something but they did not judge Israel as they should have done. Little is said concerning these men and the events during the years they served, but it is apparent they were instrumental in keeping peace during the years they served. 

1. Ibzan (vv. 8-10). The first is Ibzan, the ninth judge, who is not mentioned anywhere else in the Old Testament. However, the fact that he had “thirty sons and thirty daughters” (v.8) indicates his wealth and position in the community. His seven-year period of reign was also marked with a series of intercultural marriages which indicates he was a polygamist.

2. Elon (vv. 11-12). The tenth judge ruled for ten years. He did nothing, he didn’t even have a large family. Apparently all that he did was twiddle his thumbs.

3. Abdon (vv. 13-15). Then Abdon, the eleventh judge ruled eight years. Little is recorded of life in Israel for the twenty-five years in which these three judges served, but it is evident that they did succeed in keeping the peace. Some say that the fact he had forty sons would indicate that he too was a polygamist.

Application

As I review this leadership, I’m reminded of those leading our country today.  I’m to pray for those in authority (1Tim. 2:1-3) and realize these are ministers for our good (Romans 13:1-7). I need to be doing this on a daily basis.