Judges 12:8-10

Ibzan’s judgeship 12:8-10

Ibzan, whose name comes from a root meaning "swift," was notable for his 30 sons and 30 daughters, a sign of prestige and wealth in the ancient Near East (cf. Judges 8:30). He contrasts with Jephthah who had only one daughter. Whereas Jephthah slew his daughter, Ibzan obtained husbands for his 30 daughters. Apparently Ibzan was a polygamist, and Jephthah was not. His "marriages probably cemented clan alliances and extended the scope of his political influence." [Note: Block, Judges . . ., p. 389.] Ibzan lived in Bethlehem of Zebulun. The writer identified the other Bethlehem (in Judah) as "Bethlehem of Judah" elsewhere in the text of Judges.