” And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried among the cities of Gilead. 8 After him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 9 He had thirty sons. And he gave away thirty daughters in marriage, and brought in thirty daughters from elsewhere for his sons. He judged Israel seven years. 10 Then Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem. 11 After him, Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel. He judged Israel ten years. 12 And Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at Aijalon in the country 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 young donkeys. He judged Israel eight years. 15 Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mountains of the Amalekites.” Judges 12:7-15 NKJV
God of every generation,
Following Jephthah’s 7 years of terrible foreign and civil wars, and troubled private life, came Ibzan who judged for 7 years. A totally different reign. He was considered a minor judge because his entire career is described in three brief verses. They contain no battles, theological confrontations, or other events. I am not even sure which tribe he was from. It seems he made many alliances by his sons marriages. And he did OK.
Then came another minor judge, Elon. Again all quiet with him for 10 years. Abdon followed on for 8 years with his large family pictured on donkeys as peaceful, humble people.
3 minor judges and twenty five uneventful years with uneventful recordings of their leadership and judgements. It makes me remember all Your servants who have served Jesus with no record of their deeds or lives remembered even by the church. Whether for a short or a long time. But they did not long for fame or fortune but simply to serve and please You.
Jesus told the story of the faithful servants who used their talents and received their ‘well done though good and faithful servant’ from the Master when He returned (Matthew 25:23). May we be found faithful and not worry about fame in Your Kingdom Lord. You know and it is enough.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 19th March 2026
I must confess I do not always feel enthusiastic like this worship . . . but under my emotions is the desire Lord.
I want to be Your hands
And be Your feet
Lord, make me Your servant
I want to tell Your love
To everyone I meet
Lord make me Your servant
[Bridge]
And when You call me servant
You really call me friend
Your love has made me love You
And want to serve You
Make me the one You send
Lyrics: Russell Fragar