Ibzan
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ibzan in the Bible?
Ibzan served as the tenth judge of Israel for seven years and was buried in Bethlehem. He fathered thirty sons and thirty daughters, arranging marriages between his sons and daughters outside their immediate clan to strengthen social bonds.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ibzan's narrative provides insight into the political strategies of the pre-monarchic period, specifically how elite families utilized marriage alliances to consolidate power and maintain stability among the Israelite tribes.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ibzan reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ibzan in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ibzan clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ibzan." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ibzan/