Some Lesser Known Judges

Beside the better known judges of Israel such as Gideon, Deborah, and Samson, there are some judges for whom only scant information is given, with some given only one short verse about them in scripture. Nonetheless, there are lessons we can learn from these leaders and saviors of Israel.

And after him came Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel.

Judges 3:31 (NASB)

An oxgoad is essentially a pointed stick. Shamgar struck down 600 Philistines with such a tool. If we learn no other lesson, we should see the power of God in this. It is certainly not usual for a man, no matter how physically strong he may be, to defeat 600 men with a pointed stick. Only by the power of God would Shamgar have been able to accomplish this.

Now after Abimelech died, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save Israel; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim. And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir.

Judges 10:1-2 (NASB)

Throughout Israelite history, the Israelites often found themselves confronted by larger and better equipped armies. Often when this happened, battle would be waged out of the hill country of Ephraim, where a smaller army could hide, strike from, and wage a guerrilla war against their oppressors. It seems perhaps that Tola waged such a war, and by it saved Israel. Again, the hand of God is seen in this. It also appears that Tola remained local in his work, and did not seek greater glory by moving from Shamir to a larger city or more prominent location.

And after him, Jair the Gileadite arose, and judged Israel twenty-two years. And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys, and they had thirty cities in the land of Gilead that are called Havvoth-jair to this day. And Jair died and was buried in Kamon.

Judges 10:3-4 (NASB)

With Jair we can learn a lesson in influence. Jair had 30 sons who in turn ruled over 30 cities, which became known as the cities of Jair. Through Jair's influence over and upbringing of his sons, and because of his son's prominent positions, the influence of Jair was felt by a great many people. We each have influence on others in our lives, and it is important that we influence people to follow after the Lord, and not after the things of this world.

Now Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel after him. And he had thirty sons, and thirty daughters whom he gave in marriage outside the family, and he brought in thirty daughters from outside for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem.

Judges 12:8-10 (NASB)

We learn a lesson from Ibzan regarding who can accomplish great things for the glory of God. Bethlehem was never a major city, with few people of great repute (most notably David and of course Jesus the Christ) being associated with the city. Nonetheless, Ibzan came from Bethlehem, apparently remained in Bethlehem, and nonetheless worked the Lord's work. We also see again the way one man can influence many. Through the marriages of his children to men and women from outside the clan, he would have expanded his influence, and been able to use this as a means to turn people back to God.

Now Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel after him; and he judged Israel ten years. Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried at Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.

Judges 12:11-12 (NASB)

When great heroes of the Bible are remembered, few are from Zebulun. Zebulun was a region often associated with idolatry and intermarriage with those outside of God's chosen people. Nonetheless, God selected Elon the Zebulunite to lead Israel. No matter how humble our origins may be, all can be effective in furthering the Lord's work.

Now Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel after him. And he had forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode on seventy donkeys; and he judged Israel eight years. Then Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried at Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

Judges 12:13-15 (NASB)

In Abdon we see something of an opposite to Elon. Here is a man who seems to be a man of standing and wealth. Rather than choosing to set his heart on such earthly treasures, Abdom led Israel according to God's will. Again, it appears that war was waged in the hill country. This time by a man who it seems would have given up much to engage in such an activity. We cannot allow possessions or the things of this world to keep us from doing the Lord's work.