Ibzan

Ibzan (meaning illustrious or father of a target) was the tenth judge of Israel, succeeding Jephthah. He was from Bethlehem — most likely Bethlehem in Zebulun rather than the more famous Bethlehem of Judah, though some traditions have identified him with both. According to Judges 12:8–10, Ibzan judged Israel for seven years and was noted for his large family: thirty sons and thirty daughters. He arranged marriages for all of them outside his own clan, a detail that suggests both his wealth and his diplomatic range.

Like the minor judges Tola, Jair, and Elon, Ibzan's tenure is described briefly, with no military exploits or specific theological crises recorded. His judgeship appears to have been a period of relative administrative stability. He died and was buried at Bethlehem. The stress on his many children reflects the ancient Near Eastern value of a large household as a mark of divine blessing and social influence.