We’re reading through Judges at Oak Tree Church, and I’m posting some observations from my daily readings here within a day or two after the reading. I’d love for you to join in the discussion.
Thoughts on Judges 12
Just one main thought today, but on a longer section of the story.
Jephthah led Israel for six years; then he died and was buried in his city in Gilead.
After him Ibzan of Bethlehem led Israel. He had thirty sons. He arranged for thirty of his daughters to be married outside his extended family, and he arranged for thirty young women to be brought from outside as wives for his sons. Ibzan led Israel for seven years; then he died and was buried in Bethlehem.
After him Elon the Zebulunite led Israel for ten years. Then Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.
After him Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite led Israel. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons who rode on seventy donkeys. He led Israel for eight years. Then Abdon son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites. Judges 12:7-15 NET
This is a very basic life principle: regardless of our position, status, responsibilities, etc., each of us will die, and someone will replace us.
When it comes to Christian service, this is one reason Jesus told us all to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19-20) during our lives to keep his work going.
This is also one of the reasons for my personal passion for teaching people the Scriptures and the overall theme of my blog – “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NASB)
What did you see in these verses? What was important to you in Judges 12 that I did not see?