Bible Strands
Judges 12:8
After Jephthah, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text records a historical transition in the period of the judges, noting the succession from Jephthah to Ibzan following Jephthah's death and burial in Gilead.
The words — The verb וַיִּשְׁפֹּט (va.yishpot) translates literally as "and he judged," marking the formal assumption of judicial authority. The phrase מִבֵּית לָחֶם (mi.Beit Lechem) identifies the judge's origin as "from Bethlehem."
The thread — The text places Bethlehem on the historical map before later passages identify it as the birthplace of a future ruler (Micah 5:2) and the backdrop for royal succession narratives (1 Samuel 16:1).
Why it lands — The verse functions as a chronological marker, requiring the reader to track the cycle of leadership transitions and geographic origins among Israel's judges.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And after him Ibzan of Beth–lehem judged Israel.
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have selected from his sons a king for Myself.”
- Genesis 15:19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites,
- Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.
- Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem,