Between the dramatic stories of the major judges, the Bible briefly mentions five other judges: Tola (23 years), Jair (22 years), Ibzan (7 years), Elon (10 years), and Abdon (8 years). Some scholars also include Shamgar in this group.
We know almost nothing about these men beyond their names, how long they served, and sometimes how many children they had. Jair had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys (a sign of wealth). Ibzan had 30 sons and 30 daughters. Abdon had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who rode 70 donkeys.
No battles are described, no dramatic victories. They simply served faithfully during their time. Together, they judged Israel for about 70 years — longer than many of the famous judges.
Together, the minor judges served for about 70 years — that's longer than Samson (20 years) and Gideon (40 years) combined! Quiet service adds up.
The minor judges remind us that not everyone needs a spotlight. God doesn't just use the dramatic and spectacular. He also values the quiet, steady, day-after-day faithfulness that keeps things running.
Think about it — we remember Gideon and Samson, but Tola kept Israel stable for 23 years. That's an entire generation of peace maintained by faithful leadership nobody talks about.
In the church, some serve on stage and some serve behind the scenes. Some teach hundreds and some teach one child. God sees it all, and He values it all. You don't need a dramatic story to be faithful.
Complete all sections to finish!
Read each section and answer the questions correctly.