Juízes 10

Juízes 10

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission Chart on Judges - Charles Swindoll RECYCLING SIN (The High Cost of Compromise) Jdg 1:1-3:6 Jdg 3:7-16:31 Jdg 17:1-21:25 Introduction History of the Judges Appendix Causes of the Cycles THE REASON Curse of the Cycles THE RECORD Conditions in the Cycles THE RESULTS God's Judgment for Failure Jdg 2:1-3:6 Curse of the Cycles Conditions in the Cycles Living with Canaanites War with the Canaanites Living Like the Canaanites Religious Laxity Political Uncertainty Moral Anarchy About 350 Years of Israel's History - Almost 25%! From Compromise to Confusion! A TIMELINE OF ISRAEL'S HISTORY "in the days when the JUDGES governed" (Note: All dates are approximations & time gaps NOT to scale) Exodus 40 Years Israel Enters Canaan JUDGES Saul David Messiah Redemption from Slavery Wilderness Wandering Canaan Conquered Joshua Dies LIGHT of book of RUTH Shines forth in Dark Days of Judges To obey is better than sacrifice Man after God's Own Heart The Lamb that was slain -- 40 yrs ~24 yrs 350+ yrs 40 yrs 40 yrs Forever MESSIAH'S LINE To Salmon was born Boaz by Rahab To Boaz was born Obed by Ruth To Obed was born Jesse To Jesse was born David the King Jesus Christ the Lord 1445BC 1445 -1405 1405 -1381 1381-1051 1051-1011 1011-971 4AD Another Timeline of Israel's History from Jensen's Survey of the OT Other ways to describe Israel's cycle… Rest > Rebellion > Retribution > Repentance (?) > Restoration Sin > Suffering/Servitude > Supplication > Salvation Apathy > Apostasy > Affliction > Answered Prayer Disobedience > Desperation > Deliverance Disobedience > Bondage >Misery > Liberation and Rest > Compromises Hannah's Bible Outline Parenthesis: the tyranny of Abimelech (Jdg 8:33-Jdg 9:57) Israel's idolatry (Jdg 8:33-35) Shechem's submission to Abimelech (Jdg 9:1-57) Abimelech's treachery to become king (Jdg 9:1-6) Jothan's speech (Jdg 9:7-21) The parable (Jdg 9:7-15) The application (Jdg 9:16-21) Shechem's treachery toward Abimelech (Jdg 9:22-25) Gaal's aborted rebellion (Jdg 9:26-41) Abimelech's capture of Shechem (Jdg 9:42-49) Abimelech's death at Thebez (Jdg 9:50-57) 3. Tola (Jdg 10:1–2) 4. Jair (Jdg 10:3–5) 5. Jephthah (Jdg 10:6–12:7) 1. Israel’s sin (Jdg 10:6) 2. Israel’s servitude (Jdg 10:7–9) 3. Israel’s supplication (Jdg 10:10–16) 4. Israel’s deliverance (Jdg 10:17–12:7) 1. The preparations for battle (Jdg 10:17–11:28) 1. The armies gathered (Jdg 10:17–18) 2. The leader secured (Jdg 11:1–11) 1. His background (Jdg 11:1–3) 2. His covenant (Jdg 11:4–11) 3. The messages to Ammon (Jdg 11:12–28) 2. The vow and victory in battle (Jdg 11:29–40) 1. The vow made (Jdg 11:29–31) 2. The victory secured (Jdg 11:32–33) 3. The vow observed (Jdg 11:34–40) 3. The strife with Ephraim (Jdg 12:1–6) 1. Ephraim’s jealousy (Jdg 12:1–3) 2. Ephraim’s defeat (Jdg 12:4–6) 4. The death of Jephthah (Jdg 12:7) 6. Ibzan (Judges 12:8–10) 7. Elon (Judges 12:11–12) 8. Abdon (Judges 12:13–15) Paul Apple (Judges 10:6-12:15) Cycle # 5 – Deliverance from Philistines and Ammonites Jephthah (Judge #8) God can use a man who is rejected by the world but appropriates His grace 1. Judges 10:6-11:28 Rise of Jephthah – From Despised Reject to Desired Recruit -- Don’t Underestimate the Love of God in Remaining Faithful to His People Despite Their Repeated Apostasies . . . And Don’t Underestimate the Grace of God in Transforming Human Outcasts Into Conquering Heroes 2. Judges 11:29-40 Jephthah’s Tragic Vow – Don’t Bargain With God – Commitments Made to the Lord Must Be Kept Regardless of the Cost 3. Judges 12:1-7 Jephthah’s Legacy -- Internal Conflict Tears Apart the People of God – Inflated Egos and a Harsh Spirit Erupt in Tragic Conflict for the People of God Remember what was prophesied of the Lord Jesus Christ: “the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” (1 Peter 2:7-8; Ps. 118:22 – “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Acts 4:11-12) All of the judges point to the ultimate Deliverer in some form or fashion. Today we are going to be amazed at the love of God for His people and the grace of God to make leaders out of cast off rubble. Whatever our past may have been, by the providence of God it can be used to shape us and mold us for great usefulness to the Lord in the future. FOLLOWING NOTES ARE COMPLETELY REVISED SPRING, 2022 Judges 10:1 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. arose - Jdg 2:16 3:9 Shamir - Jos 15:48 Judges 10 Resources Related Passage: Nehemiah 9:27 “Therefore You delivered them into the hand of their oppressors who oppressed them, But when they cried to You in the time of their distress, You heard from heaven, and according to Your great compassion You gave them deliverers (yasha'; Lxx - soter = agent of deliverance, savior, rescuer) who delivered (yasha'; Lxx - sozo - rescue, heal) them from the hand of their oppressors. OUTLINE OF JUDGES 10 Sin Restrained - Judges 10:1-5 Sin Resurgent - Judges 10:6-9 Sin Rebuked - Judges 10:10-14 Sin Rejected - Judges 10:15-18 Note the locations of Issachar and Ephraim TOLA RAISED UP TO SAVE Tola is the second of the so-called "minor judges," the others being Shamgar (Jdg 3:31), Jair (Jdg 10:3-5), Ibzan, Elon and Abdon (Jdg 12:8-15). It is notable that these next two minor judges judged Israel for a total of 45 years, but little is known about their judgeships. Now after Abimelech died, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to save (yasha'; Lxx - sozo - rescue, heal) Israel; and he lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim - Tola is the only judge whose ancestral information extends three generations. The literal order of the Hebrew is "And he rose up after Abimelech to save Israel Tola the son of Puah..." After Abimelech's atrocious, abominable "reign" Israel clearly needed a "savior!" This time the oppression was not so much from without but from within (or at least there is no record of external oppression and this is none for the other so-called "minor judges" Jdg 12:8-15.) Commentators think that the function of these judges was more to handle administrative and judicial matters than it was to fight wars. Tola was the sixth judge and was similar to Shamgar in that little information is recorded. Tola arose as we read previously of Deborath - "The peasantry ceased, they ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah, arose, Until I arose, a mother in Israel." (Jdg 5:7) (See map above for location of lands of Issachar and Ephraim, the latter being much more centrally located.) The use of the verb save (yasha'; Lxx - sozo - rescue, heal) is unusual as it suggests one needs to be rescued from some distress, trial, affliction, etc. Given the fact that under Abimelech, there was clearly spiritual decay, it is certainly reasonable to see Tola as saving Israel from Abimelech's abominable influence (and even the residual influence of Gideon in his latter days when his making of an ephod led to overt idol worship - read Jdg 8:29-35+) The location of Shamir (means thorn, flint) is not known but some writers have connected it with Samaria (because of Hebrew = shimron). This location is questionable because Samaria was in the tribal portion of Manasseh, not Ephraim. Boling makes a good point related to why save is used noting that "in contrast with Abimelech's effort and short-lived success as king, what Israel needed was good administration, which Tola provided." (Borrow Judges The Anchor Bible) Note that Tola is functioning as a judge residing in Ephraim outside of his tribe of birth (Issachar) an observation that suggests he served as judge over a much wider area (? all of Israel since he was centrally located). Tola means - red/purple worm and some parents when they first see their newborn, might think that would be a good name. See discussion below of the fascinating related Hebrew word tola which also refers to a Savior, the Messiah, in Psalm 22:6. Without going to far from the meaning of Judges 10:1, it is fascinating that the Greek word used to translate arose (Heb - qum) is anistemi which is used in the NT to describe the Messiah being raised up from the dead (Acts 2:24+, Acts 13:34+, Jn 6:39), conquering our enemies, sin, Satan and death, and providing salvation to all who believe in Him. Is Tola a foreshadowing of the Messiah? I leave that as an open ended question, but the parallels are intriguing. For more discussion see Psalm 22:6-I Am a Worm. Pulpit Commentary - Nothing more is known of Tola than what is here told us, viz., his name, his parentage, his dwelling-place, his office, the length of time which he held it, and the place of his burial. Who were the enemies from whom Tola was raised up to save Israel we are not told. There was probably no great invasion or grievous servitude, but perhaps frequent border wars requiring an able and watchful chief to maintain the independence of Israel. Tola and Puah (otherwise written Puvah) were both names of families in Issachar (Genesis 46:13; Numbers 26:23). Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim, to distinguish it from Shamir in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:48). Both are otherwise unknown George Bush on arose to save (Heb. יקם להושיע yâkom lehōshia) is literally arose to save or deliver. To sustain the office and act the part of a savior or deliverer, in case it should be necessary. They were now freed from the tyranny of Abimelech, and as far as appears enjoyed prevailing peace, yet they were still liable to annoyance and incursions from the neighboring powers, and it was fitting that they should have a head to preside over their concerns, repressing internal discords, maintaining union, guarding against idolatry, and prepared at all times to take the field in their defence. Bush on the hill country of Ephraim - Though of the tribe of Issachar, yet when raised to the government, he came and dwelt in mount Ephraim, as being a more central station, one to which the people might more conveniently resort for judgment. (Judges 10 Commentary) Fausset - after Abimelech who though an usurper of kingship, yet was son of Gideon, and de facto, though not de jure, judge. there arose at God’s call, to defend to save Israel from internal conspirators like Abimelech, or external foes like Midian, and above all from the apostasy and idolatry which had so often provoked God to send such executioners of His wrath against Israel. That Tola kept Israel from idols, appears from the fact that, when he and Jair were dead, Israel relapsed into idolatry. Tola the son of Puah [both bore names the same as the original founders of families in Issachar (Gen. 46:13; Nu 26:23) the son of Dodo [not “his uncle” as the Septuagint translate it; but a proper name (2Sa. 23:9; 1Chr. 11:12] Tola resided in Ephraim, rather than in his own tribe Issachar, as being a more convenient centre of government. (Judges 10 Commentary) Tola (08439)(Tola from Tola 08438 ) occurs 5x in 5v - Gen. 46:13; Num. 26:23; Jdg. 10:1; 1 Chr. 7:1; 1 Chr. 7:2. Gilbrant writes that "The name "Tola" means "worm" but was probably not derogatory. The word is identical to HED #8768, which refers to the "dark red dye" made from the female cochineal insect. This colorant was used on the yarn and fabric for the Tabernacle (Exo. 25:4; 26:1, 31, 36; 27:16; 35:6), as well as for the priestly garments (28:8, 15, 33; cf. HED #8772). Toah's brother Puah (HED #6554) was also named for a type of red dye. The name was used by two people in the Bible. The first Tola was the oldest of Issachar's four sons (Gen. 46:13; Num. 26:23; 1 Chr. 7:1f). He was the head of a clan known as Tolaites. Tola had six sons who were ancestors of many fighting men during the reign of King David (v. 2). The other Tola of the Bible was one of Israel's judges (Judg. 10:1f). He was a later descendant of Issachar and was the son of Puah, the son of Dodo. He resided in the Ephraimite city of Shamir, which may have been located not far from Samaria. From this city, he led Israel for twenty-three years. The Bible says that Tola "delivered" (yāshaʿ, HED #3588) Israel after the violent and relatively short reign of Abimelech (ch. 9). No specific battle of Tola is mentioned, so the reference may be to a time of peace and stability over which Tola presided following the death of Abimelech. The name "Puah" is mentioned once as a brother of Tola and once as a father to Tola. Some question the historical accuracy of these genealogical relationships, but it is entirely possible that both were common names in the tribe of Issachar. TOLA [ISBE] - to'-la (tola`, "worm" or "scarlet stuff"): (1) One of the four sons of Issachar (Gen 46:13; 1 Ch 7:1), mentioned among those who journeyed to Egypt with Jacob (Gen 46:8 f), and in the census taken by Moses and Eleazar, as father of the Tolaites (Nu 26:23) whose descendants in the reign of David included 22,600 "mighty men of valor" (1 Ch 7:2). (2) One of the Judges, the son of Puah, a man of Isaachar. He dwelt in the hill country of Ephraim in the village of Shamir, where after judging Israel 23 years he was buried (Jdg 10:1,2). In the order of succession he is placed between Abimelech and Jair. It is interesting to note that both Tola and Puah are names of colors, and that they occur together both in the case of the judge and in that of the sons of Isaachar. They may therefore be looked upon as popular typical or ancestral names of the Issachar tribe, although current critical theories seek an explanation in a confusion of texts. - Ella Davis Isaacs Tola (08438) is related to the proper name of this judge Tola (08439) in Judges 10:1, which several sources say means worm or scarlet or purple. This word Tola was the name for a worm in Hebrew. This particular worm was used in the making of red dye, and so it’s often translated "scarlet". The tola' would attach itself to a tree as it prepared to lay its eggs, and in the process, the mother would die, leaving a red stain on the wood. Later, after the babies would hatch and leave, the red stain would dry up, turn white, and flake off the wood. In Psalm 22:6, an indisputably Messianic psalm, the Messiah cries out, "I am a worm" (tola’). The picture our humble Messiah presents parallels the worm's life cycle, for Jesus died on a cross of wood in the process of giving birth to us, leaving a bloody stain that turns our sins from scarlet to white as snow! This is surely amazing, utterly incomprehensible grace and love in action! O come let us adore Him! Save (03467) yasha' (See also yeshua from which we get our word "Jesus") is an important Hebrew verb which means to help, to save, to deliver. The root in Arabic is "make wide" which underscores the main thought of yasha' as to bring to a place of safety or broad pasture in contrast to a narrow strait which symbolizes distress or danger. TWOT adds that the concept of "wide" "connotes freedom from distress and the ability to pursue one’s own objectives. To move from distress to safety requires deliverance. Generally the deliverance must come from somewhere outside the party oppressed. In the OT the kinds of distress, both national and individual, include enemies, natural catastrophes, such as plague or famine, and sickness. The one who brings deliverance is known as the “savior.” (THINK OF GIDEON IN THE PRESENT PASSAGE). It is notable that almost 20% of the uses of yasha' are found during the dark days of Judges (dominated by the heart attitude of Jdg 21:25), which surely speaks of the undeserved mercy of God! Yasha' in Judges - Jdg. 2:16; Jdg. 2:18; Jdg. 3:9; Jdg. 3:15; Jdg. 3:31; Jdg. 6:14; Jdg. 6:15; Jdg. 6:31; Jdg. 6:36; Jdg. 6:37; Jdg. 7:2; Jdg. 7:7; Jdg. 8:22; Jdg. 10:1; Jdg. 10:12; Jdg. 10:13; Jdg. 10:14; Jdg. 12:2; Jdg. 12:3; Jdg. 13:5 Keith Krell - “God’s Honorable Mentions” (Judges 10:1-5; 12:8-15) The judgeship of Jephthah (Judges 10:6–12:7) is framed by a brief mention of the five so-called “minor judges” (10:1–5; 12:8–15). For several reasons, their role in ancient Israel seems to have differed from the other judges: 1. Each is mentioned only briefly in a notation containing primarily genealogical information. 2. Missing is any indication that they led Israel in battle against a foreign enemy. 3. The length of time which each served is given in an exact number of years rather than as a round number. The ministries of these minor judges teach two lessons, one negative and the other positive. Negatively they did not change any of the previous problems in Israel but seem to have maintained the status quo. The fact that several of the judges fathered extremely large families points to their living like the eastern kings of their day. This is further evidence that Canaanite culture was influencing the Israelites adversely. Positively these accounts indicate God’s gracious blessing of His apostate people despite themselves. McCann writes, “Elsewhere in the Old Testament, children are gifts from God [Ps 127:3]; they indicate God’s blessing. So amid the increasing chaotic and violent stories that indicate the Israelites are abandoning God, the two lists of minor judges suggest that God is not abandoning the Israelites (see Judges 2:1, where God says, ‘I will never break my covenant with you.’).”2 Furthermore, for forty–five years, the people of Israel enjoyed peace and security, thanks to the leadership of Tola and Jair. This fact suggests that God is working behind the scenes in and through the family and political institutions to promote stability and prosperity. (Sermon) QUESTION - Who were Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon? ANSWER - Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon were each judges who led Israel and are mentioned in Judges 10—12. They are sometimes considered “minor judges,” since their accounts are shorter than some of the other judges’ (such as Gideon or Samson), yet each of their accounts includes important information and lessons for the book’s original readers and for readers today. Tola: Judges 10:1–2 records, “After the time of Abimelek, a man of Issachar named Tola son of Puah, the son of Dodo, rose to save Israel. He lived in Shamir, in the hill country of Ephraim. He led Israel twenty-three years; then he died, and was buried in Shamir.” Tola the judge is not to be confused with the Tola mentioned in Genesis 46:13 and elsewhere in biblical genealogies. Jair: This judge is described in Judges 10:3–5: “[Tola] was followed by Jair of Gilead, who led Israel twenty-two years. He had thirty sons, who rode thirty donkeys. They controlled thirty towns in Gilead, which to this day are called Havvoth Jair. When Jair died, he was buried in Kamon.” Jair’s numerous sons, donkeys, and cities are mentioned to emphasize his influence and wealth as leader of Israel during this time. Ibzan: Judges 12:8–10 notes, “After [Jephthah], Ibzan of Bethlehem led Israel. He had thirty sons and thirty daughters. He gave his daughters away in marriage to those outside his clan, and for his sons he brought in thirty young women as wives from outside his clan. Ibzan led Israel seven years. Then Ibzan died and was buried in Bethlehem.” Though Ibzan was born and died in the same town, his 60 children gave him tremendous influence. His sons married women from outside his clan, and his daughters were given to men outside his clan. This would have created many alliances with other Israelites and would have extended his influence as a leader. Elon: We read in Judges 12:11–12 that, “After [Ibzan], Elon the Zebulunite led Israel ten years. Then Elon died and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.” Little is known of this leader, yet his tribe, length of leadership, and death are each meticulously recorded. Abdon: Judges 12:13–15 reveals, “After [Elon], Abdon son of Hillel, from Pirathon, led Israel. He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys. He led Israel eight years. Then Abdon son of Hillel died and was buried at Pirathon in Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.” A man of much wealth and with a large family, Abdon, from the tribe of Ephraim, would have been well-known in his time. Each judge was called by God to rescue the Israelites at a specific time and for a specific purpose. Still today, God uses His people in specific places and times to accomplish His plans in ways that help many.GotQuestions.or Judges 10:2 And he judged Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir. Judges 10 Resources JUDGE FOR 23 YEARS And he judged (shaphat; Lxx - krino) Israel twenty-three years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir - It is interesting that it does not say the land was undisturbed while he judged. It is probable that it was, but surprising it is not recorded as with the previous judges. The other difference is there is no statement that THEN (when the judge died) Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD. A R Fausset - he judged the northern and eastern tribes; not the southern tribes, Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon, which had no share in Gideon’s victory, and had not come under Abimelech’s usurpation (Judges 10 Commentary) Judged (08199) shaphat is a verb that means to judge or govern. While it frequently translated judge, this is somewhat misleading as shaphat is not typical of the modern concept of judge (as in a court of law), but is much more inclusive -- to function as ruler or governor - individuals (Jdg. 16:31; 1 Sa 7:16), king (1 Ki. 3:9); even God Himself (Ps. 50:6; 75:7) because He is the source of authority and will eventually conduct all judgments (Ps. 96:13). In a judicial sense shaphat could refer to the arbitration of civil, domestic, and religious disputes (Dt. 25:1), fulfilled by the congregation (Nu 35:24), by individual judges (Ex 18:16; Dt. 1:16), by the king (1 Sa 8:5, 6, 20) or by God Himself (Ge 16:5; 1 Sa 24:12, 15). The Septuagint (LXX) uses the Greek krites = Judges or krino meaning to judge. Uses of shaphat in Judges - Jdg. 2:16; Jdg. 2:17; Jdg. 2:18; Jdg. 2:19; Jdg. 3:10; Jdg. 4:4; Jdg. 10:2; Jdg. 10:3; Jdg. 11:27; Jdg. 12:7; Jdg. 12:8; Jdg. 12:9; Jdg. 12:11; Jdg. 12:13; Jdg. 12:14; Jdg. 15:20; Jdg. 16:31 Judges 10:3 And after him, Jair the Gileadite arose, and judged Israel twenty-two years. Gileadite: Ge 31:48 Nu 32:29 Judges 10 Resources JAIR THE GILEADITE And after him, Jair the Gileadite arose, and judged (shaphat; Lxx - krino) Israel twenty-two years = - This judge was from the tribe of Manasseh as we deduce from Numbers 26:29 which says "The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead: of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites." A R Fausset - This Jair is not the same as Jair the Manassite, who in the time of Moses gave the name Havoth-Jair to the towns of Bashan which he had conquered (Nu 32:41). The earlier Jair took Argob or Trachonitis, the Lejah, and called from his own name certain villages or groups of dwellings, twenty-three in number originally, which afterwards the sons of the judge Jair increased to thirty; they probably also fortified and enlarged the towns. Havoth means ‘dwelling-places,’ from Havah, “life,” as the German Leben, ‘life,’ is a termination of many names of towns; so Eisleben. The total number of such villages of Jair in Argob was sixty, of which thirty-seven were conquered by Nobah (a family of sons of Machir related to Jair) and twenty-three by Jair (Josh. 13:30; 1 Kings 4:13; 1 Chron. 2:22, 23). As Nobah was of a subordinate branch of the Jair family, Moses comprehends the whole sixty under Jair’s name, Havoth-Jair. Og’s sixty fenced cities, Moses observes as a marvellous monument of God’s grace to Israel, are become even “unto this day” (the day when he wrote) ‘Havoth-Jair,’ the dwellings of Jair (Deut. 3:14)], and judged Israel twenty and two years. (Judges 10 Commentary) Gilead [EBD] hill of testimony, (Gen. 31:21), a mountainous region east of Jordan. From its mountainous character it is called "the mount of Gilead" (Gen. 31:25). It is called also "the land of Gilead" (Num. 32:1), and sometimes simply "Gilead" (Ps. 60:7; Gen. 37:25). It comprised the possessions of the tribes of Gad and Reuben and the south part of Manasseh (Deut. 3:13; Num. 32:40). It was bounded on the north by Bashan, and on the south by Moab and Ammon (Gen. 31:21; Deut. 3:12-17). "Half Gilead" was possessed by Sihon, and the other half, separated from it by the river Jabbok, by Og, king of Bashan. The deep ravine of the river Hieromax (the modern Sheriat el-Mandhur) separated Bashan from Gilead, which was about 60 miles in length and 20 in breadth, extending from near the south end of the Lake of Gennesaret to the north end of the Dead Sea. Abarim, Pisgah, Nebo, and Peor are its mountains mentioned in Scripture. Judges 10:4 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. rode on thirty donkeys: Jdg 5:10 12:14 called Havvoth-jair : Nu 32:41 Dt 3:14 Judges 10 Resources A WEALTHY FAMILY And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys (dictionary), and they had thirty cities in the land of Gilead that are called Havvoth-jair to this day - Very large families suggests a marriage to several wives, a part of life tolerated but never ordained or approved in God’s blueprint of one man and one woman for life (Ge 2:24). Click this map and note Gilead is just east of the Jordan River. Note that each of Jair's sons had a Gileadite village that bore the name of Jair, which sounds a bit arrogant or egotistical! THOUGHT- As we have seen with Gideon, God did not use sinless people (there is only One, Christ Jesus), but He used sinners to accomplish His work on earth! The point is do not say God cannot use you because you are a sinner, for God used a man named Paul who called himself the "chief of sinners." The question is not whether God can use you because He can. The real question is do you desire to be used for His kingdom work? What say you brother or sister? When you stand at the Bema seat will you hear "Well done, my faithful (not sinless) servant?" (Mt 25:21, 23, Lk 19:17) THOUGHT - Many sons is not only evidence of great prosperity but also great depravity because polygamy is a sin and was never God's plan for marriage (cf Ge 2:24). Sin is deceitful (Heb 3:13+) and slowly seeps into one's life unless diligently guarded against! As wealth and prestige increased in the ancient world, so did one's harem (the fallen flesh is never satisfied! Only Jesus satisfies!). Gideon had 70 sons, because he had many wives (Jdg 8:30+) and a concubine a sin that caused the death of his true sons and the death of many other people at the hands of Abimelech! The wages of sin are death and sin is the horrible gift that just keeps on giving! Do not be deceived beloved brethren! King Ahab also had seventy sons (2Ki 10:1), and some of Gideon's successors had many sons - Jair had thirty (Jdg 10:4+), Ibzan had thirty (Jdg 12:9+) and Abdon had forty (Jdg 12:14+). Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Dictionary Articles on Polygamy