Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon: The “Keeping the Peace” Judges – August 3, 2025

Judges 12:8-15 (CSB) 

8 Ibzan, who was from Bethlehem, judged Israel after Jephthah 9 and had thirty sons. He gave his thirty daughters in marriage to men outside the tribe and brought back thirty wives for his sons from outside the tribe. Ibzan judged Israel seven years, 10 and when he died, he was buried in Bethlehem.11 Elon, who was from Zebulun, judged Israel after Ibzan. He judged Israel ten years, 12 and when he died, he was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.13 After Elon, Abdon son of Hillel, who was from Pirathon, judged Israel. 14 He had forty sons and thirty grandsons, who rode on seventy donkeys. Abdon judged Israel eight years, 15 and when he died, he was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

•  We are called to be peacemakers in our world. 
  •  Being a peacemaker involves more than just avoiding conflict; it includes actively working towards seeking the peace and prosperity of the city in which we live.  

 Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  

 Jeremiah 29:4-7 (NIV) 

4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”  

1. Peacemakers actively PRAY for the peace of their city.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (CSB)  

11 For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 You will call to me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.  

2 Chronicles 7:14 (CSB) 

14 and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  

2. Peacemakers DEMONSTRATE God’s love for others as they serve their needs.

 1 Peter 4:7-11 (CSB) 

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be alert and sober-minded for prayer. 8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. 

• How do we serve our neighbor who is dealing with hard times? 
  • We multiply our impact by serving. We make a difference by moving in compassion to meet the needs of our community. 
  • We celebrate each other. We see Heaven on earth when we honor our differences. 
• Can you dedicate to serving one hour a week? 

3. Peacemakers seek the RECONCILIATION of all people.

 Matthew 5:9 (CSB) 

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 

 Romans 8:14 (CSB) 

14 For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. 

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (CSB)  

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 18 Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” 21 He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.