Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna 1Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. 2But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? 3God has delivered Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian, into your hand. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he had said this, their angera against him subsided. 4Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. 5So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” 6But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?” 7“Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!” 8From there he went up to Penuelb and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth. 9So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!” 10Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. 11And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise. 12When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army. 13After this, Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle along the Ascent of Heres. 14There he captured a young man of Succoth and interrogated him. The young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth. 15And Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?’” 16Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth. 17He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. 18Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.” 19“They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you.” 20So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth. 21Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. Gideon’s Ephod 22Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” 23But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.” 24Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) 25“We will give them gladly,” they replied. So they spread out a garment, and each man threw an earring from his plunder onto it. 26The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels,c in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels. 27From all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. Forty Years of Peace 28In this way Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. So the land had rest for forty years in the days of Gideon, 29and he—Jerubbaald son of Joash—returned home and settled down. 30Gideon had seventy sons of his own,e since he had many wives. 31His concubine, who dwelt in Shechem, also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech. Gideon’s Death 32Later, Gideon son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 33And as soon as Gideon was dead, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals, and they set up Baal-berith as their god. 34The Israelites failed to remember the LORD their God who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 35They did not show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good things he had done for Israel. Footnotes: 3 a Or their spirit 8 b Penuel is a variant of Peniel; also in verses 9 and 17; see Genesis 32:30. 26 c 1,700 shekels is approximately 42.7 pounds or 19.4 kilograms. 29 d Jerubbaal is another name for Gideon and probably means let Baal contend; also in verse 35; see Judges 6:32. 30 e Hebrew who came from his own loins Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Judges 8 Summary Forty Years of PeaceVerses 1–3 – Ephraim’s Complaint and Gideon’s Diplomacy Verses 4–9 – Gideon Pursues Midian; Succoth and Penuel Refuse Aid Verses 10–12 – Gideon Captures Midianite Kings Verses 13–17 – Judgment on Succoth and Penuel Verses 18–21 – Execution of Zebah and Zalmunna Verses 22–27 – Gideon’s Ephod Verses 28–32 – Peace in Gideon’s Lifetime; His Death Verses 33–35 – Israel Turns Back to Idolatry Judges 8 provides a compelling narrative of victory, faith, trials, and failures. This chapter continues the account of Gideon, an Israelite judge who, with God's help, led his people to victory over the Midianites. It also examines the internal strife among the tribes of Israel and explores the spiritual downfall that ensues when trust in God is replaced by reliance on material symbols. Historical Context • Period: Roughly 12th–11th century BC, before any king in Israel. • Cycle: Rebellion → oppression → cry for help → deliverer → peace → relapse (Judges 2:11-19). Chapter 8 closes Gideon’s cycle and foreshadows how quickly the people fall again. • Tribal Tensions: Ephraim’s complaint (8:1-3) previews later north-south rivalries (cf. 2 Samuel 19:41-43; 1 Kings 12). Gideon’s diplomacy keeps the tribes united—for now. Geography • Ophrah of the Abiezrites: Gideon’s hometown, probably modern-day et-Tayiba in Manasseh. • Jordan Valley: Gideon crosses at the fords near Succoth. • Succoth: Identified with Tell Deir ‘Alla on the east side of the Jordan. • Penuel: Meaning “face of God” (Genesis 32:30), likely east of the Jordan near modern Peniel, Jordan. • Karkor: Exact site unknown; name means “foundation” or “encampment,” somewhere in the eastern desert. The distances show Gideon pursued over 40 miles—a remarkable forced march for 300 men. Military Strategy and Tactics 1. Pursuit Momentum: Gideon keeps pursuing while Midian is disoriented, refusing to pause even when hungry. 2. Intelligence: He questions a youth of Succoth (8:14) and learns the leadership roster. Human intelligence becomes a weapon. 3. Surprise and Speed: Striking the remnant at Karkor during the early morning (implied by v. 11) mirrors his earlier night attack (7:19). 4. Psychological Impact: The capture of kings Zebah and Zalmunna demoralizes Midian (8:12) and signals complete victory. Cultural and Social Dynamics • Hospitality: In ancient Near Eastern custom, withholding bread from fellow Israelites was shameful. Succoth and Penuel’s refusal reflects fear-driven pragmatism—punished by public humiliation and destruction. • Blood-Avenger Duty: Gideon’s execution of the kings for murdering his brothers follows the family-redeemer principle (Numbers 35:19). • Ephod Misuse: The ephod was linked to priestly guidance (Exodus 28:6-30). Gideon’s ornamental version blurs priestly and military prestige, becoming an object of worship—an early form of syncretism. Leadership Lessons • Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath: Gideon’s humility with Ephraim (Proverbs 15:1). • Decisive Justice: He follows through on promises to Succoth and Penuel, reinforcing accountability. • Dangers After Victory: Success breeds new temptations—power, wealth, idolatry. Gideon declines a crown yet inadvertently builds a rival shrine. • Legacy Planning: Gideon’s many wives and an exposed concubine relationship (8:31) sow seeds for future trouble—seen in Abimelech’s bloody coup (Judges 9). Key Theological Themes • God’s Sovereignty in Deliverance: The initial victory with only 300 men (Judges 7) continues into chapter 8; the leftover strength is still God-given. • Human Weakness Exposed: Israel quickly forgets (8:34), echoing Deuteronomy 8:11-14. • Rejecting Kingship: Gideon’s verbal refusal (8:23) foreshadows Samuel’s warning about human kings (1 Samuel 8:7). • Idol Snare: Even well-intentioned objects can become idols (cf. Numbers 21:9 vs. 2 Kings 18:4—the bronze serpent). • Covenant Faithfulness vs. Baal-berith: “Baal of the covenant” (8:33) is a bitter parody of the true covenant God, highlighting Israel’s spiritual confusion. Archaeological Notes • Desert Thorns and Briers: Dried thistles tied together were used in antiquity as scourges; regional strata show such vegetation. • Crescent Ornaments: Archaeological digs in Jordan and Arabia reveal camel trappings with crescent-shaped gold or bronze plates, matching v. 21. • East-Jordanian Towers: Excavations at Peniel reveal multi-story defensive towers dated to Iron I period—consistent with Gideon’s demolition of a stone tower. • Tell Deir ‘Alla (Succoth): Inscribed fragments mention Balaam; though later, they confirm the site’s importance and literacy among Transjordanian settlements. Connections to the Rest of Scripture • Gideon’s diplomacy echoes Proverbs 25:15—“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded.” • Vows of Divine Rule: “The LORD will rule over you” (8:23) anticipates Psalm 22:28: “For dominion belongs to the LORD.” • Forgetting the Deliverer: Judges 8:34 aligns with Psalm 106:13—“They soon forgot His works.” • The Ephod Snare parallels Aaron’s golden calf (Exodus 32) and Jeroboam’s calves (1 Kings 12:28-30). • Succoth’s refusal is contrasted with Abigail’s generosity to David (1 Samuel 25), showing two responses to a future king-figure in need. Application for Today • Success Requires Ongoing Dependence: Victories are God’s gift; resting on laurels invites downfall. • Guard the Heart Against New Idols: Even spiritual symbols can distract from the Lord. • Lead with Humility and Firm Justice: Gideon’s gentleness with Ephraim and firmness with traitorous cities model balanced leadership. • Remember and Retell God’s Deliverance: Spiritual amnesia breeds compromise. Regular testimony and thanksgiving safeguard faith. Select Scripture Highlights • Judges 8:1 – “What have I accomplished now compared to you?” • Judges 8:23 – “I will not rule over you, nor will my son… The LORD will rule over you.” • Judges 8:27 – “All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household.” • Judges 8:34 – “The Israelites failed to remember the LORD their God, who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side.” Gideon’s account stands as both triumph and warning—proof that God rescues through unlikely means and reminder that the greatest danger may come after the battle is won. Connections to Additional Scriptures Humility in Leadership Philippians 2:3-4 Perseverance in Faith Hebrews 12:1-2 Avoiding Idolatry 1 John 5:21 Legacy of Faith 2 Timothy 4:7-8 Teaching Points Gideon’s Diplomacy and LeadershipJudges 8:1-3 shows Gideon’s diplomatic response to the Ephraimites’ complaint, highlighting the importance of humility and wisdom in leadership. Pursuit of the Midianite Kings In Judges 8:4-12, Gideon’s relentless pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna demonstrates perseverance in completing God’s mission, even when faced with exhaustion and lack of support. Gideon’s Vengeance and Justice Verses 13-21 depict Gideon’s execution of justice on the Midianite kings, reflecting the seriousness of fulfilling God’s judgment. The Snare of Idolatry Judges 8:22-27 warns of the dangers of idolatry as Gideon creates an ephod that becomes a snare to him and Israel, illustrating how good intentions can lead to spiritual compromise. Gideon’s Legacy The chapter concludes with Gideon’s death and the subsequent spiritual decline of Israel (Judges 8:28-35), emphasizing the need for continual faithfulness to God. Practical Applications Guard Against PrideSuccess should lead us to greater humility and dependence on God, not self-reliance or pride. Persevere in God’s Work Even when weary or unsupported, we must remain committed to fulfilling God’s calling in our lives. Beware of Idolatry We must be vigilant against allowing anything, even good things, to take God’s rightful place in our hearts. Leave a Godly Legacy Our actions and faithfulness can impact future generations, so we should strive to leave a legacy that honors God. People 1. Gideon (Jerubbaal)Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is the central figure in Judges 8. He is a judge of Israel who leads the Israelites to victory over the Midianites. The name "Gideon" (גִּדְעוֹן) means "hewer" or "one who cuts down," reflecting his role in defeating Israel's enemies. 2. The Men of Ephraim The men of the tribe of Ephraim confront Gideon about not being called to fight against Midian initially. Ephraim (אֶפְרָיִם) is one of the tribes of Israel, named after Joseph's son. 3. Zebah and Zalmunna Zebah and Zalmunna are the kings of Midian whom Gideon pursues and eventually captures and kills. Their names in Hebrew, זֶבַח (Zebah) and צַלְמֻנָּע (Zalmunna), are associated with sacrifice and protection, respectively. 4. The Men of Succoth The leaders of Succoth refuse to provide bread to Gideon's army. Succoth (סֻכּוֹת) means "booths" or "shelters," and it is a location east of the Jordan River. 5. The Men of Penuel Similar to Succoth, the men of Penuel also refuse aid to Gideon. Penuel (פְּנוּאֵל) means "face of God," and it is a place where Jacob wrestled with God. 6. Jether Jether is Gideon's firstborn son, whom Gideon asks to kill Zebah and Zalmunna, but he hesitates. The name Jether (יֶתֶר) means "abundance" or "excellence." 7. Gideon's Seventy Sons Gideon has seventy sons, as mentioned later in the chapter, born to him by his many wives. This highlights his large family and influence. 8. Abimelech Abimelech is Gideon's son by a concubine from Shechem. His name (אֲבִימֶלֶךְ) means "my father is king," which foreshadows his later attempt to become king. Places 1. EphraimThis is the region where the men of Ephraim confront Gideon for not calling them to fight against Midian earlier. The tribe of Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, located in the central hill country. 2. Succoth Gideon and his men pass through Succoth while pursuing the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. The leaders of Succoth refuse to provide bread to Gideon's weary men. Succoth was a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad. 3. Penuel Similar to Succoth, the men of Penuel also refuse to assist Gideon and his men. Penuel, or Peniel, is a place where Jacob wrestled with God, located near the Jabbok River, east of the Jordan. 4. Karkor This is where Gideon finally captures the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Karkor is believed to be a location in the desert, where the Midianites felt secure. 5. Oreb and Zeeb These are not places but rather the names of the Midianite princes killed by the Ephraimites. However, the "rock of Oreb" and the "winepress of Zeeb" are mentioned as locations where these princes were killed, symbolizing the victory over Midian. Events 1. Conflict with the Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3)The men of Ephraim confront Gideon for not calling them to fight against Midian. Gideon appeases them by highlighting their significant victory over the Midianite leaders Oreb and Zeeb. The Hebrew root for "contended" (רִיב, "riv") indicates a legal or verbal dispute. 2. Pursuit of the Midianite Kings (Judges 8:4-12) Gideon and his 300 men, exhausted yet pursuing, request food from the men of Succoth and Penuel, who refuse. Gideon vows retribution. He captures the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, defeating their army. The Hebrew word for "pursue" (רָדַף, "radaph") implies a relentless chase. 3. Punishment of Succoth and Penuel (Judges 8:13-17) Upon returning, Gideon punishes the men of Succoth with thorns and briers and tears down the tower of Penuel, killing the men of the city. The term "threshed" (דּוּשׁ, "dush") in Hebrew conveys a sense of harsh treatment. 4. Execution of Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:18-21) Gideon questions the captured kings about the men they killed at Tabor, revealing they were his brothers. He executes them for their actions. The Hebrew root for "kill" (הָרַג, "harag") is used here, indicating a deliberate act of execution. 5. Gideon Refuses Kingship (Judges 8:22-23) The Israelites ask Gideon to rule over them, but he declines, stating that the LORD will rule over them. The Hebrew word for "rule" (מָשַׁל, "mashal") suggests governance or dominion. 6. Creation of the Ephod (Judges 8:24-27) Gideon requests gold earrings from the plunder, creating an ephod that becomes a snare to him and his family. The Hebrew term for "snare" (מוֹקֵשׁ, "moqesh") implies a trap or stumbling block. 7. Gideon's Legacy and Death (Judges 8:28-32) Midian is subdued, and the land has peace for 40 years. Gideon has many wives and 70 sons. After his death, Israel turns away from God. The Hebrew word for "rest" (שָׁקַט, "shaqat") indicates a period of peace and tranquility. 8. Israel's Apostasy (Judges 8:33-35) After Gideon's death, the Israelites return to idolatry, worshiping Baal-Berith, and fail to show kindness to Gideon's family. The Hebrew root for "forgot" (שָׁכַח, "shakach") suggests a deliberate neglect or disregard. Topics 1. Conflict with the Ephraimites (Judges 8:1-3)Gideon faces criticism from the Ephraimites for not involving them in the initial battle against the Midianites. He diplomatically appeases their anger by highlighting their significant role in capturing the Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb. This passage emphasizes the importance of unity and humility within the community of God's people. 2. Pursuit of the Midianite Kings (Judges 8:4-12) Gideon and his 300 men, though exhausted, continue to pursue the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Despite being refused aid by the towns of Succoth and Penuel, they press on and eventually capture the kings. This section underscores perseverance and reliance on God's strength in the face of adversity. 3. Retribution on Succoth and Penuel (Judges 8:13-17) After capturing the Midianite kings, Gideon returns to punish the leaders of Succoth and Penuel for their refusal to assist his men. This act of retribution highlights the consequences of failing to support God's chosen leader and mission. 4. Execution of Zebah and Zalmunna (Judges 8:18-21) Gideon questions the captured kings about the men they killed at Tabor, revealing a personal vendetta as they had killed his brothers. He then executes them, fulfilling justice for his family. This passage reflects the theme of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises. 5. Gideon's Ephod and Downfall (Judges 8:22-27) The Israelites offer Gideon kingship, but he declines, stating that the LORD will rule over them. However, he makes an ephod from the gold collected from the spoils, which becomes a snare to him and his family as Israel begins to worship it. This section warns against idolatry and the subtlety of turning blessings into stumbling blocks. 6. Gideon's Legacy and Death (Judges 8:28-35) The chapter concludes with a summary of Gideon's legacy, noting the peace he brought during his lifetime. However, after his death, the Israelites quickly turn back to idolatry, forgetting the LORD and the deliverance He provided through Gideon. This serves as a reminder of the need for continual faithfulness and remembrance of God's works. Each topic reflects key themes of leadership, faith, and the consequences of turning away from God, as seen through the lens of conservative Christian theology. Themes 1. Conflict and Resolution Among the IsraelitesIn Judges 8, the chapter begins with a conflict between Gideon and the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites are upset because they were not called to fight against Midian initially. Gideon resolves this conflict with diplomacy, highlighting the importance of unity among the tribes of Israel. This theme underscores the need for harmony and cooperation within the community of believers. 2. Divine Empowerment and Human Agency Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, illustrates the theme of divine empowerment coupled with human agency. Despite being exhausted, Gideon and his men continue their pursuit, demonstrating perseverance and reliance on God's strength. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "ruach" (spirit or breath), indicating God's empowering presence in human endeavors. 3. Judgment and Retribution The capture and execution of Zebah and Zalmunna by Gideon highlight the theme of judgment and retribution. Gideon acts as an instrument of divine justice, fulfilling God's command to deliver Israel from its oppressors. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of "mishpat" (justice), emphasizing God's righteous judgment. 4. The Danger of Idolatry and False Worship After Gideon's victory, he creates an ephod from the spoils of war, which becomes a snare to him and the Israelites. This theme warns against the dangers of idolatry and the temptation to turn away from true worship of God. The Hebrew term "ephod" refers to a priestly garment, but in this context, it becomes an object of false worship, leading Israel astray. 5. The Impermanence of Human Leadership Gideon's refusal to become king and his statement, "The LORD will rule over you" (Judges 8:23), emphasize the theme of the impermanence of human leadership and the sovereignty of God. This reflects the Hebrew concept of "melek" (king), where ultimate authority belongs to God alone, not to human rulers. 6. The Cycle of Faithfulness and Apostasy The chapter concludes with the Israelites' return to idolatry after Gideon's death, illustrating the recurring cycle of faithfulness and apostasy. This theme is central to the narrative of Judges, highlighting the need for continual devotion to God and the consequences of turning away from Him. The Hebrew word "shuv" (to turn or return) captures this cycle of repentance and rebellion. Answering Tough Questions 1. Judges 8:4–5: Could 300 men realistically pursue thousands of Midianites without proper resources or logistical support? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Gideon reacted so humbly when confronted by the Ephraimites? How can we apply this in our interactions today? 2. How does Gideon's treatment of the men of Succoth and Peniel reflect on his leadership? Can it be justified? 3. Discuss the possible motivations behind Gideon's decision to make an ephod. What can this teach us about good intentions with misguided execution? 4. How did the Israelites' quick return to Baal worship after Gideon's death reflect on their faith and understanding of God? How does this mirror modern day society's attitude towards faith? 5. How can we, like Gideon, acknowledge God as the only ruler in our lives, and what steps can we take to prevent idolatry in our own lives? 6. What lessons can we learn from Gideon's life about relying on God in times of doubt and uncertainty? 7. How does Gideon's failure with the ephod demonstrate the danger of replacing God with symbols or religious artifacts? 8. Discuss the implications of the Israelites' proposal to make Gideon their king. What does this reveal about their understanding of God's leadership? 9. How does the story of Gideon resonate with you personally? Are there aspects of his story that you see reflected in your own life? 10. How can Gideon's life story encourage us to trust God more, even amidst our human weaknesses and failures? 11. How can we ensure we don't forget God's faithfulness and provision in our lives like the Israelites did after Gideon's death? 12. How can the story of Judges 8 help us deal with conflicts in our personal or professional lives? 13. In what ways can we fall into the trap of idolatry in today's society, and how can we safeguard ourselves? 14. What practical steps can we take to prevent forgetting God's deliverance and blessings in our lives? 15. How does Gideon's life exemplify the complexity of human nature, and how does it help us understand our own spiritual journey? 16. How does Gideon's leadership style influence the Israelites during his lifetime and after his death? 17. How do the Israelites' quick return to Baal worship reflect the importance of strong spiritual leadership? 18. How does Gideon's transformation from a humble servant to a stumbling leader serve as a warning to us today? 19. How can Gideon's legacy inspire us to remain faithful and humble in our own victories? 20. Discuss the role of faith and trust in God during trials and tribulations, as demonstrated in Gideon's story. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
    |