Lexical Summary Zebach: Zebah Original Word: זֶבַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zebah The same as zebach; sacrifice; Zebach, a Midianitish prince -- Zebah. see HEBREW zebach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zabach Definition a Midianite king NASB Translation Zebah (12). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. זֶ֫בַח proper name, masculine a Midianite king Judges 8:5,6,7,10,12 (twice in verse); Judges 8:15 (twice in verse); Judges 8:18,21 (twice in verse); Psalm 83:12, ᵐ5 Ζεβεε. Topical Lexicon Name and backgroundThe name Zebah, borne by one of the two Midianite rulers defeated by Gideon, carries sacrificial connotations that contrast sharply with his violent exploitation of Israel. He first appears in the account of Gideon’s pursuit of the Midianite host (Judges 8), and the inspired narrator consistently pairs him with his fellow-king Zalmunna. Their rule typifies the oppression that prevailed in Israel during the era when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Historical setting Midianite raiders had ravaged Israel’s crops for seven consecutive seasons (Judges 6:1-6). After Gideon’s surprise night attack at the Spring of Harod, most of the Midianite army fled across the Jordan, but Zebah and Zalmunna escaped with a remnant of fifteen thousand men—“all who were left of the entire army of the sons of the east; one hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had fallen” (Judges 8:10). Gideon’s pursuit into Transjordan demonstrates both divine enablement and sanctified determination. By the end of the chapter the two kings have been executed, the bleating scourge of Midian has been silenced, and Israel enjoys forty years of rest. Key narrative movements Judges 8:5–7 – Gideon asks the elders of Succoth for bread for his three hundred exhausted warriors. When the elders refuse, he vows to return and discipline them “when the LORD has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand.” Judges 8:10–12 – The Midianite remnant is encamped at Karkor. Gideon attacks “by the route of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah,” captures Zebah and Zalmunna, and routs the remaining army. Judges 8:18–21 – Interrogation reveals that Zebah and Zalmunna were responsible for slaying Gideon’s brothers at Tabor. Gideon therefore administers direct retributive justice, first inviting Jether his firstborn to act as kinsman-avenger, then completing the execution himself when the lad hesitates. “Then Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels’ necks” (Judges 8:21). Psalmic recollection Psalm 83:11 enlists Zebah and Zalmunna as examples of total defeat: “Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna.” Asaph prays that present enemies would meet the same ignominious end, underscoring the abiding relevance of Gideon’s victory as a pattern of divine deliverance. Theological themes 1. Divine sovereignty in deliverance Gideon’s tiny force, equipped with trumpets and torches (Judges 7:16-22), highlights that “salvation is from the LORD” (Jonah 2:9). The later capture of Zebah confirms the completeness of that salvation; God not only scatters the enemy but also removes its leadership. 2. Covenant justice The slaying of Gideon’s brothers establishes legal grounds for the execution (Numbers 35:19). Zebah’s end illustrates the biblical principle that bloodshed demands reckoning (Genesis 9:6). 3. Consequences of refusing aid to God’s servants Succoth and Penuel’s fear-induced refusal to help Gideon (Judges 8:4-9, 14-17) is contrasted with Gideon’s confidence in the LORD’s promise. Zebah thus functions as a catalyst exposing unbelief within Israel itself. 4. Symbolic stripping of idolatry The kings’ camels bore crescent-shaped ornaments (Judges 8:21), likely linked to lunar deities. Gideon’s removal of these charms dramatizes Yahweh’s superiority over pagan symbols and prefigures the Messiah’s ultimate triumph over every false power (Colossians 2:15). Typological and Christological reflections The pursuit “beyond the Jordan” (Judges 8:4) suggests a shepherd-warrior reclaiming scattered sheep, faint yet pursuing until rescue is complete—an image fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who “having loved His own… loved them to the end” (John 13:1). Zebah’s execution points forward to the final judgment when every oppressor will be subdued beneath the feet of the true Gideon, “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). Practical ministry applications • Perseverance: Gideon’s men were “weary, yet pursuing” (Judges 8:4 KJV). Ministry often demands endurance beyond initial victories until strongholds and their leaders are fully dismantled. • Discernment in leadership: Israel initially offered Gideon hereditary kingship (Judges 8:22-23). He wisely declined, affirming, “The LORD will rule over you.” Zebah’s downfall, juxtaposed with Gideon’s refusal, warns against self-aggrandizement in spiritual leadership. • Prayer informed by precedent: Psalm 83 models intercession that recalls past acts of God. Remembering how the Lord dealt with Zebah encourages believers to pray confidently against modern oppressions, trusting God to repeat His ancient mercies. Summary Zebah’s twelve Old Testament mentions cluster in Gideon’s narrative and a single psalmic reference. He embodies hostile power that succumbs to covenant faithfulness. His account magnifies God’s ability to deliver, admonishes believers to support divine initiatives, and foreshadows the finished work of Christ who will one day eradicate every Zebah-like force that threatens the people of God. Forms and Transliterations וְזֶ֨בַח וּֽכְזֶ֥בַח וזבח וכזבח זֶ֙בַח֙ זֶ֚בַח זֶ֣בַח זֶ֥בַח זֶ֧בַח זבח ū·ḵə·ze·ḇaḥ ucheZevach ūḵəzeḇaḥ veZevach wə·ze·ḇaḥ wəzeḇaḥ ze·ḇaḥ zeḇaḥ ZevachLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Judges 8:5 HEB: רֹדֵ֛ף אַחֲרֵ֛י זֶ֥בַח וְצַלְמֻנָּ֖ע מַלְכֵ֥י NAS: and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, KJV: after Zebah and Zalmunna, INT: am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna the kings Judges 8:6 Judges 8:7 Judges 8:10 Judges 8:12 Judges 8:12 Judges 8:15 Judges 8:15 Judges 8:18 Judges 8:21 Judges 8:21 Psalm 83:11 12 Occurrences |
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