Topical Encyclopedia Zalmunnah was one of the two Midianite kings defeated by Gideon, the judge of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges. His account is primarily found in Judges 8, where he is mentioned alongside Zebah, the other Midianite king. The narrative of Zalmunnah provides insight into the period of the Judges, a time characterized by cycles of Israelite apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.Biblical Account In Judges 8, Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is pursuing the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunnah after a decisive victory at the battle of the Valley of Jezreel. The Midianites had been oppressing Israel, and God raised Gideon to deliver His people. With a divinely reduced army of 300 men, Gideon routed the Midianite forces, causing them to flee. As Gideon pursued Zebah and Zalmunnah, he requested provisions from the towns of Succoth and Penuel, but both towns refused to assist him. Despite this setback, Gideon continued his pursuit and eventually captured the two kings. Judges 8:10-12 states, "Now Zebah and Zalmunnah 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 fallen. Gideon went up by the route of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked their camp when the army felt secure. Zebah and Zalmunnah fled, but he pursued them and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army." Upon capturing them, Gideon returned to Succoth and Penuel to exact retribution for their refusal to aid him. He then confronted Zebah and Zalmunnah about the killing of his brothers at Tabor. The kings admitted to the act, describing the slain men as resembling Gideon, which confirmed their identity as his kin. In response, Gideon executed them, fulfilling his role as the avenger of blood, a concept rooted in the Mosaic Law. Theological Significance Zalmunnah's defeat is significant in the biblical narrative as it underscores the theme of divine deliverance and justice. Gideon's victory over the Midianites, including the capture and execution of their kings, is portrayed as an act of God's intervention on behalf of His covenant people. The account illustrates the principle that God empowers and uses individuals to accomplish His purposes, often in ways that defy human expectations, as seen in the reduction of Gideon's army. Furthermore, the account of Zalmunnah and Zebah highlights the importance of faithfulness and support within the community of Israel. The refusal of Succoth and Penuel to assist Gideon serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to support God's chosen leaders and missions. Historical and Cultural Context The Midianites were a nomadic people, often associated with the desert regions east of the Jordan River. They were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by his concubine Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2). Throughout the Old Testament, the Midianites are depicted as both relatives and adversaries of Israel. Their oppression during the time of the Judges was part of a broader pattern of conflict between Israel and its neighbors. Zalmunnah's name, which may mean "shade denied" or "protection refused," reflects the transient and often hostile nature of the relationships between the nomadic tribes and the settled Israelites. His defeat, along with that of Zebah, marked a significant turning point in the struggle for control and stability in the region during the era of the Judges. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZALMUNNAHzal-mun'-a. Thesaurus ZalmunnahZalmunnah. Zalmun'na, Zalmunnah. Zambis . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZALMUNNAH. zal-mun'-a. See ZEBAH AND ZALMUNNA. ... /z/zalmunnah.htm - 6k Zalmun'na (8 Occurrences) Zambis Karkor (1 Occurrence) Jether (8 Occurrences) Succoth (18 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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