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BSB
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Judges 8

BSB·35 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Then the menאִ֣ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרַ֗יִם’ep̄·ra·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּאמְר֨וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to Gideon, “Whyמָֽה־māh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have you doneעָשִׂ֣יתָ‘ā·śî·ṯā — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּה֙haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → to us? Why did you failלְבִלְתִּי֙lə·ḇil·tî — without, except, lest, or nothing butH1115 — Full Word Study → to callקְרֹ֣אותqə·rō·wṯ — To call, summon, or proclaimH7121 — Full Word Study → us whenכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you wentהָלַ֖כְתָּhā·laḵ·tā — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → to fightלְהִלָּחֵ֣םlə·hil·lā·ḥêm — to fight; to consume; to battleH3898 — Full Word Study → against Midianבְּמִדְיָ֑ןbə·miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →?” And they contendedוַיְרִיב֥וּןway·rî·ḇūn — To contend, strive, dispute, or plead a caseH7378 — Full Word Study → with him violentlyאִתּ֖וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study →. 2But Gideon answered themאֲלֵיהֶ֔ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Nowעַתָּ֖ה‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → whatמֶה־meh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → have I accomplishedעָשִׂ֥יתִי‘ā·śî·ṯî — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → compared to you? Are notהֲל֗וֹאhă·lō·w — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → the gleaningsעֹלְל֥וֹת‘ō·lə·lō·wṯ — Grapes left behind after harvest; gleaningH5955 — Full Word Study → of Ephraimאֶפְרַ֖יִם’ep̄·ra·yim — Double fruitfulnessH669 — Full Word Study → betterט֛וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → than the grape harvestמִבְצִ֥ירmiḇ·ṣîr — Grape harvest; vintage cropH1210 — Full Word Study → of Abiezerאֲבִיעֶֽזֶר׃’ă·ḇî·‘e·zer — Abiezer, a man whose father is helpH44 — Full Word Study →? 3Godאֱלֹהִ֜ים’ĕ·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → has deliveredנָתַ֨ןnā·ṯan — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Orebעֹרֵ֣ב‘ō·rêḇ — RavenH6159 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → Zeebזְאֵ֔בzə·’êḇ — wolfH2062 — Full Word Study →, the two princesשָׂרֵ֤יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָן֙miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →, into your handבְּיֶדְכֶם֩bə·yeḏ·ḵem — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →. Whatוּמַה־ū·mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → was I ableיָּכֹ֖לְתִּיyā·ḵō·lə·tî — to be able, have power, endureH3201 — Full Word Study → to doעֲשׂ֣וֹת‘ă·śō·wṯ — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → compared to you?” When he had saidבְּדַבְּר֖וֹbə·ḏab·bə·rōw — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study →, their angerרוּחָם֙rū·ḥām — Spirit, breath, wind, or inner dispositionH7307 — Full Word Study → against himמֵֽעָלָ֔יוmê·‘ā·lāw — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → subsidedרָפְתָ֤הrā·p̄ə·ṯāh — to slacken, weaken, or grow feebleH7503 — Full Word Study →. 4Then Gideonגִדְע֖וֹןḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → and hisאִתּ֔וֹ’it·tōw — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → threeוּשְׁלֹשׁ־ū·šə·lōš- — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → hundredמֵא֤וֹתmê·’ō·wṯ — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → menהָאִישׁ֙hā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → cameוַיָּבֹ֥אway·yā·ḇō — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּ֑נָהhay·yar·dê·nāh — The flowing riverH3383 — Full Word Study → and crossed it, exhaustedעֲיֵפִ֖ים‘ă·yê·p̄îm — Weary, faint, exhaustedH5889 — Full Word Study → yet still in pursuitוְרֹדְפִֽים׃wə·rō·ḏə·p̄îm — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study →. 5So Gideon said to the menלְאַנְשֵׁ֣יlə·’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּ֔וֹתsuk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study →, “Pleaseנָא֙nā — Please, I beseech, I prayH4994 — Full Word Study → giveתְּנוּ־tə·nū- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → my troopsלָעָ֖םlā·‘ām — a people; nation; communityH5971 — Full Word Study → someכִּכְּר֣וֹתkik·kə·rō·wṯ — circular loaf; disk-shaped object; plainH3603 — Full Word Study → breadלֶ֔חֶםle·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study →, forכִּי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → theyהֵ֔םhêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → are exhaustedעֲיֵפִ֣ים‘ă·yê·p̄îm — Weary, faint, exhaustedH5889 — Full Word Study →, and Iוְאָנֹכִ֗יwə·’ā·nō·ḵî — I, myself (first-person singular pronoun)H595 — Full Word Study → am still pursuingרֹדֵ֛ףrō·ḏêp̄ — to pursue, chase, or persecuteH7291 — Full Word Study → Zebahזֶ֥בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֖עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study →, the kingsמַלְכֵ֥יmal·ḵê — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָֽן׃miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →.” 6But the leadersשָׂרֵ֣יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּ֔וֹתsuk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study → askedוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Are the hands of Zebahזֶ֧בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֛עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study → alreadyעַתָּ֖ה‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → in your possessionבְּיָדֶ֑ךָbə·yā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, thatכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → we should giveנִתֵּ֥ןnit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → breadלָֽחֶם׃lā·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → to your armyלִֽצְבָאֲךָ֖liṣ·ḇā·’ă·ḵā — army, host, or organized military forceH6635 — Full Word Study →?” 7Very wellלָכֵ֗ןlā·ḵên — so, thus, rightly, thereforeH3651 — Full Word Study →,” Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֣אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “when the LORDיְהוָ֛הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → has deliveredבְּתֵ֧תbə·ṯêṯ — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → Zebahזֶ֥בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → Zalmunnaצַלְמֻנָּ֖עṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study → into my handבְּיָדִ֑יbə·yā·ḏî — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, I will tearוְדַשְׁתִּי֙wə·ḏaš·tî — to tread, thresh, trampleH1758 — Full Word Study → your fleshבְּשַׂרְכֶ֔םbə·śar·ḵem — Flesh; body; meat; human natureH1320 — Full Word Study → withאֶת־’eṯ- — with, together with, againstH854 — Full Word Study → the thornsקוֹצֵ֥יqō·w·ṣê — thorn, prickly plantH6975 — Full Word Study → and briersהַֽבַּרְקֳנִֽים׃hab·bar·qo·nîm — Thorny plant; brier or brambleH1303 — Full Word Study → of the wildernessהַמִּדְבָּ֖רham·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →!” 8From thereמִשָּׁם֙miš·šām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → he went upוַיַּ֤עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → to Penuelפְּנוּאֵ֔לpə·nū·’êl — Face of GodH6439 — Full Word Study → and askedוַיְדַבֵּ֥רway·ḏab·bêr — to speak, say, or declareH1696 — Full Word Study → the sameכָּזֹ֑אתkā·zōṯ — This, that; demonstrative pronounH2063 — Full Word Study → from themאֲלֵיהֶ֖ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, but the menאַנְשֵׁ֣י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Penuelפְנוּאֵ֔לp̄ə·nū·’êl — Face of GodH6439 — Full Word Study → gave the same responseוַיַּעֲנ֤וּway·ya·‘ă·nū — To answer, respond, or testifyH6030 — Full Word Study → asכַּאֲשֶׁ֥רka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the menאַנְשֵׁ֥י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּֽוֹת׃suk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study →. 9So Gideon toldוַיֹּ֛אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the menלְאַנְשֵׁ֥יlə·’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Penuelפְנוּאֵ֖לp̄ə·nū·’êl — Face of GodH6439 — Full Word Study →, “When I returnבְּשׁוּבִ֣יbə·šū·ḇî — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → in triumphבְשָׁל֔וֹםḇə·šā·lō·wm — Peace, wholeness, well-being, prosperityH7965 — Full Word Study →, I will tear downאֶתֹּ֖ץ’et·tōṣ — to tear down, demolish, destroyH5422 — Full Word Study → thisהַזֶּֽה׃פhaz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → towerהַמִּגְדָּ֥לham·miḡ·dāl — Tower; fortified structure; strongholdH4026 — Full Word Study →!” 10Now Zebahוְזֶ֨בַחwə·ze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֜עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study → were in Karkorבַּקַּרְקֹ֗רbaq·qar·qōr — A valley in MoabH7174 — Full Word Study → withעִמָּם֙‘im·mām — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → their armyוּמַחֲנֵיהֶ֤םū·ma·ḥă·nê·hem — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → of about fifteenכַּחֲמֵ֤שֶׁתka·ḥă·mê·šeṯ — The number five; a set of five unitsH2568 — Full Word Study → thousand men—allכֹּ֚לkōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → that were leftהַנּ֣וֹתָרִ֔יםhan·nō·w·ṯā·rîm — to remain, be left over, excelH3498 — Full Word Study → ofמִכֹּ֖לmik·kōl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the armiesמַחֲנֵ֣הma·ḥă·nêh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study → of the peopleבְנֵי־ḇə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of the eastקֶ֑דֶםqe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study →. A hundredמֵאָ֨הmê·’āh — hundred; a large complete numberH3967 — Full Word Study → and twentyוְעֶשְׂרִ֥יםwə·‘eś·rîm — The number twenty; a complete group or scoreH6242 — Full Word Study → thousandאֶ֛לֶף’e·lep̄ — A thousand; a large military unit or census numberH505 — Full Word Study → swordsmenאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → had already fallenוְהַנֹּ֣פְלִ֔יםwə·han·nō·p̄ə·lîm — to fall; collapse; perishH5307 — Full Word Study →. 11And Gideonגִּדְע֗וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → went upוַיַּ֣עַלway·ya·‘al — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → by way of the caravanהַשְּׁכוּנֵ֣יhaš·šə·ḵū·nê — To dwell, inhabit, or settle in a placeH7931 — Full Word Study → routeדֶּ֚רֶךְde·reḵ — way, path, journey, conductH1870 — Full Word Study → eastמִקֶּ֥דֶםmiq·qe·ḏem — East; ancient times; beforeH6924 — Full Word Study → of Nobahלְנֹ֖בַחlə·nō·ḇaḥ — A place name meaning 'barking'H5025 — Full Word Study → and Jogbehahוְיָגְבֳּהָ֑הwə·yā·ḡə·bo·hāh — High place, exaltedH3011 — Full Word Study →, and he attackedוַיַּךְ֙way·yaḵ — To strike, smite, or defeat with forceH5221 — Full Word Study → their armyהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →, taking them by surpriseבֶֽטַח׃ḇe·ṭaḥ — Security, confidence, trust, or safetyH983 — Full Word Study →. 12When Zebahזֶ֚בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֔עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study → fledוַיָּנ֗וּסוּway·yā·nū·sū — to flee, escape, or run awayH5127 — Full Word Study →, Gideon pursued and capturedוַיִּלְכֹּ֞דway·yil·kōḏ — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → these twoשְׁנֵ֣י׀šə·nê — The number two; a pair or coupleH8147 — Full Word Study → kingsמַלְכֵ֣יmal·ḵê — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָ֗ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →, routingהֶחֱרִֽיד׃he·ḥĕ·rîḏ — to tremble, quake, or shudder with fearH2729 — Full Word Study → their entireוְכָל־wə·ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → armyהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖הham·ma·ḥă·neh — Military encampment; organized settlement or gatheringH4264 — Full Word Study →. 13After this, Gideonגִּדְע֥וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Joashיוֹאָ֖שׁyō·w·’āš — Yahweh Has GivenH3101 — Full Word Study → returnedוַיָּ֛שָׁבway·yā·šāḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → fromמִן־min- — from, out of, by means ofH4480 — Full Word Study → the battleהַמִּלְחָמָ֑הham·mil·ḥā·māh — Battle, warfare, combat, military conflictH4421 — Full Word Study → along the Ascent ofמִֽלְמַעֲלֵ֖הmil·ma·‘ă·lêh — ascent, going up, stairwayH4608 — Full Word Study → Heresהֶחָֽרֶס׃he·ḥā·res — Sun or solar deityH2776 — Full Word Study →. 14There he capturedוַיִּלְכָּד־way·yil·kāḏ- — To capture, seize, or take hold ofH3920 — Full Word Study → a young manנַ֛עַרna·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּ֖וֹתsuk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study → and interrogated himוַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֑הוּway·yiš·’ā·lê·hū — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study →. The young man wrote downוַיִּכְתֹּ֨בway·yiḵ·tōḇ — to write, inscribe, or record in written formH3789 — Full Word Study → for himאֵלָ֜יו’ê·lāw — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the names of the seventy-sevenשִׁבְעִ֥יםšiḇ·‘îm — The number seventy; multiples of sevenH7657 — Full Word Study → leadersשָׂרֵ֤יśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → andוְאֶת־wə·’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → eldersזְקֵנֶ֔יהָzə·qê·ne·hā — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּוֹת֙suk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study →. 15And Gideon went toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the menאַנְשֵׁ֣י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּ֔וֹתsuk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study → and saidוַיֹּ֕אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Hereהִנֵּ֖הhin·nêh — Look! Behold! Pay attention!H2009 — Full Word Study → are Zebahזֶ֣בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֑עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study →, about whomאֲשֶׁר֩’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you tauntedחֵרַפְתֶּ֨םḥê·rap̄·tem — to reproach, defy, or insult; to blasphemeH2778 — Full Word Study → meאוֹתִ֜י’ō·w·ṯî — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study →, sayingלֵאמֹ֗רlê·mōr — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, ‘Are the hands of Zebahזֶ֣בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֤עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study → alreadyעַתָּה֙‘at·tāh — Now; at the present timeH6258 — Full Word Study → in your possessionבְּיָדֶ֔ךָbə·yā·ḏe·ḵā — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study →, thatכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → we should giveנִתֵּ֛ןnit·tên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → breadלָֽחֶם׃lā·ḥem — Bread; food; sustenanceH3899 — Full Word Study → to your wearyהַיְּעֵפִ֖יםhay·yə·‘ê·p̄îm — to be weary or exhaustedH3287 — Full Word Study → menלַאֲנָשֶׁ֥יךָla·’ă·nā·še·ḵā — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study →?’” 16Then he tookוַיִּקַּח֙way·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the eldersזִקְנֵ֣יziq·nê — An old person; an elder with authority and wisdomH2205 — Full Word Study → of the cityהָעִ֔ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →, and using the thornsקוֹצֵ֥יqō·w·ṣê — thorn, prickly plantH6975 — Full Word Study → and briersהַֽבַּרְקֳנִ֑יםhab·bar·qo·nîm — Thorny plant; brier or brambleH1303 — Full Word Study → of the wildernessהַמִּדְבָּ֖רham·miḏ·bār — Desert; wilderness; pasture; speechH4057 — Full Word Study →, he disciplinedוַיֹּ֣דַעway·yō·ḏa‘ — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → the menאַנְשֵׁ֥י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of Succothסֻכּֽוֹת׃suk·kō·wṯ — Booths or SheltersH5523 — Full Word Study →. 17He also pulled downנָתָ֑ץnā·ṯāṣ — to tear down, demolish, destroyH5422 — Full Word Study → the towerמִגְדַּ֥לmiḡ·dal — Tower; fortified structure; strongholdH4026 — Full Word Study → of Penuelפְּנוּאֵ֖לpə·nū·’êl — Face of GodH6439 — Full Word Study → and killedוַֽיַּהֲרֹ֖גway·ya·hă·rōḡ — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → the menאַנְשֵׁ֥י’an·šê — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → of the cityהָעִֽיר׃hā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →. 18Next, Gideon asked Zebahזֶ֙בַח֙ze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaצַלְמֻנָּ֔עṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study →, “What kindאֵיפֹה֙’ê·p̄ōh — where? in what place?H375 — Full Word Study → of menהָאֲנָשִׁ֔יםhā·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study → did you killהֲרַגְתֶּ֖םhă·raḡ·tem — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → at Taborבְּתָב֑וֹרbə·ṯā·ḇō·wr — Mount Tabor, a prominent mountain in northern IsraelH8396 — Full Word Study →?” “Men like youכָּמ֣וֹךָkā·mō·w·ḵā — Like; according to; asH3644 — Full Word Study →,” they answeredוַֽיֹּאמרוּ֙way·yō·m·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “each one resemblingכְּתֹ֖אַרkə·ṯō·’ar — outward appearance, form, or countenanceH8389 — Full Word Study → the sonבְּנֵ֥יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of a kingהַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →.” 19Theyהֵ֑םhêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were my brothersאַחַ֥י’a·ḥay — Male sibling; brother; kinsmanH251 — Full Word Study →,” Gideon repliedוַיֹּאמַ֕רway·yō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “the sonsבְּנֵֽי־bə·nê- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of my motherאִמִּ֖י’im·mî — mother; female parentH517 — Full Word Study →! As surely as the LORDיְהוָ֗הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → livesחַי־ḥay- — alive, living, lifeH2416 — Full Word Study →, ifל֚וּlū — If; expressing conditional desire or wishH3863 — Full Word Study → you had let them liveהַחֲיִתֶ֣םha·ḥă·yi·ṯem — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study →, I would notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → killהָרַ֖גְתִּיhā·raḡ·tî — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → youאֶתְכֶֽם׃’eṯ·ḵem — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study →.” 20So he saidוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to Jetherלְיֶ֣תֶרlə·ye·ṯer — He adds or remainderH3500 — Full Word Study →, his firstbornבְּכוֹר֔וֹbə·ḵō·w·rōw — firstborn son; first offspring; heirH1060 — Full Word Study →, “Get upק֖וּםqūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and kill themהֲרֹ֣גhă·rōḡ — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study →.” But the young manהַנַּ֤עַרhan·na·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study → did notוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → drawשָׁלַ֨ףšā·lap̄ — to draw out, pull, or extractH8025 — Full Word Study → his swordחַרְבּוֹ֙ḥar·bōw — sword; blade weaponH2719 — Full Word Study →; he was fearfulיָרֵ֔אyā·rê — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study → becauseכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he was stillעוֹדֶ֖נּוּ‘ō·w·ḏen·nū — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → a youthנָֽעַר׃nā·‘ar — Young man, boy, or male servantH5288 — Full Word Study →. 21Then Zebahזֶ֣בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaוְצַלְמֻנָּ֗עwə·ṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּ֜אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Get upק֤וּםqūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and killוּפְגַע־ū·p̄ə·ḡa‘- — to meet, encounter, or intercedeH6293 — Full Word Study → us yourselfאַתָּה֙’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study →, forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → as the man isכָאִ֖ישׁḵā·’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study →, so is his strengthגְּבוּרָת֑וֹgə·ḇū·rā·ṯōw — Mighty power, strength, or valorH1369 — Full Word Study →.” So Gideonגִּדְע֗וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → got upוַיָּ֣קָםway·yā·qām — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → and killedוַֽיַּהֲרֹג֙way·ya·hă·rōḡ — To kill, slay, or murderH2026 — Full Word Study → Zebahזֶ֣בַחze·ḇaḥ — Sacrifice, offeringH2078 — Full Word Study → and Zalmunnaצַלְמֻנָּ֔עṣal·mun·nā‘ — Shadow of DarknessH6759 — Full Word Study →, and he tookוַיִּקַּח֙way·yiq·qaḥ — to take, seize, or receiveH3947 — Full Word Study → the crescent ornamentsהַשַּׂ֣הֲרֹנִ֔יםhaś·śa·hă·rō·nîm — Crescent ornament; lunar-shaped jewelryH7720 — Full Word Study → from the necksבְּצַוְּארֵ֥יbə·ṣaw·wə·rê — neck; the back of the neck as a place of burden-bearingH6677 — Full Word Study → of their camelsגְמַלֵּיהֶֽם׃ḡə·mal·lê·hem — Camel, a large desert animal used for transport and tradeH1581 — Full Word Study →. 22Then the Israelitesאִֽישׁ־’îš- — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּאמְר֤וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →, “Ruleמְשָׁל־mə·šāl- — To rule, reign, or exercise dominionH4910 — Full Word Study → over us—youאַתָּ֔ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → andגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → your sonבִּנְךָ֖bin·ḵā — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → andגַּם־gam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → grandsonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →forכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → you have saved usהוֹשַׁעְתָּ֖נוּhō·wō·ša‘·tā·nū — To deliver, rescue, or save from dangerH3467 — Full Word Study → from the handמִיַּ֥דmî·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָֽן׃miḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →.” 23But Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → repliedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Iאֲנִי֙’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → will notלֹֽא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → ruleאֶמְשֹׁ֤ל’em·šōl — To rule, reign, or exercise dominionH4910 — Full Word Study → over you, norוְלֹֽא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → willיִמְשֹׁ֥לyim·šōl — To rule, reign, or exercise dominionH4910 — Full Word Study → my sonבְּנִ֖יbə·nî — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →. The LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → shall ruleיִמְשֹׁ֥לyim·šōl — To rule, reign, or exercise dominionH4910 — Full Word Study → over you.” 24Then heגִּדְע֗וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → addedוַיֹּ֨אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Let me make a requestאֶשְׁאֲלָ֤ה’eš·’ă·lāh — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → of you, that each of youאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → giveוּתְנוּ־ū·ṯə·nū- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → me an earringנֶ֣זֶםne·zem — Ring, earring, ornament worn on the bodyH5141 — Full Word Study → from his plunderשְׁלָל֑וֹšə·lā·lōw — Plunder, spoils of war; prey taken in battleH7998 — Full Word Study →.” (Forכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → the enemies had gold earringsנִזְמֵ֤יniz·mê — Ring, earring, ornament worn on the bodyH5141 — Full Word Study → becauseכִּ֥יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → theyהֵֽם׃hêm — They, them (masculine plural pronoun)H1992 — Full Word Study → were Ishmaelitesיִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֖יםyiš·mə·‘ê·lîm — Descendant of IshmaelH3459 — Full Word Study →.) 25“We will give them gladly,” they repliedוַיֹּאמְר֖וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →. So they spread outוַֽיִּפְרְשׂוּ֙way·yip̄·rə·śū — to spread, stretch out, or extendH6566 — Full Word Study → a garmentהַשִּׂמְלָ֔הhaś·śim·lāh — Garment, cloak, or outer garmentH8071 — Full Word Study →, and each manאִ֖ישׁ’îš — man, male person, husbandH376 — Full Word Study → threwוַיַּשְׁלִ֣יכוּway·yaš·lî·ḵū — to throw, cast, or hurlH7993 — Full Word Study → an earringנֶ֥זֶםne·zem — Ring, earring, ornament worn on the bodyH5141 — Full Word Study → from his plunderשְׁלָלֽוֹ׃šə·lā·lōw — Plunder, spoils of war; prey taken in battleH7998 — Full Word Study → onto itשָׁ֔מָּהšām·māh — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →. 26The weightמִשְׁקַ֞לmiš·qal — weight, heaviness, or burdenH4948 — Full Word Study → of the goldהַזָּהָב֙haz·zā·hāḇ — Gold; precious metal; wealth and valueH2091 — Full Word Study → earringsנִזְמֵ֤יniz·mê — Ring, earring, ornament worn on the bodyH5141 — Full Word Study → he had requestedשָׁאָ֔לšā·’āl — to ask, request, inquire, or demandH7592 — Full Word Study → wasוַיְהִ֗יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → 1,700 shekels, in addition toלְ֠בַדlə·ḇaḏ — alone, apart, or bar/poleH905 — Full Word Study → the crescent ornamentsהַשַּׂהֲרֹנִ֨יםhaś·śa·hă·rō·nîm — Crescent ornament; lunar-shaped jewelryH7720 — Full Word Study →, the pendantsוְהַנְּטִפ֜וֹתwə·han·nə·ṭi·p̄ō·wṯ — Ornamental pendant or chain worn as jewelryH5188 — Full Word Study →, the purpleהָאַרְגָּמָ֗ןhā·’ar·gā·mān — Purple dye or purple cloth; royal colorH713 — Full Word Study → garmentsוּבִגְדֵ֣יū·ḇiḡ·ḏê — Clothing; treachery or deceptionH899 — Full Word Study → ofשֶׁעַל֙še·‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the kingsמַלְכֵ֣יmal·ḵê — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → of Midianמִדְיָ֔ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study →, and the chainsהָ֣עֲנָק֔וֹתhā·‘ă·nā·qō·wṯ — Necklace or ornamental chain worn around the neckH6060 — Full Word Study → from the necksבְּצַוְּארֵ֥יbə·ṣaw·wə·rê — neck; the back of the neck as a place of burden-bearingH6677 — Full Word Study → of their camelsגְמַלֵּיהֶֽם׃ḡə·mal·lê·hem — Camel, a large desert animal used for transport and tradeH1581 — Full Word Study →. 27From all this Gideon madeוַיַּעַשׂ֩way·ya·‘aś — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → an ephodלְאֵפ֗וֹדlə·’ê·p̄ō·wḏ — priestly garment; breastplate worn by the high priestH646 — Full Word Study →, which he placedוַיַּצֵּ֨גway·yaṣ·ṣêḡ — To station, set up, or establish in placeH3322 — Full Word Study → in Ophrahבְּעָפְרָ֔הbə·‘ā·p̄ə·rāh — Fawn or young deerH6084 — Full Word Study →, his hometownבְעִירוֹ֙ḇə·‘î·rōw — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study →. But soon allכָֽל־ḵāl — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֛לyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study → prostituted themselvesוַיִּזְנ֧וּway·yiz·nū — to commit sexual immorality; to act as a harlot or prostituteH2181 — Full Word Study → by worshiping itאַחֲרָ֖יו’a·ḥă·rāw — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֑םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study →, and it becameוַיְהִ֛יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a snareלְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃lə·mō·w·qêš — snare, trap, or netH4170 — Full Word Study → to Gideonלְגִדְע֥וֹןlə·ḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → and his householdוּלְבֵית֖וֹū·lə·ḇê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →. 28In this way Midianמִדְיָ֗ןmiḏ·yān — Desert region and peopleH4080 — Full Word Study → was subduedוַיִּכָּנַ֣עway·yik·kā·na‘ — To subdue, humble, or bring into subjectionH3665 — Full Word Study → beforeלִפְנֵי֙lip̄·nê — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → and did notוְלֹ֥אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → raiseלָשֵׂ֣אתlā·śêṯ — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → its headרֹאשָׁ֑םrō·šām — Head; chief; beginning; topH7218 — Full Word Study → againיָסְפ֖וּyā·sə·p̄ū — to add, increase, or do againH3254 — Full Word Study →. So the landהָאָ֛רֶץhā·’ā·reṣ — Land, earth, or countryH776 — Full Word Study → had restוַתִּשְׁקֹ֥טwat·tiš·qōṭ — to rest, be quiet, or settle in peaceH8252 — Full Word Study → for fortyאַרְבָּעִ֥ים’ar·bā·‘îm — the number forty; a period of testing or judgmentH705 — Full Word Study → yearsשָׁנָ֖הšā·nāh — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → in the daysבִּימֵ֥יbî·mê — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study → of Gideonגִדְעֽוֹן׃פḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →, 29and he—Jerubbaal sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Joashיוֹאָ֖שׁyō·w·’āš — Yahweh Has GivenH3101 — Full Word Study →returnedוַיֵּ֛לֶךְway·yê·leḵ — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → homeבְּבֵיתֽוֹ׃bə·ḇê·ṯōw — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → and settled downוַיֵּ֥שֶׁבway·yê·šeḇ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study →. 30Gideonוּלְגִדְע֗וֹןū·lə·ḡiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → hadהָיוּ֙hā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → seventyשִׁבְעִ֣יםšiḇ·‘îm — The number seventy; multiples of sevenH7657 — Full Word Study → sonsבָּנִ֔יםbā·nîm — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of his ownיֹצְאֵ֖יyō·ṣə·’ê — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study →, sinceכִּֽי־kî- — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → he hadהָ֥יוּhā·yū — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → manyרַבּ֖וֹתrab·bō·wṯ — great, many, abundant, mightyH7227 — Full Word Study → wivesנָשִׁ֥יםnā·šîm — Woman; wife; femaleH802 — Full Word Study →. 31His concubineוּפִֽילַגְשׁוֹ֙ū·p̄î·laḡ·šōw — A woman in a secondary or concubine relationship, below the status of a wifeH6370 — Full Word Study →, who dwelt in Shechemבִּשְׁכֶ֔םbiš·ḵem — Shoulder; a cityH7927 — Full Word Study →, alsoגַם־ḡam- — also, even, moreover, both...andH1571 — Full Word Study → boreיָֽלְדָה־yā·lə·ḏāh- — to give birth, beget, or bear a childH3205 — Full Word Study → him a sonבֵּ֑ןbên — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study →, and he namedוַיָּ֥שֶׂםway·yā·śem — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → himשְׁמ֖וֹšə·mōw — Name; reputation; renownH8034 — Full Word Study → Abimelechאֲבִימֶֽלֶךְ׃’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ — Abimelech, a royal name meaning 'My Father is King'H40 — Full Word Study →. 32Later, Gideonגִּדְע֥וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → sonבֶּן־ben- — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → of Joashיוֹאָ֖שׁyō·w·’āš — Yahweh Has GivenH3101 — Full Word Study → diedוַיָּ֛מָתway·yā·māṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study → at a ripeטוֹבָ֑הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → old ageבְּשֵׂיבָ֣הbə·śê·ḇāh — Gray hair; old age; hoariness of headH7872 — Full Word Study → and was buriedוַיִּקָּבֵ֗רway·yiq·qā·ḇêr — to bury, to entomb the deadH6912 — Full Word Study → in the tombבְּקֶ֙בֶר֙bə·qe·ḇer — A grave or burial place; a tombH6913 — Full Word Study → of his fatherאָבִ֔יו’ā·ḇîw — H1 — Full Word Study → Joashיוֹאָ֣שׁyō·w·’āš — Yahweh Has GivenH3101 — Full Word Study → in Ophrahבְּעָפְרָ֖הbə·‘ā·p̄ə·rāh — Fawn or young deerH6084 — Full Word Study → of the Abiezritesהָֽעֶזְרִֽי׃פhā·‘ez·rî — Abiezrite; descendant of AbiezerH33 — Full Word Study →. 33Andוַיְהִ֗יway·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → as soon asכַּֽאֲשֶׁר֙ka·’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Gideonגִּדְע֔וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study → was deadמֵ֣תmêṯ — to die; to put to death; to killH4191 — Full Word Study →, the Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → turnedוַיָּשׁ֙וּבוּ֙way·yā·šū·ḇū — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → and prostituted themselvesוַיִּזְנ֖וּway·yiz·nū — to commit sexual immorality; to act as a harlot or prostituteH2181 — Full Word Study → withאַחֲרֵ֣י’a·ḥă·rê — after, behind, followingH310 — Full Word Study → the Baalsהַבְּעָלִ֑יםhab·bə·‘ā·lîm — Baal, a pagan deity; false godH1168 — Full Word Study →, and they set upוַיָּשִׂ֧ימוּway·yā·śî·mū — to put, place, set, appointH7760 — Full Word Study → Baal-berithבְּרִ֖יתbə·rîṯ — Baal of the Covenant, a Canaanite deityH1170 — Full Word Study → as their godלֵאלֹהִֽים׃lê·lō·hîm — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study →. 34The Israelitesבְּנֵ֣יbə·nê — Son; descendant; member of a groupH1121 — Full Word Study → failedוְלֹ֤אwə·lō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → to rememberזָֽכְרוּ֙zā·ḵə·rū — to remember, recall, or mentionH2142 — Full Word Study → the LORDיְהוָ֖הYah·weh — The LORD; God's covenant nameH3068 — Full Word Study → their Godאֱלֹהֵיהֶ֑ם’ĕ·lō·hê·hem — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → who had deliveredהַמַּצִּ֥ילham·maṣ·ṣîl — to rescue, deliver, or snatch awayH5337 — Full Word Study → themאוֹתָ֛ם’ō·w·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → from the handsמִיַּ֥דmî·yaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of allכָּל־kāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → their enemiesאֹיְבֵיהֶ֖ם’ō·yə·ḇê·hem — Enemy; adversary; one who opposesH341 — Full Word Study → on every sideמִסָּבִֽיב׃mis·sā·ḇîḇ — around, on all sides, encirclingH5439 — Full Word Study →. 35They did notוְלֹֽא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → showעָשׂ֣וּ‘ā·śū — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → kindnessחֶ֔סֶדḥe·seḏ — Covenant loyalty and steadfast kindnessH2617 — Full Word Study → toעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → the houseבֵּ֥יתbêṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → of Jerubbaalיְרֻבַּ֖עַלyə·rub·ba·‘al — Let Baal contendH3378 — Full Word Study → (that is, Gideonגִּדְע֑וֹןgiḏ·‘ō·wn — Mighty warriorH1439 — Full Word Study →) for allכְּכָל־kə·ḵāl- — All, every, whole, totalityH3605 — Full Word Study → the good thingsהַטּוֹבָ֔הhaṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → he had doneעָשָׂ֖ה‘ā·śāh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → forעִם־‘im- — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → Israelיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃פyiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — Judges 8
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Chapter Overview

Judges 8 reveals the complex aftermath of Gideon's miraculous victory over the Midianites. While the Lord has granted Israel deliverance through Gideon's obedience and faith, this chapter shows how quickly human pride, unforgiveness, and spiritual compromise can undermine God's work. Gideon's humility in the face of Ephraim's complaint gives way to harsh judgment against those who refused to help, and his refusal of the kingship masks a deeper problem: his heart is already turning toward self-exaltation through the accumulation of wealth and religious objects. The chapter ends with a sobering reminder that one man's faithfulness cannot sustain a nation's devotion to God.

Verses 1–3: Gideon's Humble Diplomacy

The tribe of Ephraim confronts Gideon sharply, demanding to know why they were not called to fight from the beginning. Rather than respond defensively, Gideon employs remarkable wisdom and humility. He deflects the credit entirely to Ephraim, saying their role was greater than his own—comparing their "gleaning of the grapes" to his "vintage" (verses 2–3). This is clever diplomacy, but more importantly, it reflects genuine humility. Gideon recognizes that God's victory belongs to all Israel and that tribal pride must not fracture the nation. His answer diffuses the anger and demonstrates the spiritual maturity that characterized his earlier calling. Application: When others claim credit or become defensive about their role in God's work, wisdom calls us to elevate others and acknowledge their contributions humbly.

Verses 4–9: Rejection and Promised Judgment

Gideon's humility with Ephraim contrasts sharply with his treatment of Succoth and Penuel. When these towns refuse to provide bread for his weary soldiers (verses 5–6), Gideon makes harsh vows of judgment (verses 7, 9). The men of Succoth and Penuel demand proof that Gideon will win before they help—a failure of faith and community care. Yet Gideon's response is severe and personal, promising to tear their flesh and break their tower. While God has vindicated Gideon in battle, these threats reveal a troubling shift: from humble servant to vengeful judge. Application: Victory and vindication can tempt us toward harshness. We must guard against allowing success to harden our hearts toward those who fail us.

Verses 10–12: The Final Pursuit and Capture

The Lord grants Gideon victory again. Though vastly outnumbered—fifteen thousand enemy soldiers against three hundred—Gideon defeats the Midianites and captures their kings, Zebah and Zalmunna (verses 10–12). God remains the true author of victory, but Gideon's determination and strategy are clearly at work. The verses show a warrior now fully engaged in pursuing justice and protection for Israel.

Verses 13–17: Vengeance Enacted

Gideon returns to fulfill his vow. He tortures the elders of Succoth with thorns and briers (verse 16) and destroys Penuel's tower, killing its men (verse 17). While God had called Gideon to deliver Israel, these acts of vengeance go beyond the scope of a judge's rightful authority. Gideon is acting from wounded pride rather than divine commission.

Verses 18–21: The Kings' Judgment

Gideon learns that Zebah and Zalmunna had killed his brothers at Tabor. This personal loss drives his final decision: he executes the kings himself rather than allowing his young son Jether to do so (verses 18–21). It is a moment of personal vindication, not judicial necessity.

Verses 22–27: The Seductive Turn

Israel offers Gideon kingship, but he refuses, declaring the Lord as Israel's ruler (verses 22–23). Yet immediately, Gideon requests the golden earrings of the Midianites' plunder. From this immense wealth, he fashions an ephod—a priestly garment—and places it in his hometown. This becomes a snare (verse 27): Israel begins to worship it as an idol. Gideon has rejected the title of king while assuming the role of a priestly-political figure. His refusal of kingship is outwardly righteous but inwardly compromised.

Verses 28–35: The Aftermath and Israel's Failure

Midian is subdued, and Israel enjoys forty years of peace under Gideon's leadership. Yet when Gideon dies, Israel immediately turns to Baalim and forgets the Lord's mercies (verses 33–35). One man's faithfulness, however genuine, cannot substitute for a nation's covenant relationship with God. The kindness shown to Gideon's household is also forgotten.

Application for Today

Gideon's life teaches us that personal victories in faith do not automatically guard against spiritual compromise. His humility with Ephraim and his early obedience were genuine, yet pride

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