Judges 8:10
*“Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of the entire army of the sons of the east; for the fallen were one hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen”* (v.10). This verse describes the precarious position of two Midianite leaders named Zebah and Zalmunna. They are found in Karkor, an ancient site most likely located east of the Jordan River in a region that would have been hot and arid, though the exact identification of Karkor is not entirely certain. Zebah and Zalmunna were ruling figures within Midian during the period of the Judges, around the twelfth century BC. They once commanded a vast army, but the majority of their forces had fallen in battle, leaving only fifteen thousand men where previously they had numbered one hundred and thirty-five thousand in total.
By placing these two leaders in Karkor, Scripture highlights the extent of Midian’s defeat at the hands of Gideon, one of Israel’s notable judges (Judges 6:36 – 7:25 NASB-95). Gideon’s victory was remarkable, for the Midianites once oppressed Israel severely. Yet, due to God’s empowerment, Gideon overcame overwhelming odds (Judges 7:7 NASB-95). This miraculous reduction—from an entire army of the sons of the east to a small remnant—points to God’s deliverance and faithfulness to His people, a theme repeatedly seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments (Romans 8:31 NASB-95).
*“Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor…”* (v.10) also underscores the swift turn of events that plagued Israel’s adversaries whenever God’s hand was involved. These Midianite kings, once brimming with confidence, found themselves on the brink of total annihilation. Although they still held some soldiers under their command, nothing could stand in the way of the Lord’s plan for deliverance. Gideon’s pursuit of them would result in a complete victory that foreshadows how God ultimately triumphs over evil—a theme later consummated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57 NASB-95).
This verse illustrates that when God intervenes, overwhelming opposition is no match for His power.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:8-10 meaning. The sons of Judah capture Jerusalem, defeating its inhabitants and setting the city on fire. They then continue their campaign against the Canaanites in various regions, ultimately conquering Hebron and defeating its notable inhabitants, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai.
- Judges 2:6-10 meaning. This passage from Judges provides a snapshot of the transition from Joshua’s leadership to the period of the judges, highlighting both continuity and change in Israel’s spiritual and societal landscape.
- Genesis 19:8-10 meaning. Lot reminded the lustful mob that the two visitors were under his protection and offered his two virgin daughters to the men to appease them, and protect his guests. The crowd pressed Lot against the door trying to break inside. But the two visitors quickly grabbed Lot and shut the door.