Judges 8:20
Gideon, a prominent judge of Israel who lived around the late 13th to early 12th century BC, had just captured the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, displaying God’s deliverance during a turbulent period of oppression (Judges 6–7). At this climactic moment, the narrative states, *“Then he said to Jether his firstborn, ‘Rise, kill them.’ But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth.” (v.20)* Gideon’s desire for his firstborn to execute the defeated kings signaled not only a call to take part in God’s justice, but also a rite of passage to confirm Jether’s role in his father’s victory. However, this scene underscores the very real human element of fear and uncertainty, even when God has firmly established victory for His people.
Jether’s hesitation contrasts starkly with his father’s God-dependent courage. Gideon, who is mentioned among the faithful in the New Testament (Hebrews 11:32), had relied on the Lord’s guidance to scatter the Midianite forces using only three hundred men, thus highlighting God’s power over human might citeturn0file15. By urging his son to kill Zebah and Zalmunna, Gideon may have sought to teach Jether about obedience and boldness in matters of spiritual and national significance. Yet that boldness could not be passed merely through commands; it needed to come from a heart personally convinced of God’s power and presence.
This moment also points to the recurring biblical pattern that God’s chosen leaders—called “judges” in this era—were meant to guide Israel toward righteousness and to instill godly resolve in the next generation (Judges 2:16) citeturn0file6. Jether's reluctance reminds us that even when the Lord brings victory, individual faith must be personally embraced. The time of the judges would eventually fade, paving the way for Israel’s future kings, but this snapshot of Gideon’s family reveals that courage to follow God cannot be inherited; it must be chosen.
Jether’s fear underlines humanity’s need to rely on God’s strength rather than our own.
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 5:6-8 meaning. The second segment of the song to the Lord in Judges 5 reflects the turmoil and oppression that Israel faced before the victory led by Deborah and Barak. The people had been living in fear and desolation. Yet, through Deborah’s faithfulness, God began to restore Israel, leading to the defeat of their enemies.
- 1 Samuel 8:1-3 meaning. In his old age, Samuel appoints his sons Joel and Abijah as judges, but they judge corruptly and take money to determine outcomes.
- Matthew 16:13-20 meaning. Jesus begins a significant conversation with His disciples In Caesarea Philippi. He asks His disciples about the Son of Man and who He is. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus commends His disciple for God’s revealing this to him, and tells him that such bold faith will lead the church to overcome culture and Hades itself. Jesus also tells Peter that He will give him authority to act on behalf of kingdom of heaven.