Judges 8:21
In the Book of Judges, Gideon (also called Jerubbaal) stands as one of Israel’s most renowned leaders, living around the late 12th century BC. Gideon rose to prominence when the people of Israel found themselves oppressed by the Midianites after repeatedly drifting from God’s guidance. In this passage, Gideon deals a final blow to the Midianite kings. We see that *“Zebah and Zalmunna said, ‘Rise up yourself, and fall on us; for as the man, so is his strength.’ So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent ornaments which were on their camels’ necks” (v.21).* Zebah and Zalmunna were rulers of Midian, a region likely situated east of the Jordan River, extending through what is now northwest Saudi Arabia. Their challenge to Gideon—telling him to slay them himself—emphasizes their defiance, even in defeat.
The Midianites had long spread fear throughout Israel (see Judges 6:1-6 NASB-95), but Gideon’s faith and leadership, despite his own insecurities, led Israel into victory. The verse states that *“Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna” (v.21).* In Israelite tradition, allowing another to execute them might imply a lesser blow, but Gideon personally delivering the final stroke fulfills the prophecy of Israel’s deliverance, showing his readiness to trust God fully. Taking the “crescent ornaments” from the camels is more than collecting spoils of war. These items were often symbols of status and pagan worship among the Midianites. Gideon’s removal of these relics highlights that Israel’s God had triumphed over foreign gods (Exodus 20:3 NASB-95).
Moreover, Gideon’s act can be parallel to the New Testament principle that Christ ultimately destroys the power of every enemy that stands against God’s people (1 Corinthians 15:25 NASB-95). Just as Gideon arose in trust to remove the stumbling block of Midianite oppression, Jesus provides spiritual deliverance from sin and the final overthrow of every spiritual “Zebah and Zalmunna” that would enslave us (Romans 8:2 NASB-95). Gideon’s victory stands as a foreshadowing of the greater victory found in Christ.
Gideon responds to the kings’ defiance with decisive faith, demonstrating Israel’s God-empowered triumph.
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:
- Exodus 39:8-21 meaning. Along with the ephod, the high priest wore a breastpiece. It was made of the same material as the ephod and had twelve stones arranged in four rows on it. Other items associated with the breastpiece were also built. The design of the breastpiece was given in Exodus 28:15 – 30.
- Romans 2:17-21 meaning. Paul is pointing out the hypocrisy of those who teach the law but do not obey it.
- Matthew 15:21-28 meaning. Jesus travels to the Gentile province of Tyre. A Canaanite woman begs Him to heal her daughter. At first Jesus refuses, because He was sent to Israel. But as the woman persists in her great faith, Jesus grants her request.