Judges 8:28
The verse declares that *“So Midian was subdued before the sons of Israel, and they did not lift up their heads anymore. And the land was undisturbed for forty years in the days of Gideon.”* (v.28) This statement displays the remarkable shift in power from the Midianites to the Israelites—where once the Midianites oppressed God’s people, they now found themselves completely subdued. The land of Midian was located in the northwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula, stretching into parts of the Sinai Peninsula, an area known for rugged terrain and desert conditions. Under the leadership of Gideon, the Israelites no longer suffered raids or disruptions, signaling a profound divine intervention on their behalf.
Gideon served as one of the Judges of Israel around the 12th or 11th century BC, during a time when the tribes of Israel had no centralized authority. His story follows the broader pattern of deliverance found in the Book of Judges, in which God repeatedly rescues His people when they call upon Him. He stands in the historical timeline after the days of Joshua and before the rise of monarchical rule under Saul. Gideon’s victory over Midian culminated in a season of “undisturbed” security lasting forty years—an extended peace that mirrors the promises of rest God’s people longed for, ultimately pointing forward to a greater rest fulfilled in the Messiah (Hebrews 4:9, NASB-95).
The phrase that *“the land was undisturbed for forty years”* (v.28) highlights the biblical theme of rest following a period of turmoil and strife. By using Gideon, a humble man from the tribe of Manasseh, God once again showed His power through unlikely means, reminiscent of how Christ would later come in humble form to bring spiritual deliverance (Philippians 2:7–8, NASB-95). The peace experienced by Israel under Gideon’s guidance provides a foretaste of the ultimate peace found in Jesus, who gives His followers rest from the bondage of sin (Matthew 11:28–29, NASB-95).
The verse illustrates how God empowered an obedient leader to overcome oppression, demonstrating that faith and reliance on God can bring extended peace.
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 5:28-31 meaning. In the final verse of Deborah and Barak’s song, we witness a stark contrast between the vain expectations of Sisera’s mother and the actual fate of Israel’s enemies. Ultimately, the passage concludes with a prayerful declaration that all of God’s enemies should perish, while those who love Him shine like the rising sun.
- Judges 3:7-8 meaning. The Israelites once again fall into idolatry, worshiping the Baals and Asheroth. As a result, God allows them to be oppressed by Cushan-rishathaim, the king of Mesopotamia, for eight years.
- Judges 1:22-26 meaning. The tribes Ephraim and Manasseh, with the Lord’s assistance, goes up against Bethel, previously known as Luz. They use a local man to find the city’s entrance, conquer Bethel, and spare the man’s family. The man then relocates to the land of the Hittites, where he builds a new city and names it Luz.