Judges 8:32

*“Then Gideon the son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” (v.32)* Gideon, also known by the name Jerubbaal (Judges 7:1 NASB-95), was one of the significant judges of Israel. He lived during the time following the Israelite settlement in the Promised Land but before the monarchy was established, which places him sometime around the 12th century BC. By describing Gideon’s death in great age and his burial in Ophrah, this verse highlights the peaceful close of his earthly life after his victories over Midian. It also affirms the honor extended to him by laying him to rest alongside his father, linking Gideon’s heritage to the region of Ophrah. Ophrah of the Abiezrites was in the tribal territory of Manasseh, located to the west of the Jordan River near the Jezreel Valley, an area known for its agricultural fertility.

*“Then Gideon the son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” (v.32)* Here we see a reminder that though Gideon was mightily used by God, he was still subject to mortality. When Gideon first appeared in Scripture, he humbly considered himself least within his family (Judges 6:15 NASB-95). Yet, by God’s power, he accomplished feats which deliver Israel from oppression (Judges 6–8 NASB-95). This verse draws attention to his final resting place, signifying that each generation must eventually pass on, even as God’s redemptive plan continues. In the New Testament, Hebrews 11:32-34 (NASB-95) commends Gideon for his faith, connecting him to a larger narrative of believers who trusted in the Lord’s promises.

*“Then Gideon the son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.” (v.32)* also teaches us that after a life of faithful service, Gideon’s legacy endured in the memory of the people. His resting place in Ophrah provided a tangible connection to the deliverance God provided through him. Geographically, Ophrah served as a spiritual landmark, reminding future generations of the events that transpired under Gideon’s leadership. Although Scripture moves on to describe Israel’s subsequent cycles of forgetting the Lord after Gideon’s death, this burial location testified to his role as a champion of faith.

Gideon’s faithful leadership ended quietly, yet his memory remained as a testament to God’s power working through human weakness.