Ungratefulness overlooks the blessings of God through His appointed leaders.
The people of Israel, after Gideon’s remarkable leadership and victories, “nor did they show kindness to the household of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in accord with all the good that he had done to Israel” (v.35). Gideon, also called Jerubbaal, served as one of the judges during a turbulent period roughly in the late 12th to early 11th century BC. Though he was from the tribe of Manasseh, God used him to conquer the oppressing Midianite forces with only three hundred men (Judges 7:7). Despite his heroic achievements and the relative peace he brought to Israel, the people quickly forgot his faithful service to them and to the Lord.
This verse highlights how quickly people can fail to show gratitude, emphasizing that the blessings from a faithful servant of God should not be overlooked. When Scripture says they did not show kindness “in accord with all the good that he had done to Israel” (v.35), it underscores a stark emotional and moral shift: Gideon’s family deserved the nation’s respect because Gideon led them to freedom from their enemies. However, once the immediate crisis passed, the people lapsed into a pattern of neglect and thanklessness. This lapse can be compared to the ten lepers healed by Jesus, where only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:15-18), illustrating a common human failing to express gratitude to the Lord’s chosen instruments.
Furthermore, Gideon’s role in the historical timeline serves as an important lesson for every generation. He lived in an age where Israel repeatedly cycled through oppression and deliverance, highlighting both the abundant mercy of God and the frequent forgetfulness of His people. By noting the people’s lack of kindness toward Gideon’s household, we are challenged to reflect on our own tendencies to disregard blessings once our immediate problems are solved. Even in the New Testament era, believers are constantly exhorted to remember the sacrifice of Christ for salvation (1 Corinthians 11:24) and to walk in continual gratitude.
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Judges 8:35 meaning
The people of Israel, after Gideon’s remarkable leadership and victories, “nor did they show kindness to the household of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) in accord with all the good that he had done to Israel” (v.35). Gideon, also called Jerubbaal, served as one of the judges during a turbulent period roughly in the late 12th to early 11th century BC. Though he was from the tribe of Manasseh, God used him to conquer the oppressing Midianite forces with only three hundred men (Judges 7:7). Despite his heroic achievements and the relative peace he brought to Israel, the people quickly forgot his faithful service to them and to the Lord.
This verse highlights how quickly people can fail to show gratitude, emphasizing that the blessings from a faithful servant of God should not be overlooked. When Scripture says they did not show kindness “in accord with all the good that he had done to Israel” (v.35), it underscores a stark emotional and moral shift: Gideon’s family deserved the nation’s respect because Gideon led them to freedom from their enemies. However, once the immediate crisis passed, the people lapsed into a pattern of neglect and thanklessness. This lapse can be compared to the ten lepers healed by Jesus, where only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:15-18), illustrating a common human failing to express gratitude to the Lord’s chosen instruments.
Furthermore, Gideon’s role in the historical timeline serves as an important lesson for every generation. He lived in an age where Israel repeatedly cycled through oppression and deliverance, highlighting both the abundant mercy of God and the frequent forgetfulness of His people. By noting the people’s lack of kindness toward Gideon’s household, we are challenged to reflect on our own tendencies to disregard blessings once our immediate problems are solved. Even in the New Testament era, believers are constantly exhorted to remember the sacrifice of Christ for salvation (1 Corinthians 11:24) and to walk in continual gratitude.