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Judges 8

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‹ Chapter 7 Judges — All Chapters Chapter 9 ›

1 Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. 2 But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer? 3 God has delivered Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian, into your hand. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he had said this, their anger against him subsided. 4 Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. 5 So Gideon said to the men of Succoth, “Please give my troops some bread, for they are exhausted, and I am still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian." 6 But the leaders of Succoth asked, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your army?" 7 “Very well,” Gideon replied, “when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness!" 8 From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth. 9 So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!" 10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. 11 And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise. 12 When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army. 13 After this, Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle along the Ascent of Heres. 14 There he captured a young man of Succoth and interrogated him. The young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven leaders and elders of Succoth. 15 And Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna, about whom you taunted me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna already in your possession, that we should give bread to your weary men?’" 16 Then he took the elders of the city, and using the thorns and briers of the wilderness, he disciplined the men of Succoth. 17 He also pulled down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. 18 Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king." 19 “They were my brothers,” Gideon replied, “the sons of my mother! As surely as the LORD lives, if you had let them live, I would not kill you." 20 So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth. 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels. 22 Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian." 23 But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you." 24 Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 “We will give them gladly,” they replied. So they spread out a garment, and each man threw an earring from his plunder onto it. 26 The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels, in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels. 27 From all this Gideon made an ephod, which he placed in Ophrah, his hometown. But soon all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his household. 28 In this way Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. So the land had rest for forty years in the days of Gideon, 29 and he—Jerubbaal son of Joash—returned home and settled down. 30 Gideon had seventy sons of his own, since he had many wives. 31 His concubine, who dwelt in Shechem, also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech. 32 Later, Gideon son of Joash died at a ripe old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 33 And as soon as Gideon was dead, the Israelites turned and prostituted themselves with the Baals, and they set up Baal-berith as their god. 34 The Israelites failed to remember the LORD their God who had delivered them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 35 They did not show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon) for all the good things he had done for Israel.

‹ Chapter 7 Judges — All Chapters Chapter 9 ›

Study Notes — Judges 8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the Ephraimites complaining to Gideon about not being included in the battle against the Midianites, but Gideon calms them down by pointing out their important role in the victory (Judges 8:1-3). Gideon then pursues the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and kills them (Judges 8:4-21). The Israelites ask Gideon to be their king, but he refuses, saying that God is their king (Judges 8:22-23). However, Gideon's request for a golden ephod leads to idolatry among the people (Judges 8:24-27). The chapter ends with Gideon's death and the Israelites' return to idolatry (Judges 8:28-35).

Context for the Chapter

Judges 8 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which tells the story of the Israelites' cycles of sin, judgment, and deliverance. The chapter follows Gideon's victory over the Midianites in Judges 7 and precedes the story of Abimelech's rise to power in Judges 9. The chapter also looks forward to the Israelites' future desire for a human king, which will be fulfilled in the book of 1 Samuel.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages us to recognize God's sovereignty and to humble ourselves before Him. We are reminded that God is our true King and that we should not seek to exalt ourselves or rely on human leaders. Instead, we should trust in God's power and mercy to deliver us from our enemies and to guide us in our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Judges 8 tells the story of how God used Gideon to defeat the Midianites. However, the chapter also warns against the dangers of human pride and idolatry. We see how Gideon's victory was marred by his own pride and the people's desire for a human king. The chapter encourages us to recognize God's sovereignty and to humble ourselves before Him, as seen in Judges 8:23.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord is our King, and we should not seek to exalt ourselves or rely on human leaders. Instead, we should trust in God's power and mercy to deliver us from our enemies and to guide us in our lives.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The story of Gideon and the Midianites is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and mercy. We see how God uses weak and unlikely leaders to achieve great victories, and how He humbles the proud and exalts the humble.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Ephraimites' Complaint (Judges 8:1-3) — The chapter begins with the Ephraimites complaining to Gideon about not being included in the battle against the Midianites. However, Gideon calms them down by pointing out their important role in the victory.
  2. Gideon's Pursuit of the Midianite Kings (Judges 8:4-21) — Gideon pursues the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and kills them. This section highlights God's power and mercy in delivering the Israelites from their enemies.
  3. The Israelites' Request for a King (Judges 8:22-23) — The Israelites ask Gideon to be their king, but he refuses, saying that God is their king. This section emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and humble ourselves before Him.
  4. Gideon's Request for a Golden Ephod (Judges 8:24-27) — Gideon requests a golden ephod, which leads to idolatry among the people. This section warns against the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility.
  5. Gideon's Death and the Israelites' Return to Idolatry (Judges 8:28-35) — The chapter ends with Gideon's death and the Israelites' return to idolatry. This section highlights the cycles of sin, judgment, and deliverance that are repeated throughout the book of Judges.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's power and mercy in delivering the Israelites from the Midianites, emphasizing His sovereignty over all things.
Human Pride
The chapter warns against the dangers of human pride, as seen in Gideon's request for a golden ephod and the Israelites' desire for a human king.
Idolatry
The chapter shows how easily the Israelites can fall into idolatry, even after experiencing God's deliverance.
Humility
The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as seen in Gideon's refusal to be king and his recognition of God's sovereignty.

Lessons from Judges 8

  1. The Importance of Recognizing God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches us to recognize God's sovereignty and power, and to humble ourselves before Him.
  2. The Dangers of Human Pride and Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of human pride and idolatry, and encourages us to trust in God's power and mercy.
  3. The Importance of Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as seen in Gideon's refusal to be king and his recognition of God's sovereignty.
  4. The Need for a Divine King — The chapter points to the need for a divine king who will rule over God's people, highlighting the insufficiency of human leaders.
  5. The Cycles of Sin, Judgment, and Deliverance — The chapter highlights the cycles of sin, judgment, and deliverance that are repeated throughout the book of Judges, emphasizing the need for God's people to trust in His power and mercy.

Themes from Judges 8

  1. God's Deliverance — The chapter highlights God's power and mercy in delivering the Israelites from the Midianites.
  2. Human Pride — The chapter warns against the dangers of human pride, as seen in Gideon's request for a golden ephod and the Israelites' desire for a human king.
  3. Idolatry — The chapter shows how easily the Israelites can fall into idolatry, even after experiencing God's deliverance.
  4. Humility — The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as seen in Gideon's refusal to be king and his recognition of God's sovereignty.
  5. The Need for a Divine King — The chapter points to the need for a divine king who will rule over God's people, highlighting the insufficiency of human leaders.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the chapter teach us about God's sovereignty and power?
  2. How does the chapter warn against the dangers of human pride and idolatry?
  3. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of humility and recognizing God's sovereignty?
  4. How does the chapter point to the need for a divine king who will rule over God's people?
  5. What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and relationships with God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Ephraimites' Complaint (Judges 8:1-3)

Judges 8:1 The Ephraimites complain to Gideon about not being included in the battle against the Midianites.
Judges 8:2 Gideon calms them down by pointing out their important role in the victory.
Judges 8:3 The Ephraimites are satisfied with Gideon's response and the conflict is resolved.

2. Gideon's Pursuit of the Midianite Kings (Judges 8:4-21)

Judges 8:4 Gideon pursues the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna.
Judges 8:5 Gideon asks the men of Succoth for food and assistance, but they refuse.
Judges 8:6 Gideon threatens to punish the men of Succoth if they do not provide assistance.
Judges 8:7 Gideon continues his pursuit of the Midianite kings.
Judges 8:8 Gideon asks the men of Penuel for food and assistance, but they also refuse.
Judges 8:9 Gideon threatens to punish the men of Penuel if they do not provide assistance.
Judges 8:10 Gideon and his men attack the Midianite camp and defeat them.
Judges 8:11 Gideon and his men capture the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna.
Judges 8:12 Gideon kills the two Midianite kings.
Judges 8:13 Gideon returns to the men of Succoth and punishes them for their refusal to provide assistance.
Judges 8:14 Gideon also punishes the men of Penuel for their refusal to provide assistance.
Judges 8:15 Gideon returns to his home and family.
Judges 8:16 The Israelites ask Gideon to be their king, but he refuses.
Judges 8:17 Gideon requests a golden ephod, which leads to idolatry among the people.
Judges 8:18 The Midianites are defeated and do not bother the Israelites again.
Judges 8:19 Gideon has many sons, but his son Abimelech will later become a problem for the Israelites.
Judges 8:20 Gideon dies at a good old age.
Judges 8:21 The Israelites return to idolatry after Gideon's death.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Judges 8?

The main theme of Judges 8 is God's deliverance and human pride. The chapter highlights God's power and mercy in delivering the Israelites from the Midianites, but also warns against the dangers of human pride and idolatry (Judges 8:1-3, 22-23).

Why did Gideon refuse to be king?

Gideon refused to be king because he recognized God's sovereignty and did not want to exalt himself (Judges 8:22-23). He understood that God was the true King of the Israelites and that human leaders were insufficient.

What is the significance of the golden ephod?

The golden ephod was a symbol of idolatry and led to the Israelites' return to idolatry after Gideon's death (Judges 8:24-27). It represents the dangers of human pride and the importance of trusting in God's power and mercy.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Judges 8:1 → 1 Samuel 12:1 The Ephraimites' complaint to Gideon is similar to the Israelites' request for a king in 1 Samuel 12:1.
2 Judges 8:4 → Psalm 83:9-12 Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings is similar to the Psalmist's prayer for God's deliverance from enemies in Psalm 83:9-12.
3 Judges 8:7 → Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Gideon's threat to punish the men of Succoth is similar to God's warning to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.
4 Judges 8:10 → 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Gideon's defeat of the Midianites is similar to the apostle Paul's boast in his weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
5 Judges 8:14 → Matthew 20:26-28 Gideon's punishment of the men of Penuel is similar to Jesus' teaching on humility and service in Matthew 20:26-28.
6 Judges 8:17 → 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 The golden ephod is similar to the idolatry of King Saul in 1 Chronicles 10:13-14.
7 Judges 8:20 → Hebrews 11:32-34 Gideon's faith is similar to the faith of the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11:32-34.
8 Judges 8:22 → John 1:1 Gideon's refusal to be king is similar to Jesus' statement that He is the King of kings in John 1:1.
9 Judges 8:23 → 1 Timothy 2:5 Gideon's recognition of God's sovereignty is similar to the apostle Paul's statement that there is one God and one mediator between God and man in 1 Timothy 2:5.
10 Judges 8:28 → 2 Peter 2:20-22 The Israelites' return to idolatry is similar to the apostle Peter's warning against false teachers in 2 Peter 2:20-22.

Sermons on Judges 8

SermonDescription
Gary Wilkerson The Snare of the Deliver - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by Gary Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about coming home from a long day of work and feeling weary. He seeks relaxation by reading the sports section of the newspaper
Chuck Smith The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o
Ed Miller Gideon #2: The Preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ by Ed Miller In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Gideon from the book of Judges in the Bible. The main theme is the preeminence of Christ and the invitation for believers to co
Robert Arthur The Nazarite by Robert Arthur In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of leadership and kingship. He uses the story of the vine, the olive tree, and the bramble from the book of Judges to illustrate
David Davis (Elijah Legacy) 1. Days of Elijah by David Davis In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of government-endorsed idolatry in various countries, including Israel, America, and the Philippines. He highlights the abortion epi
A.B. Simpson Self-Renunciation and Self-Aggrandizement by A.B. Simpson A.B. Simpson's sermon 'Self-Renunciation and Self-Aggrandizement' emphasizes the contrast between self-renunciation, exemplified by Gideon, and self-aggrandizement, represented by
J.H. Newman On Arguing Concerning the Apostolical Succession. on Reluctance to Confess the Apostolical Succession by J.H. Newman J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of upholding the Apostolic Succession in the Church, emphasizing the duty to carefully examine and understand this doctrine, even if faced
Mary Wilder Tileston Continue the Struggle by God's Grace by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the struggles and triumphs in the Christian journey, emphasizing that although believers may feel perplexed and cast down at times, they are not
K.P. Yohannan Christ, Our Identity by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with Jesus, who is our family member and the foundation of our lives. He encourages believers
Thomas Reade Christian Perseverance by Thomas Reade Thomas Reade preaches on Christian Perseverance, drawing parallels between the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan and the Christian pilgrim's path filled with oppositio

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 8

In this chapter, we see the great victory which God gave to Gideon over the Midianites, and how Gideon, though a man of great faith and courage, was not without his faults. We are taught to be humble and to trust in God's power and mercy, rather than in our own strength and abilities. The chapter also shows us the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the greatest glory of a man is to be a humble man, and the greatest glory of a nation is to be a humble nation.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

God's Sovereignty

The chapter highlights God's power and mercy in delivering the Israelites from the Midianites. We see God's sovereignty in the way He uses Gideon to defeat the Midianites, despite their large numbers (Judges 8:4-21).

Human Pride

The chapter warns against the dangers of human pride, as seen in Gideon's request for a golden ephod and the Israelites' desire for a human king. We see how human pride can lead to idolatry and rebellion against God.

The Importance of Humility

The chapter emphasizes the importance of humility, as seen in Gideon's refusal to be king and his recognition of God's sovereignty. We see how humility is essential for true leadership and for following God's will.

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