Judges 6:35

KJV

And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} throughout all Manasseh {H4519}; who also was gathered {H2199} after {H310} him: and he sent {H7971} messengers {H4397} unto Asher {H836}, and unto Zebulun {H2074}, and unto Naphtali {H5321}; and they came up {H5927} to meet {H7125} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sent messengers throughout all M'nasheh, and they too rallied behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Z'vulun and Naftali; and they came up to join them.

Berean Standard Bible

Calling them to arms, Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they came up to meet him.

American Standard Version

And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; and they also were gathered together after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 6:35 describes Gideon's decisive action to mobilize the northern tribes of Israel—Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali—in direct response to the Spirit of the Lord empowering him. This verse marks a pivotal transition from Gideon's initial doubts and divine commissioning to his active leadership, demonstrating his obedience and the immediate, unified response of the people in preparing for battle against their Midianite oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the Lord Clothed Gideon"), a crucial moment where "the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon." This divine empowerment is presented as the direct catalyst for Gideon's subsequent actions, transforming him from a hesitant individual into a decisive leader. Prior to this, Gideon had been called by God (see [Judges 6:11-16](/judges/6-11 "Judges 6:11-16 - Gideon's Call and Doubts")), expressed significant doubts about his own capabilities and his family's standing, and sought confirmation through miraculous signs, including the divine consumption of his offering (see [Judges 6:17-21](/judges/6-17 "Judges 6:17-21 - Gideon's Request for a Sign")). He had also, by divine command, torn down his father's altar to Baal and built an altar to the Lord, earning him the name Jerubbaal (see [Judges 6:25-32](/judges/6-25 "Judges 6:25-32 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar")). Thus, [Judges 6:35](/judges/6-35 "Judges 6:35 - Gideon Mobilizes Israel") represents the tangible, human response to divine initiative and empowerment, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with the Midianites described in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Army and Victory").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 12th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israelite apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, the people's cry for help, and God raising up a deliverer (a "judge"). At this time, Israel was suffering under severe oppression from the Midianites, Amalekites, and "the children of the east" for seven years (see [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")). These nomadic raiders would sweep into the land after harvest, destroying crops and livestock, leaving Israel impoverished and hiding in caves. Israel was not a unified kingdom but a loose confederacy of tribes, often acting independently. Gideon's ability to rally multiple tribes—Manasseh (his own tribe, located in central Israel), Asher (northwest), Zebulun (north), and Naphtali (northeast)—demonstrates a significant feat of leadership and a rare moment of inter-tribal cooperation against a common enemy. Messengers were the primary means of communication for mobilizing forces in ancient Near Eastern societies, making Gideon's widespread dispatch a critical and effective strategy for national defense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine empowerment leading to human action**. Gideon's decisive mobilization is not born of his own strength or courage but is a direct consequence of the Spirit of the Lord "clothing" him, enabling him to step into his divinely appointed role. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **leadership and obedience**. Despite his earlier hesitations and requests for signs, Gideon now acts as a proactive leader, obeying the divine call to deliver Israel. His willingness to send messengers and the tribes' positive response demonstrate a crucial moment of national obedience and trust in God's chosen deliverer. Finally, the verse emphasizes the theme of **unity and national mobilization** in the face of oppression. For Israel to effectively resist the Midianites, inter-tribal unity was essential. Gideon's successful call to arms signifies a critical step towards forming a cohesive front, demonstrating that God often works through the collective, unified efforts of His people to achieve His purposes, as seen in the broader narrative of [Judges](/judges "The Book of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This Hebrew verb (H7971) means "to send away, for, or out." Its repeated use in this verse emphasizes the deliberate, intentional, and widespread nature of Gideon's actions. It signifies a proactive and authoritative command, not a hesitant request. The act of sending messengers was a formal and recognized method for rallying troops in ancient warfare, indicating Gideon's assumption of his leadership role with divine backing.
* **gathered (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This Hebrew verb (H2199) primarily means "to shriek" or "to cry out," but by analogy, it also means "to announce or convene publicly" or "to assemble." In the context of "who also was gathered after him," it conveys a willing and prompt assembly of the tribal forces. This suggests that Gideon's authority, now clearly under divine inspiration, was recognized, and the urgency of the situation was understood, leading to an immediate and unified response from the people of Manasseh as if in response to a public proclamation.
* **came up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This Hebrew verb (H5927) means "to ascend" or "to come up." The phrase "they came up to meet them" indicates an active and affirmative response from the tribes of Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali. It implies their eager readiness to join Gideon's cause and participate in the impending conflict, signifying their physical movement and ascent from their territories to rally with Gideon's forces, demonstrating a national resolve to confront the Midianite oppressors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh;":** This clause describes Gideon's immediate and strategic first step. Recognizing his own tribal affiliation, Gideon begins by mobilizing his own people, the clan of Abiezer within Manasseh. This is a natural and expected starting point for a leader seeking to rally support. The act of sending messengers indicates a formal and urgent call to arms, demonstrating Gideon's initiative after being empowered by the Spirit.
* **"who also was gathered after him:":** This highlights the positive and unified response from the tribe of Manasseh. The phrase "gathered after him" denotes their allegiance and willingness to follow Gideon's leadership. This swift assembly confirms the effectiveness of Gideon's call and the people's readiness to participate in the deliverance, likely bolstered by the recent signs of God's favor upon Gideon (e.g., the destruction of Baal's altar and the Spirit's anointing).
* **"and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali;":** This expands the scope of Gideon's mobilization beyond his immediate tribal base. By sending messengers to these northern tribes, Gideon demonstrates a broader vision for national unity and a comprehensive counter-offensive. These tribes were geographically located in areas heavily impacted by the Midianite incursions, making their participation crucial for a strong, unified front against the oppressors.
* **"and they came up to meet them.":** This final clause confirms the successful outcome of Gideon's extended call. The active phrase "came up to meet them" signifies that these tribes did not merely acknowledge the message but actively moved to join Gideon's forces. Their response underscores the widespread desire for liberation and the recognition of Gideon as God's chosen deliverer, demonstrating a remarkable display of inter-tribal cooperation in a period often marked by disunity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Repetition** is prominent with the phrase "sent messengers," which appears twice. This repetition emphasizes the deliberate, widespread, and systematic nature of Gideon's mobilization efforts. It underscores the urgency and the strategic importance of communicating the call to arms across multiple tribal territories. The use of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** is evident as the names "Manasseh," "Asher," "Zebulun," and "Naphtali" represent not merely geographical regions but the people and warriors of those respective tribes. This shorthand efficiently conveys the broad scope of the national rally. Furthermore, the language is highly **action-oriented**, utilizing strong verbs such as "sent," "gathered," and "came up to meet." This dynamic verb usage creates a sense of immediate response and decisive movement, reflecting the urgent nature of the situation and the transition from divine empowerment to human activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 6:35 serves as a powerful illustration of how divine empowerment (as seen in [Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the Lord Clothed Gideon")) directly leads to human action and responsibility. Gideon's transformation from a hesitant individual to a decisive leader, capable of rallying an entire nation, is a testament to God's ability to equip and enable those He calls. This verse highlights the critical interplay between God's sovereign initiative and humanity's obedient response. It also underscores the importance of unity among God's people in fulfilling His purposes, demonstrating that collective action, spurred by divine anointing, is often necessary to overcome significant challenges and bring about God's deliverance.

* [Exodus 4:29-31](/exodus/4-29-31 "Exodus 4:29-31 - Moses and Aaron Gather Israel")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Goodness of Unity")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit for Witness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 6:35 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's empowerment is not passive; it is given for a purpose—to enable us to act in faith and courage. Just as the Spirit "clothed" Gideon, empowering him for a seemingly insurmountable task, so too does the Holy Spirit indwell and equip believers today for their unique callings and ministries. When God calls, He also enables, and our part is to respond with obedience and decisive action, even when the task seems daunting. Furthermore, this verse highlights the vital importance of unity within the body of Christ. Gideon's success in mobilizing diverse tribes underscores that collective strength and shared purpose are essential for effective spiritual warfare and for advancing God's kingdom. We are called to lay aside tribalism and personal agendas, coming together under divine leadership to confront the spiritual challenges of our time. Our response to God's empowering presence should be one of active participation, seeking to unite with fellow believers to fulfill the mission He has entrusted to us, recognizing that God often works through our collective obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel called to act, but perhaps lack confidence or feel overwhelmed?**
* **How does the Spirit's empowerment of Gideon encourage you to step out in faith despite your own perceived weaknesses?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster greater unity within your local church or Christian community for the sake of God's mission?**
* **How does Gideon's immediate action after being clothed by the Spirit challenge any tendency you might have to delay or hesitate in responding to God's prompting?**

### FAQ
**Why did Gideon only call these specific tribes (Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali)?**

Answer: Gideon likely focused on these northern tribes for strategic and practical reasons. His own tribe, Manasseh, was a natural starting point for rallying support. Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali were geographically adjacent to Manasseh and were also in the northern regions of Israel, making them directly exposed to and heavily impacted by the Midianite incursions that came from the east. Their proximity and shared suffering made them logical and accessible allies for an immediate mobilization. While other tribes like Ephraim later joined (see [Judges 7:24](/judges/7-24 "Judges 7:24 - Ephraim Joins the Pursuit")), Gideon's initial call was pragmatic, targeting those most directly affected and readily available for a swift response against the immediate threat.

**What does "gathered after him" imply about the tribes' response to Gideon?**

Answer: The phrase "gathered after him" implies a willing, prompt, and unified response from the tribes. It suggests that Gideon's authority, now clearly recognized as divinely sanctioned (especially after the Spirit "clothed" him in [Judges 6:34](/judges/6-34 "Judges 6:34 - The Spirit of the Lord Clothed Gideon") and his earlier act of destroying Baal's altar in [Judges 6:27](/judges/6-27 "Judges 6:27 - Gideon Destroys Baal's Altar")), was accepted. The people were eager to rally behind a leader who offered hope for deliverance from the severe Midianite oppression. This immediate assembly indicates a strong sense of national urgency and a collective desire for liberation, demonstrating their trust in Gideon as God's chosen deliverer.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon, as a deliverer raised up by God, foreshadows the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. Just as the Spirit of the Lord "clothed" Gideon, empowering him for a specific mission to rescue Israel from physical oppression, so too was Jesus fully empowered by the Holy Spirit for His mission of cosmic deliverance. From His baptism (see [Matthew 3:16](/matthew/3-16 "Matthew 3:16 - Jesus' Baptism")) to His ministry of healing and teaching, Jesus acted under the full anointing of the Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy in [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement"). Gideon's call to the tribes to "gather after him" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' call to His disciples to "follow me" (see [Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Disciples")), gathering a new spiritual Israel—the church—into a unified body. Unlike Gideon, who gathered an army for a physical battle, Jesus gathers a people for a spiritual war against sin, death, and the powers of darkness, triumphing over them on the cross (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The unity Gideon sought among the tribes is perfectly realized in the church, the body of Christ, where believers from every tribe and nation are brought together by the Spirit (see [Ephesians 4:3-6](/ephesians/4-3-6 "Ephesians 4:3-6 - Unity in the Spirit")) to participate in Christ's ongoing mission of redemption and reconciliation until His glorious return.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

2 Chronicles 30:6

So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.

2 Chronicles 30:12

Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.