TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; and they also were gathered together after him: and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he sent messengers thorowout al Manasseh, which also was ioyned with him, and he sent messengers vnto Asher, and to Zebulun and to Naphtali, and they came vp to meete them.
Young's Literal Translation
and messengers he hath sent into all Manasseh, and it also is called after him; and messengers he hath sent into Asher, and into Zebulun, and into Naphtali, and they come up to meet them.
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In the KJVVerse 6,690 of 31,102
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Commentary on Judges 6 verses 33–40
33 ¶ Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
34 But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.
35 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.
36 And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,
37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.
38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
Here we have, I. The descent which the enemies of Israel made upon them, Jdg 6:33. A vast number of Midianites, Amalekites, and Arabians, got together, and came over Jordan, none either caring or daring to guard that important and advantageous pass against them, and they made their headquarters in the valley of Jezreel, in the heart of Manasseh's tribe, not far from Gideon's city. Some think that the notice they had of Gideon's destroying Baal's altar brought them over, and that they came to plead for Baal and to make that a pretence for quarrelling with Israel; but it is more likely that it was now harvest-time, when they had been wont each year to make such a visit as this (Jdg 6:3), and that they were expected when Gideon was threshing, Jdg 6:11. God raised up Gideon to be ready against this terrible blow came. Their success so many years in these incursions, the little opposition they had met with and the great booty they had carried off, made them now both very eager and very confident. But it proved that the measure of their iniquity was full and the year of recompence had come; they must now make an end to spoil and must be spoiled, and they are gathered as sheaves to the floor (Mic 4:12, Mic 4:13), for Gideon to thresh.
II. The preparation which Gideon makes to attack them in their camp, Jdg 6:34, Jdg 6:35. 1. God by his Spirit put life into Gideon: The Spirit of the Lord clothes Gideon (so the word is), clothed him as a robe, to put honour upon him, clothed him as a coat of mail, to put defence upon him. Those are well clad that are thus clothed. A spirit of fortitude from before the Lord clothed Gideon; so the Chaldee. He was of himself a mighty man of valour; yet personal strength and courage, though vigorously exerted, would not suffice for this great action; he must have the armour of God upon him, and this is what he must depend upon: The Spirit of the Lord clothed him in an extraordinary manner. Whom God calls to his work he will qualify and animate for it. 2. Gideon with his trumpet put life into his neighbours, God working with him; he blew a trumpet, to call in volunteers, and more came in than perhaps he expected. (1.) The men of Abiezer, though lately enraged against him for throwing down the altar of Baal, and though they had condemned him to death as a criminal, were now convinced of their error, bravely came in to his assistance, and submitted to him as their general: Abiezer was gathered after him, Jdg 6:34. So suddenly can God turn the hearts even of idolaters and persecutors. (2.) Distant tribes, even Asher and Naphtali, which lay most remote, though strangers to him, obeyed his summons, and sent him in the best of their forces, Jdg 6:35. Though they lay furthest from the danger, yet, considering that if their neighbours were over-run by the Midianites their own turn would be next, they were forward to join against a common enemy.
III. The signs which God gratified him with, for the confirming both of his own faith and that of his followers; and perhaps it was more for their sakes than for his own that he desired them. Or, perhaps, he desired by these to be satisfied whether this was the time of his conquering the Midianites, or whether he was to wait for some other opportunity. Observe, 1. His request for a sign (Jdg 6:36, Jdg 6:37): "Let me by this know that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, let a fleece of wool, spread in the open air, be wet with the dew, and let the ground about it be dry." The purport of this is, Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief. He found his own faith weak and wavering, and therefore begged of God by this sign to perfect what was lacking in it. We may suppose that God, who intended to give him these signs, for the glorifying of his own power and goodness, put it into his heart to ask them. Yet, when he repeated his request for a second sign, the reverse of the former, he did it with a very humble apology, deprecating God's displeasure, because it looked so like a peevish humoursome distrust of God and dissatisfaction with the many assurances he had already given him (Jdg 6:39): Let not thy anger be hot against me. Though he took the boldness to ask another sign, yet he did it with such fear and trembling as showed that the familiarity God had graciously admitted him to did not breed any contempt of God's glory, nor presumption on God's goodness. Abraham had given him an example of this, when God gave him leave to be very free with him (Gen 18:30, Gen 18:32), O let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. God's favour must be sought with great reverence, a due sense of our distance, and a religious fear of his wrath. 2. God's gracious grant of his request. See how tender God is of true believers though they be weak, and how ready to condescend to their infirmities, that the bruised reed may not be broken nor the smoking flax quenched. Gideon would have the fleece wet and the ground dry; but then, lest any should object, "It is natural for wool, if ever so little moisture fall, to drink it in and retain it, and therefore there was nothing extraordinary in this," though the quantity wrung out was sufficient to obviate such an objection, yet he desires that next night the ground might be wet and the fleece dry, and it is done, so willing is God to give to the heirs of promise strong consolation (Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18), even by two immutable things. He suffers himself, not only to be prevailed with by their importunities, but even to be prescribed to by their doubts and dissatisfactions. These signs were, (1.) Truly miraculous, and therefore abundantly serving to confirm his commission. It is said of the dew that it is from the Lord, and tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men (Mic 5:7); and yet God here in this matter hearkened to the voice of a man; as to Joshua, in directing the course of the sun, so to Gideon in directing that of the dew, by which it appears that it falls not by chance, but by providence. The latter sign inverted the former, and, to please Gideon, it was wrought backward and forward, whence Dr. Fuller observes that heaven's real miracles will endure turning, being inside and outside both alike. (2.) Very significant. He and his men were going to engage the Midianites; could God distinguish between a small fleece of Israel and the vast floor of Midian? Yes, by this he is made to know that he can. Is Gideon desirous that the dew of divine grace might descend upon himself in particular? He sees the fleece wet with dew to assure him of it. Does he desire that God will be as the dew to all Israel? Behold, all the ground is wet. Some make this fleece an emblem of the Jewish nation, which, when time was, was wet with the dew of God's word and ordinances, while the rest of the world was dry; but since the rejection of Christ and his gospel they are dry as the heath in the wilderness, while the nations about are as a watered garden.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 33–40. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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) 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.
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
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), 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 and his earlier act of destroying Baal's altar in Judges 6:27), 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) to His ministry of healing and teaching, Jesus acted under the full anointing of the Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy in Luke 4:18-19. 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), 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). 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) to participate in Christ's ongoing mission of redemption and reconciliation until His glorious return.