Judges 7:25

KJV

And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they took {H3920} two {H8147} princes {H8269} of the Midianites {H4080}, Oreb {H6159} and Zeeb {H2062}; and they slew {H2026} Oreb {H6159} upon the rock {H6697} Oreb {H6159}, and Zeeb {H2062} they slew {H2026} at the winepress {H3342} of Zeeb {H2062}, and pursued {H7291} Midian {H4080}, and brought {H935} the heads {H7218} of Oreb {H6159} and Zeeb {H2062} to Gideon {H1439} on the other side {H5676} Jordan {H3383}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They also captured two chiefs of Midyan, 'Orev and Ze'ev. They put 'Orev to death at the Rock of 'Orev and Ze'ev at Ze'ev's Winepress; then, as they kept pursuing Midyan, they brought the heads of Orev and Ze'ev to Gid'on, who had crossed to the far side of the Yarden.

Berean Standard Bible

They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. So they pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.

American Standard Version

And they took the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian: and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 7:25 marks the triumphant culmination of Gideon's divinely orchestrated victory over the Midianites, detailing the capture and execution of their two prominent princes, Oreb and Zeeb. This verse not only signifies the complete routing of Israel's long-standing oppressors but also serves as undeniable proof of God's decisive deliverance, bringing a definitive end to Midianite tyranny and restoring peace to the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the miraculous and chaotic rout of the vast Midianite army, initiated by Gideon's small, divinely chosen force of 300 men (see [Judges 7:19-22](/judges/7-19-22 "Judges 7:19-22 - The Rout of Midian")). After the initial panic and friendly fire among the Midianites, the pursuit of the fleeing enemy commenced, with additional Israelite tribes, particularly Ephraim, joining the chase (see [Judges 7:23-24](/judges/7-23-24 "Judges 7:23-24 - The Pursuit of Midian")). Judges 7:25 provides the climactic resolution of this pursuit, confirming the decisive elimination of Midianite leadership and securing the victory. It sets the stage for the subsequent interactions between Gideon and the Ephraimites, and the final mopping-up operations against the remaining Midianite kings.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For seven years, the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other "people of the East," had severely oppressed Israel, plundering their crops and livestock, and forcing them to hide in caves (see [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")). This verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of intense pursuit of a defeated enemy to ensure their complete incapacitation and prevent future threats. The capture and execution of enemy leaders, followed by the presentation of their heads, was a common, albeit gruesome, custom signifying total victory, humiliation of the enemy, and a clear message to any remaining resistance. The location "beyond the Jordan" (Transjordan) indicates the extent of the pursuit, pushing the Midianites back into their own territory or beyond Israel's immediate borders.

* **Key Themes:** Judges 7:25 powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Victory and Deliverance**, demonstrating that God's deliverance is thorough and complete, even against overwhelming odds. It highlights **Justice and Retribution**, as the oppressive leaders, Oreb and Zeeb, face swift and decisive judgment, symbolizing the breaking of Midian's power and the restoration of security for Israel. The specific mention of their deaths at locations bearing their names also emphasizes the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Poetic Justice**, where the very symbols of the oppressors become monuments to their downfall. This definitive end to the Midianite threat fulfills God's promise to Gideon and His people, showcasing His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant (compare [Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - God's Call to Gideon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Princes (Hebrew, _śārîm'_):** This term refers to high-ranking officials, commanders, or chieftains. In this context, Oreb and Zeeb were not mere soldiers but significant leaders of the Midianite forces, likely responsible for much of the oppression Israel endured. Their capture and death signify the decapitation of the enemy's command structure and the complete collapse of their organized resistance, making the victory truly decisive.
* **Oreb (Hebrew, _‘ōrēḇ'_):** Meaning "raven." This name carries symbolic weight, evoking an image of a predatory bird, often associated with scavenging or ill omen. The Midianite prince, like a raven, had preyed upon Israel, but now he himself is brought down, becoming the hunted rather than the hunter. His death at "the rock Oreb" creates a lasting monument to his demise and God's judgment.
* **Zeeb (Hebrew, _zə’ēḇ'_):** Meaning "wolf." Similar to Oreb, this name suggests a fierce, predatory animal, reflecting the nature of the Midianites who had ravaged Israel's land and resources. His death at "the winepress of Zeeb" ironically turns a place of harvest and abundance into a site of judgment and slaughter, symbolizing the crushing of the oppressor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb;":** This clause highlights the successful capture of the key Midianite leaders. The indefinite "they" refers to the Israelite forces, particularly the men of Ephraim, who had been called upon by Gideon to cut off the Midianites' escape routes across the Jordan (see [Judges 7:24](/judges/7-24 "Judges 7:24 - Ephraim Joins the Pursuit")). The capture of these "princes" (שָׂרִים, _śārîm_) was crucial, as their leadership was integral to the Midianite threat.
* **"and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, ":** This part details the execution of the captured princes at specific, symbolically significant locations. The fact that Oreb was killed at a "rock" named after him and Zeeb at a "winepress" named after him is an act of poetic justice. It ensures that their defeat is not only complete but also permanently memorialized at sites that bear witness to their downfall, turning places associated with their identity into monuments of their destruction. The "winepress" imagery is particularly potent, suggesting the crushing of the enemy.
* **"and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.":** This final clause emphasizes the thoroughness of the Israelite pursuit and the conclusive nature of the victory. The act of bringing the severed heads of the enemy leaders to Gideon served as undeniable proof of their deaths and the complete elimination of the Midianite command. "On the other side Jordan" (Transjordan) signifies the extent of the pursuit, pushing the enemy out of Israelite territory and ensuring a comprehensive end to their oppression.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 7:25 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Symbolism** is prominent in the names of the princes, Oreb ("raven") and Zeeb ("wolf"), which vividly portray their predatory nature and the destructive impact of the Midianite oppression. This symbolism is extended to the locations of their demise: "the rock Oreb" and "the winepress of Zeeb." The **Irony** is striking, as these leaders are killed at places named after them, turning their intended monuments into markers of their humiliation and defeat. The "winepress" particularly carries a symbolic weight of judgment, where the wicked are "crushed." There is also a subtle use of **Repetition** in the naming of the places after the princes, which serves to emphasize the completeness and finality of their downfall, ensuring that their defeat is permanently etched into the landscape and memory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 7:25 profoundly illustrates God's decisive and thorough judgment against those who oppress His people. The swift and complete elimination of Oreb and Zeeb underscores the principle that divine justice will ultimately prevail, and the enemies of God's covenant people will face consequences. This victory, achieved through seemingly weak means (Gideon's 300 men), highlights God's power to deliver fully and definitively, often in ways that defy human expectation, ensuring all glory redounds to Him. It serves as a powerful reminder that while human agents are involved in the process, the ultimate triumph belongs to the Lord, who brings an end to tyranny and restores His people.

* [Psalm 83:11](/psalms/83-11 "Psalm 83:11 - Judgment on Oreb and Zeeb")
* [Isaiah 9:4](/isaiah/9-4 "Isaiah 9:4 - Breaking the Yoke of Oppression")
* [1 Samuel 17:54](/1_samuel/17-54 "1 Samuel 17:54 - David and Goliath's Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 7:25 offers profound encouragement and a stark warning for believers today. It reminds us that God is fully capable of bringing about complete victory over spiritual enemies and oppressive forces, often through unexpected and seemingly weak means. Just as the Midianite princes were decisively dealt with, we are called to trust in God's power to overcome challenges and to persist in the spiritual battles we face, knowing that ultimate triumph belongs to the Lord. This verse also reinforces the principle that those who oppress God's people will ultimately face divine consequences, providing comfort and assurance that God sees and will act on behalf of His suffering children. It calls us to participate in God's work, even when our resources seem meager, trusting that His strength is made perfect in weakness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the decisive nature of the victory in Judges 7:25 encourage your trust in God's ability to bring about complete deliverance in your own life or in the world?**
* **What "princes" or strongholds (e.g., sin, fear, oppressive systems) do you need God's help to overcome, and how does this story inspire you to rely on His unconventional methods?**
* **In what ways does the swift and public justice meted out to Oreb and Zeeb remind you of God's ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His justice?**

### FAQ
**Who were Oreb and Zeeb, and why were their deaths so important?**

Answer: Oreb and Zeeb were two prominent princes or commanders of the Midianite forces. Their names, meaning "raven" and "wolf" respectively, likely reflected their predatory and destructive nature as leaders of a people who had severely oppressed Israel for seven years (see [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1-6 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression")). Their deaths were crucial because they signified the complete decapitation of the Midianite leadership, ensuring that the victory was not just a temporary reprieve but a decisive end to the organized threat. Their demise was a public declaration of God's complete deliverance and a symbol of the breaking of Midian's power over Israel.

**What is the significance of Oreb and Zeeb being killed at "the rock Oreb" and "the winepress of Zeeb"?**

Answer: The specific locations of their deaths, named after them, add a layer of profound symbolic and ironic significance. "The rock Oreb" and "the winepress of Zeeb" were likely places where these princes had previously asserted their authority or where their names were already associated. By being killed at these very spots, their defeat was permanently memorialized, turning places of their past influence into monuments of their downfall. The "winepress" imagery for Zeeb's death is particularly potent, symbolizing the crushing judgment of God upon the oppressor, much like grapes are crushed in a winepress. This poetic justice underscores the completeness and finality of God's judgment against those who oppose Him and His people.

**Who are "they" who captured and slew the princes?**

Answer: The "they" refers primarily to the men of Ephraim, whom Gideon had called upon to join the pursuit of the fleeing Midianites (see [Judges 7:24](/judges/7-24 "Judges 7:24 - Ephraim Joins the Pursuit")). Gideon specifically instructed them to seize the fords of the Jordan, cutting off the Midianites' escape routes. It was during this phase of the pursuit that the Ephraimites successfully captured Oreb and Zeeb. This detail highlights the cooperation among Israelite tribes in securing the victory, even though the initial decisive blow was struck by Gideon's small, divinely chosen force.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The decisive victory over Oreb and Zeeb, bringing an end to Midianite oppression, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete triumph of Jesus Christ over sin, death, and all spiritual enemies. Just as the Midianite princes symbolized the destructive forces preying on Israel, so too does humanity face the oppressive powers of darkness. However, Christ, the true and greater Gideon, achieved a victory far more profound and eternal. Through His death and resurrection, He disarmed and triumphed over the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who, through His own weakness on the cross, utterly defeated the one who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and set free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death (see [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Defeat of Death")). Unlike the temporary peace secured by Gideon, Christ's victory ushers in an everlasting kingdom where His enemies will ultimately be put under His feet (see [1 Corinthians 15:25-26](/1_corinthians/15-25-26 "1 Corinthians 15:25-26 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued")). The crushing of Oreb and Zeeb at their namesake places finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's definitive judgment against all evil, ensuring that every oppressive force will one day be brought to nothing before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (see [Revelation 19:11-21](/revelation/19-11-21 "Revelation 19:11-21 - Christ's Final Victory")).

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

Isaiah 10:26

And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and [as] his rod [was] upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt.

Judges 8:3

God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.

Judges 8:4

¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him, faint, yet pursuing [them].

Psalms 83:11

Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:

Psalms 83:12

Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.

Joshua 7:26

And they raised over him a great heap of stones unto this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of his anger. Wherefore the name of that place was called, The valley of Achor, unto this day.