Judges 8:10

KJV

Now Zebah and Zalmunna [were] in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand [men], all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759} were in Karkor {H7174}, and their hosts {H4264} with them, about fifteen {H2568}{H6240} thousand {H505} men, all that were left {H3498} of all the hosts {H4264} of the children {H1121} of the east {H6924}: for there fell {H5307} an hundred {H3967} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} men {H376} that drew {H8025} sword {H2719}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Zevach and Tzalmuna were in Karkor with their army, about 15,000 men, all that remained of the entire army of the people from the east; since 120,000 arms-bearing soldiers had fallen.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the host of the children of the east; for there fell a hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:10 provides a stark and crucial numerical update on the remnants of the Midianite and Amalekite forces after Gideon's initial, divinely orchestrated victory. It reveals that the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, were in Karkor with a mere fifteen thousand men—all that remained from an initial host of one hundred and thirty-five thousand, of whom one hundred and twenty thousand had fallen. This verse not only quantifies the devastating scale of God's deliverance but also sets the stage for the final, decisive confrontation with the fleeing kings, underscoring the thoroughness of Gideon's pursuit and the near-total annihilation of Israel's oppressors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:10 is strategically placed within the latter phase of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, immediately following the miraculous initial rout detailed in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Miraculous Victory"). After the panicked flight and widespread slaughter of the vast Midianite army, their two kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, fled eastward with a diminished remnant. Gideon, despite his men being "faint, yet pursuing," demonstrated remarkable resolve by continuing the chase beyond the Jordan River, through Succoth and Penuel, as recounted in [Judges 8:4-9](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4-9 - Gideon's Relentless Pursuit"). This verse serves as a vital informational interlude, pinpointing the location of the surviving enemy forces in Karkor and, more significantly, providing a precise numerical summary of the staggering casualties inflicted, thereby building suspense for the final capture and judgment of the kings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For seven oppressive years, the "children of the east"—a formidable coalition dominated by Midianites and Amalekites—had systematically plundered and impoverished Israel, reducing them to a state of severe desperation, as vividly depicted in [Judges 6:3-6](/judges/6-3 "Judges 6:3-6 - Israel's Oppression by Midian"). The Midianites were notorious nomadic desert tribes, whose mastery of camel warfare allowed them to execute swift and devastating raids. The initial enemy host was described as an overwhelming multitude, "like grasshoppers for multitude," emphasizing their sheer numerical superiority, as noted in [Judges 7:12](/judges/7-12 "Judges 7:12 - The Vast Midianite Horde"). In the ancient Near East, the complete decimation or capture of an enemy's leadership and the vast majority of its fighting force was paramount for ensuring lasting peace and preventing future retaliatory attacks. Gideon's relentless pursuit to Karkor, a remote desert locale, underscores his unwavering determination to utterly eliminate the Midianite threat, not merely repel an invasion.
* **Key Themes:** The precise numbers presented in Judges 8:10 profoundly reinforce several core themes within the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Power and Overwhelming Victory**. The dramatic contrast between the initial, implied 135,000-strong Midianite army (120,000 casualties plus 15,000 survivors) and Gideon's divinely reduced force of only 300 men, as seen in [Judges 7:7](/judges/7-7 "Judges 7:7 - God's Selection of 300 Men"), unequivocally illustrates that God grants victory irrespective of human numerical advantage. This highlights that the triumph was not achieved through human might or strategic brilliance, but solely through divine intervention. Secondly, the immense loss of life among the Midianites serves as a stark testament to **God's Judgment on Oppressors**. It demonstrates God's unwavering justice and His commitment to delivering His covenant people from those who seek to oppress them. Finally, while not explicitly stated, the ongoing pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna highlights **Gideon's Persistence and Obedience** to God's call, even when his men were "faint, yet pursuing," as noted in [Judges 8:4](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4 - Gideon's Weary Pursuit"), showcasing the importance of following through on divine mandates.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zebah (Hebrew, _Zebach'_):** H2078, meaning "sacrifice." This name, ironically, belongs to a Midianitish prince who, along with Zalmunna, was a leader of the oppressive forces. The very name "sacrifice" for an enemy leader subtly foreshadows his ultimate fate, as he and his counterpart will indeed become a "sacrifice" or offering, signifying the complete and decisive victory of God over Israel's enemies. Their defeat is a divine act of judgment, offering a form of vindication and deliverance for Israel.
* **Children of the east (Hebrew, _bên qedem'_):** H1121 and H6924. The term _bên_ (H1121) means "son" or "child," often used in a broad sense to denote origin, affiliation, or quality, while _qedem_ (H6924) refers to "the front" or "the east," often implying antiquity or the desert regions east of Israel. Together, "children of the east" is a collective term for the nomadic tribes, including Midianites and Amalekites, who inhabited the vast desert lands to Israel's east. Its use here emphasizes the wide array of tribal groups that had coalesced to oppress Israel, making their comprehensive defeat a significant collective judgment upon all who harassed God's people.
* **Drew sword (Hebrew, _shâlaph chereb'_):** H8025 and H2719. _Shâlaph_ (H8025) means "to pull out, up or off," while _chereb_ (H2719) refers to a "cutting instrument" like a "sword" or "knife," often implying its destructive effect. This specific phrase highlights that the one hundred and twenty thousand casualties were active combatants—trained warriors who had "drawn" or unsheathed their swords, ready for battle. It distinguishes them from non-combatants or the general population, emphasizing the military nature of the defeat and the complete dismantling of the enemy's fighting capability. This detail underscores the severity of the judgment and the thoroughness of God's deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Zebah and Zalmunna [were] in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand [men]":** This clause provides the immediate context of the narrative, identifying the current location (Karkor, likely a remote desert encampment) and the significantly reduced numerical strength of the remaining Midianite leadership and their forces. The "fifteen thousand" represents a mere fraction of their original strength, indicating the catastrophic losses already sustained and highlighting the depth of Gideon's relentless pursuit into enemy territory.
* **"all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east":** This phrase serves as a powerful summary, emphasizing the near-total destruction of the vast confederacy that had terrorized Israel. It underscores that the remaining fifteen thousand were the sole survivors from the initial overwhelming horde, highlighting the completeness of the rout and the overwhelming nature of God's victory. This emphasizes that the threat was almost entirely neutralized.
* **"for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword":** This provides the staggering casualty count from the initial battle and pursuit. The figure of 120,000 "men that drew sword" (i.e., active, armed combatants) is immense, confirming the divine magnitude of the victory. When combined with the 15,000 survivors, it implies an original force of 135,000, a truly formidable army that God utterly shattered through Gideon's small, divinely empowered band.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Judges 8:10 masterfully employs **Hyperbole** and **Contrast** to magnify the impact of God's deliverance. The immense numbers, particularly the 120,000 casualties, while potentially a rounded or symbolic figure common in ancient Near Eastern battle accounts, serve to emphasize the overwhelming scale of the defeat rather than merely providing a precise census. This hyperbole underscores the miraculous nature of Gideon's victory, making it clear that human strength alone could not have achieved such a feat. Furthermore, the verse relies heavily on **Contrast**: the initial vast Midianite horde (implied 135,000) is starkly contrasted with Gideon's minuscule 300 men, and their initial strength is reduced to a mere 15,000. This dramatic numerical contrast highlights that the victory was not achieved by human might or military strategy, but by the direct, powerful intervention of God, ensuring that all glory belongs solely to Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:10 profoundly illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over the affairs of nations and His unwavering commitment to delivering His covenant people. The decimation of such a vast army by a tiny, divinely chosen force unequivocally demonstrates that victory in battle, and indeed in life, does not depend on human strength, superior numbers, or strategic genius, but solely on God's power and will. It serves as a profound testament to God's justice, showing that He hears the cries of His oppressed people and brings decisive judgment upon their tormentors. This divine intervention affirms His faithfulness to His covenant promises, proving Himself to be the ultimate Warrior who fights for His people, ensuring that His purposes prevail against all odds.

* [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - The Lord Your God Goes With You")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King Saved by Many Soldiers")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, serving as a powerful reminder that no opposition is too great for God, and no challenge is insurmountable when He is on our side. In moments of overwhelming difficulty, when our resources seem meager and our enemies vast, this verse calls us to trust implicitly in God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to His people. Like Gideon, we may feel weak or outnumbered, but God's strength is perfected in our weakness, enabling us to face daunting circumstances with courage and faith. Furthermore, it reminds us of God's ultimate justice; He sees the oppression and suffering in the world and will, in His perfect timing, bring judgment upon those who perpetrate injustice. Our call is to persist in faith and obedience, knowing that the full extent of God's victory is often realized through our faithful follow-through, even when weary and facing continued resistance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "overwhelming odds" are you currently facing in your life, and how does Judges 8:10 encourage you to trust in God's power rather than your own efforts?**
* **How does the scale of the Midianite defeat affirm your belief in God's justice and His commitment to delivering His people from oppression, both personal and societal?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "persist" like Gideon, even when you feel "faint" or exhausted?**
* **How can remembering that true victory comes from God, not human strength or numbers, transform your perspective on challenges and your definition of success?**

### FAQ
**What happened to Zebah and Zalmunna after this verse?**

Answer: Judges 8:10 describes their location and the size of their remaining force, but not their ultimate fate. Following this verse, Gideon continued his relentless pursuit, eventually capturing Zebah and Zalmunna. He then brought them back to Succoth and Penuel, where he punished the elders who had refused to provide aid to his weary men. Finally, in [Judges 8:18-21](/judges/8-18 "Judges 8:18-21 - Execution of Zebah and Zalmunna"), Gideon personally executed the two kings, fulfilling a vow to avenge his brothers and bringing a definitive end to the Midianite threat and their oppression of Israel. This act solidified Israel's deliverance and ensured lasting peace.

**Are the numbers given in Judges 8:10 literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The numbers in ancient biblical accounts, particularly those describing battles, are often understood to convey the magnitude and significance of an event rather than being precise, modern-style statistics. While it's possible the numbers are literal, many scholars suggest they primarily serve to emphasize the overwhelming nature of God's victory. The dramatic contrast between Gideon's 300 men and the reported 120,000 casualties (leaving 15,000 survivors from an implied initial force of 135,000) powerfully highlights the miraculous divine intervention. The primary theological point is that God, not human strength or numerical superiority, delivered Israel from a vast, oppressive force, demonstrating His omnipotence and faithfulness. Whether exact or rounded, the figures effectively communicate the devastating and comprehensive defeat of Israel's enemies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's miraculous and overwhelming victory over the "children of the east" in Judges 8:10 serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate and decisive triumph over the forces of darkness. Just as Gideon, a humble deliverer, led a small, seemingly insignificant band to defeat a vast, oppressive army, so too did Jesus, the ultimate Deliverer, conquer sin, death, and the spiritual "hosts of the east" through His humble, sacrificial work on the cross. The immense casualty count among the Midianites, representing the complete dismantling of an oppressive power, prefigures Christ's definitive victory over spiritual principalities and powers, disarming them and triumphing over them publicly, as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). The very pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna to Karkor, ensuring the complete eradication of the threat, mirrors Christ's thorough work in destroying the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and freeing those who were held in slavery by their fear of death, as celebrated in [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death"). Ultimately, Gideon's triumph, empowered by God, points to the Lamb of God who, through His own sacrifice, takes away the sin of the world, and who will one day return as the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords, leading the armies of heaven to complete and final victory over all evil, establishing His eternal reign, as envisioned in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse").

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 7:12

And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels [were] without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.

Judges 20:17

And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war.

Judges 20:35

And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword.

Judges 20:2

And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

Judges 20:46

So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valour.

Judges 20:25

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

Judges 20:15

And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.