Judges 8:12

And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

And when Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759} fled {H5127}, he pursued {H7291} after {H310} them, and took {H3920} the two {H8147} kings {H4428} of Midian {H4080}, Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, and discomfited {H2729} all the host {H4264}.

Zevach and Tzalmuna fled, but Gid'on pursued them. Thus he captured the two kings of Midyan, Zevach and Tzalmuna, and routed their whole army in panic.

When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army.

And Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued after them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

Commentary

Context of Judges 8:12

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, a powerful oppressive force that had plagued Israel for seven years. Following the miraculous victory orchestrated by God using just 300 men (Judges 7:22), the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, fled with the remnants of their army. Judges 8:12 describes Gideon's relentless pursuit, even after his men were exhausted (Judges 8:4). This pursuit was not merely about military triumph but about completely eradicating the Midianite threat and bringing justice for the suffering they inflicted upon Israel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Empowerment and Victory: While Gideon led the pursuit, the ultimate capture of the kings and the total defeat of their army ("discomfited all the host") highlight God's sovereign power at work. It was God who delivered the enemy into Gideon's hand, demonstrating His faithfulness to His people.
  • Perseverance and Completion: Gideon's unwavering determination to pursue Zebah and Zalmunna, despite the weariness of his men and the lack of support from certain Israelite towns, underscores the theme of perseverance. He understood the importance of finishing the task God had given him, ensuring the complete deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression. This reflects a commitment to seeing God's will fully accomplished.
  • Justice and Retribution: The capture of Zebah and Zalmunna sets the stage for Gideon to exact justice for the Midianites' cruelties, particularly the killing of his brothers (as revealed later in Judges 8:18-19). This act brought a decisive end to the Midianite reign of terror.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "discomfited all the host" translates the Hebrew word Χ—ΦΈΧ¨Φ·Χ“ (charad), which means "to tremble," "to be terrified," or "to rout." In this context, it signifies a complete and utter defeat, where the enemy forces were thrown into such panic and disarray that their military power was effectively shattered. It implies more than just a defeat; it suggests a psychological and physical collapse of the Midianite army, ensuring they would no longer pose a threat to Israel.

Practical Application

Judges 8:12 offers powerful lessons for believers today. Just as Gideon relentlessly pursued the enemies of Israel, we are called to persevere in our spiritual battles, trusting that God will grant us victory over the challenges and temptations we face. It reminds us that God often uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks, and His faithfulness ensures that the work He begins will be completed. This verse encourages us to not give up when faced with weariness or opposition but to press on, knowing that God is with us to bring about His ultimate triumph.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 83:11

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

  • Joshua 10:16

    But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah.

  • Joshua 10:18

    And Joshua said, Roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to keep them:

  • Joshua 10:22

    Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave.

  • Joshua 10:25

    And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

  • Amos 2:14

    Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

  • Revelation 19:19

    And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.