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Commentary on Judges 8 verses 4–17
In these verses we have,
I. Gideon, as a valiant general, pursuing the remaining Midianites, and bravely following his blow. A very great slaughter was made of the enemy at first: 120,000 men that drew the sword, Jdg 8:10. Such a terrible execution did they make among themselves, and so easy a prey were they to Israel. But, it seems, the two kings of Midian, being better provided than the rest for an escape, with 15,000 men got over Jordan before the passes could be secured by the Ephraimites, and made towards their own country. Gideon thinks he does not fully execute his commission to save Israel if he let them escape. He is not content to chase them out of the country, but he will chase them out of the world, Job 18:18. This resolution is here pushed on with great firmness, and crowned with great success.
1.His firmness was very exemplary. He effected his purpose under the greatest disadvantages and discouragements that could be. (1.) He took none with him but his 300 men, who now laid aside their trumpets and torches, and betook themselves to their swords and spears. God had said, By these 300 men will I save you (Jdg 7:7); and, confiding in that promise, Gideon kept to them only, Jdg 8:4. He expected more from 300 men, supported by a particular promise, than from so many thousands supported only by their own valour. (2.) They were faint, and yet pursuing, much fatigued with what they had done, and yet eager to do more against the enemies of their country. Our spiritual warfare must thus be prosecuted with what strength we have, though we have but little; it is many a time the true Christina's case, fainting and yet pursuing. (3.) Though he met with discouragement from those of his own people, was jeered for what he was doing, as going about what he could never accomplish, yet he went on with it. If those that should be our helpers in the way of our duty prove hindrances to us, let not this drive us off from it. Those know not how to value God's acceptance that know not how to despise the reproaches and contempts of men. (4.) He made a very long march by the way of those that dwelt in tents (Jdg 8:11), either because he hoped to find them kinder to him than the men of Succoth and Penuel, that dwelt in walled towns (sometimes there is more generosity and charity found in country tents than in city palaces), or because that was a road in which he would be least expected, and therefore that way it would be the greater surprise to them. It is evident he spared no pains to complete his victory. Now he found it an advantage to have his 300 men such as could bear hunger, and thirst, and toil. It should seem, he set upon the enemy by night, as he had done before, for the host was secure. The security of sinners often proves their ruin, and dangers are most fatal when least feared.
2.His success was very encouraging to resolution and industry in a good cause. He routed the army (Jdg 8:11), and took the two kings prisoners, Jdg 8:12. Note, The fear of the wicked shall come upon him. Those that think to run from the sword of the Lord and of Gideon do but run upon it. If he flee from the iron weapon, yet the bow of steel shall strike him through; for evil pursueth sinners.
II. Here is Gideon, as a righteous judge, chastising the insolence of the disaffected Israelites, the men of Succoth and the men of Penuel, both in the tribe of Gad, on the other side Jordan.
1.Their crime was great. Gideon, with a handful of feeble folk was pursuing the common enemy, to complete the deliverance of Israel. His way led him through the city of Succoth first and afterwards of Penuel. He expected not that the magistrates should meet him in their formalities, congratulate him upon his victory, present him with the keys of their city, and give him a treat, much less that they should send forces in to his assistance, though he was entitled to all this; but he only begs some necessary food for his soldiers that were ready to faint for want, and he does it very humbly and importunately: Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me, Jdg 8:5. The request would have been reasonable if they had been but poor travellers in distress; but considering that they were soldiers, called, and chose, and faithful (Rev 17:14), men whom God had greatly honoured and to whom Israel was highly obliged, who had done great service to their country and were now doing more, - that they were conquerors, and had power to put them under contribution, - and that they were fighting God's battles and Israel's, - nothing could be more just than that their brethren should furnish them with the best provisions their city afforded. But the princes of Succoth neither feared God nor regarded man. For, (1.) In contempt of God, they refused to answer the just demands of him whom God had raised up to save them, affronted him, bantered him, despised the success he had already been honoured with, despaired of the success of his present undertaking, did what they could to discourage him in prosecuting the war, and were very willing to believe that the remaining forces of Midian, which they had now seen march through their country, would be too hard for him: Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thy hand? "No, nor ever will be," so they conclude, judging by the disproportion of numbers. (2.) The bowels of their compassion were shut up against their brethren; they were as destitute of love as they were of faith, would not give morsels of bread (so some read it) to those that were ready to perish. Were these princes? were these Israelites? unworthy either title, base and degenerate men! Surely they were worshippers of Baal, or in the interests of Midian. The men of Penuel gave the same answer to the same request, defying the sword of the Lord and of Gideon, Jdg 8:8.
2.The warning he gave them of the punishment of their crime was very fair. (1.) He did not punish it immediately, because he would not lose so much time from the pursuit of the enemy that were flying from him, because he would not seem to do it in a neat of passion, and because he would do it more to their shame and confusion when he had completed his undertaking, which they thought impracticable. But, (2.) He told them how he would punish it (Jdg 8:7, Jdg 8:9), to show the confidence he had of success in the strength of God, and that, if they had the least grain of grace and consideration left, they might upon second thoughts repent of their folly, humble themselves, and contrive how to atone for it, by sending after him succours and supplies, which if they had done, no doubt, Gideon would have pardoned them. God gives notice of danger, and space to repent, that sinners may flee from the wrath to come.
3.The warning being slighted, the punishment, though very severe, was really very just.
(1.)The princes of Succoth were first made examples. Gideon got intelligence of their number, seventy-seven men, their names, and places of abode, which were described in writing to him, Jdg 8:14. And, to their great surprise, when they thought he had scarcely overtaken the Midianites, he returned a conqueror. His 300 men were now the ministers of his justice; they secured all these princes, and brought them before Gideon, who showed them his royal captives in chains. "These are the men you thought me an unequal match for, and would give me no assistance in the pursuit of," Jdg 8:15. And he punished them with thorns and briers, but, it should seem, not unto death. With these, [1.] He tormented their bodies, either by scourging or by rolling them in the thorns and briers; some way or other he tore their flesh, Jdg 8:7. Those shall have judgment without mercy that have shown no mercy. Perhaps he observed them to be soft and delicate men, who despised him and his company for their roughness and hardiness, and therefore Gideon thus mortified them for their effeminacy. [2.] He instructed their minds: With these he taught the men of Succoth, Jdg 8:16. The correction he gave them was intended, not for destruction, but wholesome discipline, to make them wiser and better for the future. He made them know (so the word is), made them know themselves and their folly, God and their duty, made them know who Gideon was, since they would not know by the success wherewith God had crowned him. Note, Many are taught with the briers and thorns of affliction that would not learn otherwise. God gives wisdom by the rod and reproof, chastens and teaches, and by correction opens the ear to discipline. Our blessed Saviour, though he was a Son, yet learnt obedience by the things which he suffered, Heb 5:8. Let every pricking brier, and grieving thorn, especially when it becomes a thorn in the flesh, be thus interpreted, thus improved. "By this God designs to teach me; what good lesson shall I learn?"
(2.)The doom of the men of Penuel comes next, and it should seem he used them more severely than the other, for good reason, no doubt, Jdg 8:17. [1.] He beat down their tower, of which they gloried, in which they trusted, perhaps scornfully advising Gideon and his men rather to secure themselves in that than to pursue the Midianites. What men make their pride is justly by its ruin made their shame. [2.] He slew the men of the city, not all, perhaps not the elders or princes, but those that had affronted him, and those only. He slew some of the men of the city that were most insolent and abusive, for terror to the rest, and so he taught the men of Penuel.
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SUMMARY
Judges 8:13 chronicles Gideon's arduous but triumphant return from the decisive pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. This pivotal moment signifies the successful culmination of his extended military campaign, definitively ending Israel's seven-year oppression by Midian and setting the stage for the administration of justice and the subsequent challenges to Gideon's leadership and the nation's spiritual integrity.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Judges 8:13 is Emphasis through a specific temporal detail. By stating that Gideon returned "before the sun [was up]," the narrator deliberately highlights the extraordinary speed, determination, and perhaps the sheer exhaustion of Gideon and his men. This precise time marker underscores the relentless nature of their pursuit and the urgency with which they sought to complete their mission, conveying a sense of unwavering commitment. This detail also functions as a subtle form of Foreshadowing, hinting at the immediate and decisive actions Gideon will take upon his return, particularly concerning the punishment of Zebah and Zalmunna, as well as the uncooperative towns of Sukkoth and Penuel. The brevity of the verse, combined with this specific temporal indicator, creates a powerful sense of culmination and impending consequence, marking a significant turning point in Gideon's narrative.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:13 profoundly speaks to the divine imperative of completing the work God has begun, even when it demands extraordinary perseverance and personal sacrifice. Gideon's relentless pursuit, culminating in this early morning return, illustrates that God's deliverance often requires human diligence and unwavering commitment to see His purposes fully realized. It underscores the principle that true victory is not merely in the initial triumph but in the complete eradication of the threat and the establishment of justice. This verse reminds us that God empowers His servants not just for the grand initial battles but also for the arduous, often unseen, follow-through that ensures lasting peace and order. It is a testament to the importance of finishing strong in one's divine calling.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Gideon's return "before the sun was up" serves as a powerful testament to the virtue of perseverance and the profound importance of completing the tasks God sets before us. In our own lives, whether in spiritual disciplines, vocational callings, or personal struggles, there are moments when the initial victory feels complete, but the true test lies in the follow-through—the often less glamorous, more grueling work of seeing things to their proper conclusion. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of diligence, to not grow weary in doing good, and to trust that God provides the strength for the entire journey, not just the initial burst of enthusiasm. It encourages us to pursue justice, reconciliation, or whatever God has called us to with the same single-minded determination Gideon exhibited, knowing that our ultimate strength comes from Him, enabling us to finish the race God has set before us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the specific timing ("before the sun was up") mentioned in this verse?
Answer: The mention of Gideon's return "before the sun was up" is highly significant for several reasons. First, it emphasizes the extraordinary speed and relentlessness of his pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna. Gideon and his men, though undoubtedly exhausted from the extended campaign, did not rest but pressed on through the night or began their return at the earliest possible moment. This detail highlights their unwavering determination to complete the mission and bring the Midianite kings to justice, demonstrating a commitment to thoroughness. Second, it underscores the intensity and urgency of the entire operation, from the initial miraculous victory with 300 men (Judges 7:19-22) to the final, grueling chase. It suggests a divine urgency and empowerment that enabled such an arduous and swift conclusion to the Midianite threat, bringing a definitive end to their oppression of Israel.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's relentless pursuit and triumphant return, even "before the sun was up," serve as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and complete redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as Gideon did not rest until the enemy's leadership was fully neutralized and justice administered, so too did Christ persevere through unimaginable suffering, opposition, and the weight of human sin, not stopping until His mission of salvation was perfectly accomplished. His journey to the cross, culminating in His triumphant cry "It is finished!" (John 19:30), mirrors Gideon's determined completion of his arduous task. However, unlike Gideon, whose victory was temporal and whose leadership eventually exhibited human frailties, Christ's victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness is eternal, absolute, and flawless (Colossians 2:15). His resurrection, occurring "very early in the morning, while it was still dark" (John 20:1), signifies His ultimate triumph and the dawn of a new creation, a complete and final deliverance for humanity that far surpasses any earthly military victory. He is the true Deliverer who fully completes the work of salvation.