Judges 8:18

KJV

¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they; each one resembled the children of a king.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he unto Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, What {H375} manner of men {H582} were they whom ye slew {H2026} at Tabor {H8396}? And they answered {H559}, As thou {H3644} art, so were they; each one {H259} resembled {H8389} the children {H1121} of a king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to Zevach and Tzalmuna, "Tell me about the men you killed at Tavor." They answered, "They looked like you, like a king's sons."

Berean Standard Bible

Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.”

American Standard Version

Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:18 records a tense interrogation by Gideon of the captured Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, following his decisive victory. Gideon confronts them about men they had previously slain at Tabor, a question that appears to be a prelude to justice, revealing a deeply personal dimension to his relentless pursuit and setting the stage for an act of blood vengeance. The kings' response, acknowledging the noble appearance of their victims, underscores the gravity of their past atrocities and the impending retribution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Gideon's exhaustive pursuit and capture of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, after their army's rout (as detailed in [Judges 8:4-12](/judges/8-4 "Judges 8:4-12 - Gideon's Pursuit and Capture of Midianite Kings")). The narrative shifts from the grand scale of national deliverance to a deeply personal reckoning. Gideon's direct question about the men slain at Tabor is not casual; it serves as a crucial pivot, providing the specific justification for the kings' execution that follows in [Judges 8:19-21](/judges/8-19 "Judges 8:19-21 - Gideon's Vengeance and Execution of Midianite Kings"). This moment transitions the focus from the broader conflict against Midianite oppression to Gideon's personal grievance, adding a layer of individual justice to the broader divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of blood vengeance (Hebrew: _go'el haddam_) was a well-established and legally recognized institution in ancient Israel, as outlined in texts like [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood"). If a person was murdered, a close relative (the "avenger of blood") had the right and duty to execute the murderer. The Midianites had been a persistent threat, raiding Israelite lands and oppressing the people (see [Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression of Israel")). The slaying of men at Tabor, a prominent mountain in Israel's northern territory, likely refers to a specific, unprovoked massacre during one of these raids, highlighting the Midianites' brutality. Gideon's inquiry taps into this cultural expectation of familial justice, transforming his military campaign into a personal quest for retribution for his own kin.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Book of Judges. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Human Vengeance**. While Gideon is divinely commissioned to deliver Israel (as seen in [Judges 6:14](/judges/6-14 "Judges 6:14 - Gideon's Divine Commission")), this specific encounter reveals a strong personal motivation for his actions—the avenging of his brothers' deaths. Secondly, the kings' description of Gideon's brothers as resembling "the children of a king" underscores the theme of **The Stature and Dignity of God's People**. This phrase not only flatters Gideon but also emphasizes the significance and noble bearing of the victims, elevating the severity of the Midianites' crime and affirming the inherent worth of those targeted by oppression. Finally, the scene reinforces the overarching theme of **Consequences of Rebellion and Oppression**. The Midianites, who had long defied God and brutally oppressed Israel, now face the ultimate consequences of their actions, serving as a stark reminder that divine retribution will eventually fall upon those who inflict injustice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **resembled (Hebrew, _damah'_):** The verb `דָּמָה` (damah) means "to be like, resemble, be similar." In this context, it emphasizes a striking likeness or appearance. It's not merely a casual comparison but suggests a strong, undeniable resemblance, implying that Gideon's brothers possessed a notable, perhaps even regal, bearing that was immediately recognizable to the Midianite kings and mirrored Gideon's own distinguished appearance.
* **children of a king (Hebrew, _b'nei melekh'_):** The phrase `בְּנֵי מֶלֶךְ` (b'nei melekh) literally translates to "sons of a king." While it could refer to literal royalty, in this context, it functions as an idiom for individuals of noble birth, distinguished appearance, high status, or remarkable physical stature and dignity. It suggests that Gideon's brothers were not ordinary men but possessed an imposing presence, perhaps even a commanding aura, that set them apart, consistent with Gideon's own description as a "mighty man of valor" ([Judges 6:12](/judges/6-12 "Judges 6:12 - Gideon Called a Mighty Man of Valor")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor?":** Gideon initiates the confrontation, not with an accusation, but with a probing question. The phrase "What manner of men" (literally "What were the men like?") indicates his desire for a description, which will confirm his suspicions and provide the personal justification for his subsequent actions. The specific mention of "Tabor" points to a known, significant event and location, suggesting a past atrocity that Gideon is now bringing to light.
* **"And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they;":** The Midianite kings' response is immediate and direct. Their comparison of Gideon's slain kin to Gideon himself is a form of flattery, perhaps an attempt to appease him or acknowledge his own impressive stature. This phrase confirms a shared noble appearance or distinguished bearing between Gideon and his brothers, setting the stage for the revelation of their familial relationship in the subsequent verse.
* **"each one resembled the children of a king.":** This concluding clause elaborates on the previous comparison, providing a vivid description of the slain men. The phrase "resembled the children of a king" highlights their exceptional dignity, perhaps their physical prowess, or even their inherent authority. This description not only underscores the significance of the men who were killed but also elevates the gravity of the Midianites' crime, as they had murdered individuals of remarkable stature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the reversal of fortunes: the once-powerful Midianite kings, who brutally slew others, are now captives, forced to describe their victims to the very man who will execute them. There is clear **Foreshadowing** as Gideon's pointed question about the slain men at Tabor immediately hints at a deeper, personal connection, which is explicitly revealed in the very next verse ([Judges 8:19](/judges/8-19 "Judges 8:19 - Gideon's Revelation of His Brothers")). The description "resembled the children of a king" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical appearance but also the inherent worth, dignity, and perhaps even divine favor of the slain men, contrasting sharply with the barbarity of their killers. The dialogue itself is a form of **Interrogation**, meticulously designed by Gideon to elicit a confession and provide a public justification for his impending act of vengeance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:18 powerfully illustrates the complex interplay between divine justice and human vengeance in the biblical narrative. While God often uses human agents to execute His judgment against oppressors, this verse reveals that personal grievances can also fuel such actions. Gideon's pursuit, initially a national deliverance, becomes deeply personal, highlighting that injustice has profound individual costs. The Midianites, who had long oppressed Israel and committed atrocities, now face the consequences of their actions, underscoring the principle that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail. The description of the slain men as "resembling the children of a king" also subtly affirms the inherent dignity and value of human life, particularly those who are victims of unprovoked violence, and emphasizes the gravity of shedding innocent blood.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Do Not Avenge Yourselves")
* [Psalm 94:1](/psalms/94-1 "Psalm 94:1 - O Lord, God of Vengeance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a stark reminder that conflict and oppression often carry deep personal costs, extending far beyond strategic objectives or national boundaries. Gideon's personal stake in the justice meted out to Zebah and Zalmunna reveals the powerful human element of grief, loss, and the desire for retribution. For believers, it prompts reflection on the motivations behind our actions, especially when seeking justice. While the Old Testament permitted blood vengeance, the New Testament calls us to a higher standard of forgiveness and leaving ultimate retribution to God. However, this does not negate the importance of seeking justice for the oppressed and valuing every human life. The dignified description of Gideon's brothers underscores the inherent worth of individuals, even those who might seem insignificant in a broader conflict, and the lasting impact of their loss. We are called to recognize the image of God in all people and to grieve injustices against them, while trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Gideon's personal motivation here challenge or affirm our understanding of divine justice?**
* **In what ways does the description of Gideon's brothers as "resembling the children of a king" impact your perception of the Midianites' crime?**
* **How can we balance the pursuit of justice for wrongs committed with the New Testament call to forgive and not seek personal vengeance?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the long-term consequences of oppression and violence?**

### FAQ
**Why does Gideon ask about the men slain at Tabor, and why is it significant?**

Answer: Gideon's question is not mere curiosity but a strategic and deeply personal inquiry. By asking about the men slain at Tabor, he is prompting the Midianite kings to confirm an atrocity that directly impacted him. As revealed in [Judges 8:19](/judges/8-19 "Judges 8:19 - Gideon's Revelation of His Brothers"), these men were Gideon's own brothers. This revelation transforms his military campaign into an act of blood vengeance, a legally recognized form of justice in ancient Israel. The significance lies in providing the personal justification for the kings' execution, demonstrating that their past brutality had direct and devastating consequences for Gideon's family, thus legitimizing his retribution in the eyes of the community.

**What does "each one resembled the children of a king" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, "resembled the children of a king," is an idiom conveying that the slain men possessed an exceptional, noble, or distinguished appearance, rather than necessarily being literal royalty. It suggests they had a remarkable dignity, impressive stature, or a striking physical presence that set them apart. The Midianite kings' response not only flatters Gideon by comparing him to his noble kin but also underscores the significance of the men they killed, elevating the gravity of their crime. It highlights that the victims were not ordinary individuals but men of considerable standing and presence.

**How does this verse contribute to the broader narrative of Judges?**

Answer: This verse is a crucial turning point, shifting the narrative from a national deliverance to a deeply personal act of justice. It underscores the brutal nature of Midianite oppression, revealing that their raids included massacres of prominent Israelites. It also highlights Gideon's character, showing him as not only a military leader but also a man driven by familial loyalty and a desire for personal retribution. The encounter sets the stage for the execution of Zebah and Zalmunna, fulfilling the cycle of divine judgment and human consequence for the Midianites' long-standing wickedness against Israel, as seen throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - Israel's Cycles of Disobedience and Deliverance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 8:18, with its raw depiction of vengeance and the pursuit of justice for slain "sons of a king," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Gideon, avenging his brothers, foreshadows Christ as the ultimate Avenger and Judge, who will perfectly execute divine justice against all evil and oppression. While Gideon's vengeance is rooted in personal grievance, Christ's judgment is rooted in perfect righteousness and holiness, bringing about the final defeat of sin and death (as seen in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Rider on the White Horse")). Moreover, the "children of a king" imagery points forward to the true children of the King—believers in Christ. Through faith, we are adopted into God's family, becoming "children of God" and "heirs with Christ" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God"); [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The injustice suffered by Gideon's brothers, leading to a righteous avenger, ultimately points to the ultimate injustice of the cross, where the perfect Son of God was slain, leading to His triumphant resurrection and His future role as the one who will make all things right, bringing perfect justice and eternal life to His adopted family.

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 4:6

And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

Psalms 89:12

The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

Jude 1:16

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

Psalms 12:2

They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.