Judges 8:20

KJV

And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, [and] slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he [was] yet a youth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto Jether {H3500} his firstborn {H1060}, Up {H6965}, and slay {H2026} them. But the youth {H5288} drew {H8025} not his sword {H2719}: for he feared {H3372}, because he was yet a youth {H5288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he ordered his oldest son, Yeter, "Get up, and kill them!" But the boy didn't draw his sword; being still a boy, he was afraid.

Berean Standard Bible

So he said to Jether, his firstborn, “Get up and kill them.” But the young man did not draw his sword; he was fearful because he was still a youth.

American Standard Version

And he said unto Jether his first-born, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword; for he feared, because he was yet a youth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:20 captures a pivotal and poignant moment in Gideon's relentless pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, following his decisive victory. Driven by a desire for both national deliverance and personal vengeance for the murder of his brothers, Gideon commands his firstborn son, Jether, to execute the captured kings. However, the young Jether, overwhelmed by fear and inexperience, is unable to carry out the grim task, highlighting the stark realities of leadership, justice, and the burden of violence in ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic climax of Gideon's campaign against Midian. Having routed the vast Midianite army with only 300 men in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"), Gideon relentlessly pursues the two remaining kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, across the Jordan River. His pursuit is driven not only by strategic necessity but also by a deep personal grievance. In [Judges 8:18-19](/judges/8-18-19 "Judges 8:18-19 - Gideon's Confrontation with Zebah and Zalmunna"), the kings admit to killing Gideon's brothers at Tabor. This admission transforms the execution from a mere act of war into a deeply personal act of blood vengeance, or *lex talionis*. Gideon's command to Jether is thus the culmination of this pursuit and the direct response to the kings' confession, intended to bring a final, humiliating end to the Midianite threat and to avenge his family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by tribal disunity, external oppression, and a cycle of apostasy and deliverance. Justice was often administered locally, and blood vengeance was a recognized, though sometimes problematic, practice (cf. [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood")). Executing captured enemy leaders was common in ancient Near Eastern warfare, often done publicly and brutally to assert dominance and deter future rebellion. Gideon's command to his firstborn son, Jether, would have carried significant cultural weight. In ancient societies, the firstborn son held a privileged position and was expected to inherit his father's authority and responsibilities. By commanding Jether to perform the execution, Gideon was not only seeking to humiliate the kings by having them killed by a mere youth but also potentially attempting to initiate Jether into the harsh realities of leadership and the administration of justice in a violent age.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 8:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and beyond. It underscores the theme of **Justice and Retribution**, particularly the Old Testament principle of "an eye for an eye" ([Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "Deuteronomy 19:21 - Lex Talionis")), but here applied through the lens of personal and national vengeance against oppressors. It profoundly illustrates **The Burden of Leadership**, showing the grim and often morally complex decisions required of those called to deliver Israel, even when those decisions involve violence. Gideon's attempt to involve Jether speaks to the theme of **Succession and Mentorship**, albeit through a harsh initiation, highlighting the transfer of responsibility to the next generation. Finally, Jether's reaction introduces the theme of **Youthful Inexperience and Fear**, providing a raw and humanizing glimpse into the emotional toll of such acts, contrasting sharply with Gideon's hardened resolve and emphasizing the natural human response to violence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Youth (Hebrew, _na'ar_):** This term (נַעַר) is used to describe Jether, emphasizing his tender age and immaturity. It can refer to a boy from infancy up to early adulthood, but in this context, it clearly denotes someone lacking the experience and hardened resolve typically associated with warriors or executioners. Jether's designation as "youth" highlights the stark contrast between his inexperience and the brutal task set before him, making his fear understandable and his refusal poignant.
* **Feared (Hebrew, _yare'_):** The verb (יָרֵא) indicates a profound sense of dread or terror. It is a natural human emotion in the face of danger or a morally repugnant act. Jether's fear is not necessarily presented as a moral failing but as a natural, almost innocent, reaction to the command to slay two powerful, albeit defeated, kings. This fear underscores his lack of exposure to such violence and serves as a foil to Gideon's hardened demeanor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto Jether his firstborn":** This opening clause establishes Gideon's direct command and the recipient: his eldest son, Jether. The emphasis on "firstborn" is significant, indicating Gideon's intent to involve his heir in this crucial act of justice and possibly to initiate him into the responsibilities of leadership, even those involving bloodshed.
* **"Up, and slay them.":** This is a stark, direct command, devoid of embellishment. "Up" (קוּם, *qum*) is an imperative often used to urge immediate action. The command to "slay them" (הֲרֹג אֹתָם, *harog otam*) is unambiguous, demanding the execution of the Midianite kings. This command reflects the harsh realities of warfare and justice in the ancient Near East, where the elimination of enemy leaders was a standard practice.
* **"But the youth drew not his sword:":** This clause marks the turning point and Jether's refusal. The conjunction "but" (וְלֹא, *welo'*) introduces a clear contrast to Gideon's expectation. Jether's inability to draw his sword signifies his paralysis and unwillingness to perform the act, a powerful moment of defiance born of fear rather than rebellion.
* **"for he feared, because he was yet a youth.":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for Jether's inaction, offering a deeply humanizing explanation. His fear is directly attributed to his youth, reinforcing the idea that he is not yet hardened by the realities of war and execution. This explanation highlights the chasm between the expectations of a seasoned warrior like Gideon and the natural innocence of a young boy.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 8:20 is rich in **Characterization**, vividly portraying both Gideon's hardened resolve and Jether's youthful vulnerability. Gideon's command reveals his pragmatic, even brutal, approach to justice, contrasting sharply with Jether's humane hesitation. The verse employs powerful **Juxtaposition** between the seasoned warrior-judge and his inexperienced son, and between the expectation of swift justice and the reality of human fear. There is a subtle **Irony** in the scene: the mighty Midianite kings, who had terrorized Israel, are now so utterly defeated that their execution is assigned to a mere boy, a profound indignity that underscores their complete downfall. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing** in a broader sense, hinting at the challenges of leadership and the often-uncomfortable realities of God's chosen deliverers in the period of the Judges, setting the stage for the later desire for a king who might embody a different kind of leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:20 offers a stark glimpse into the complex nature of justice and leadership in a fallen world, particularly within the context of the Old Testament. While Gideon's actions are presented as a fulfillment of divine deliverance, the means employed, including the attempt to involve his young son in a brutal act of vengeance, highlight the imperfections of human instruments, even those chosen by God. This passage prompts reflection on the tension between God's perfect justice and humanity's often flawed and violent attempts to administer it. It reminds us that while God uses individuals in their historical and cultural contexts, His ultimate standards of righteousness transcend human brutality. Jether's fear, though preventing him from carrying out the command, also serves as a poignant reminder of human vulnerability and the natural aversion to violence, even when deemed necessary. The scene underscores that the burden of leadership, especially in times of war and retribution, is immense and often requires actions that are emotionally and morally taxing.

* [Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "The Principle of Lex Talionis")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance Belongs to God")
* [1 Samuel 17:33](/1_samuel/17-33 "David's Youth and Courage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:20, though set in a distant and violent era, offers profound insights into human nature, leadership, and the challenges of facing daunting tasks. Like Jether, we often encounter situations that evoke fear, whether it's a difficult conversation, a challenging career move, or a call to step out in faith into the unknown. Jether's natural, unhardened response reminds us that fear is a legitimate human emotion, not necessarily a sign of weakness, but an indicator of our vulnerability and the gravity of the moment. The passage also prompts us to consider the nature of mentorship and succession: while Gideon's method was extreme, his intent to prepare his son for the realities of leadership is a timeless principle. As believers, we are called to raise up the next generation, equipping them for the spiritual battles and responsibilities they will face, but always with wisdom, grace, and a focus on Christ-like character, rather than the harshness of the old covenant. Ultimately, this verse encourages us to seek God's wisdom and courage when confronted with tasks that challenge our comfort zones, trusting that He will equip us for what He calls us to do, or provide an alternative path if our human limitations prevent us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern God's will when faced with tasks that challenge our comfort or moral sensibilities, as Jether was challenged?**
* **In what ways might God be calling us to step into uncomfortable or fearful situations for His purposes, and how can we respond with courage tempered by wisdom?**
* **How can we, as spiritual mentors or leaders, prepare the next generation for the realities of life and faith, ensuring our methods are aligned with God's character and grace?**

### FAQ
**Why did Gideon command his son, not himself, to slay the kings?**

Answer: Gideon's command to Jether likely served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was an act of extreme humiliation for the Midianite kings; to be executed by a mere youth, rather than a seasoned warrior, would have been the ultimate indignity, signifying their complete and utter defeat. Secondly, it may have been an attempt by Gideon to initiate his firstborn son into the harsh realities of leadership and the administration of justice in that era, preparing him for future responsibilities. It could also have been a symbolic act of generational vengeance, with the son completing the father's justice.

**Is Jether's fear a sign of weakness or virtue?**

Answer: Jether's fear is presented as a natural human response, highlighting his youth and inexperience. It is not necessarily depicted as a moral failing but rather as an understandable reaction to a brutal command. In a sense, it underscores his innocence and lack of the hardened resolve typically found in warriors of that time. While Gideon's expectation was for Jether to overcome this fear, Jether's inability to do so humanizes him and contrasts sharply with the violence of the age. It's a testament to his uncorrupted nature rather than a mark of weakness.

**How does this act of vengeance align with biblical justice?**

Answer: Gideon's act falls within the Old Testament context of *lex talionis* (an eye for an eye) and blood vengeance, particularly for the murder of his brothers ([Judges 8:19](/judges/8-19 "Judges 8:19 - Gideon's Motivation")). While God used Gideon as a deliverer, the methods employed often reflected the brutal realities of the ancient Near East and the imperfect nature of human agents. It highlights a tension between divine justice, which is perfect, and human execution of justice, which is often fraught with personal emotion and cultural norms. The New Testament later refines the understanding of justice, emphasizing forgiveness and leaving vengeance to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, Says the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 8:20, with its stark portrayal of human justice and the burden of executing vengeance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jether's inability to draw his sword due to fear and youth points to humanity's inherent weakness and inability to perfectly administer justice or overcome sin through its own strength. In contrast, Christ, the true Son, willingly embraced the ultimate act of judgment and sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), not by slaying others, but by becoming the suffering servant who is [led like a lamb to the slaughter](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"). Where Jether feared to spill blood, Christ courageously shed His own, bearing the full weight of God's righteous judgment against sin on the cross. His victory over sin and death was not achieved through the brutal execution of enemies, but through a self-sacrificial act of love that disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, the imperfect, fear-laden justice of Gideon's era is superseded by Christ's perfect, merciful, and redemptive justice, offering true and lasting deliverance from sin and its consequences, a victory that is not humiliating but glorifying to God ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")).

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

1 Samuel 15:33

And Samuel said, As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces before the LORD in Gilgal.

Joshua 10:24

And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.

Psalms 149:9

To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.