Judges 8:21

KJV

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man [is, so is] his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that [were] on their camels' necks.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759} said {H559}, Rise {H6965} thou, and fall {H6293} upon us: for as the man {H376} is, so is his strength {H1369}. And Gideon {H1439} arose {H6965}, and slew {H2026} Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, and took away {H3947} the ornaments {H7720} that were on their camels {H1581}' necks {H6677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Zevach and Tzalmuna said, "You, do it. You, kill us. Let a grown man do what takes a grown man's strength." So Gid'on got up and killed Zevach and Tzalmuna; then he took the ornamental crescents from around their camels' necks.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.

American Standard Version

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:21 marks the definitive culmination of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, detailing the execution of their kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and the seizure of their royal adornments. Having been captured after a relentless pursuit, the Midianite kings, acknowledging Gideon's formidable strength and leadership, request a swift and honorable death at his hands rather than by his inexperienced son. Gideon's decisive act brings divine justice to bear upon the oppressors of Israel and avenges the death of his brothers, symbolizing the complete triumph over Midianite power and the finality of their subjugation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic resolution to Gideon's military campaign, following his miraculous victory over the Midianite horde with only 300 men in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"). After the initial rout, Gideon pursued the fleeing Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, across the Jordan, capturing them in [Judges 8:12](/judges/8-12 "Judges 8:12 - Capture of Zebah and Zalmunna"). The immediate preceding verses recount Gideon's questioning of the kings, where they admit to killing his brothers at Tabor ([Judges 8:18-19](/judges/8-18 "Judges 8:18-19 - Zebah and Zalmunna Admit Killing Gideon's Brothers")), providing a deeply personal motive for Gideon's actions beyond his role as deliverer. Gideon's initial command for his son Jether to execute them, and Jether's hesitation, sets the stage for the kings' plea to Gideon himself in this verse, underscoring the weight and finality of the moment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges was characterized by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and divine deliverance. The Midianites, a nomadic people, had severely oppressed Israel for seven years, raiding their crops and livestock ([Judges 6:1-6](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1-6 - Midianite Oppression of Israel")). In the ancient Near East, the treatment of captured kings often involved public humiliation or execution, but a swift death at the hands of a renowned warrior was considered more honorable. The kings' plea, "for as the man [is, so is] his strength," reflects a cultural value placed on a warrior's prowess and the dignity of being dispatched by a formidable opponent. This cultural norm contrasts sharply with the earlier divine strategy, where God deliberately chose a small, seemingly weak army to demonstrate that victory came from His strength, not human might ([Judges 7:2](/judges/7-2 "God's Purpose for a Small Army")).
* **Key Themes:** Judges 8:21 powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Retribution**, as God's judgment is executed upon those who oppressed His people and personally wronged His chosen leader. The kings' demise underscores the principle that wickedness, especially against God's covenant people, ultimately faces consequences. Secondly, it showcases **Gideon's Resolve and Leadership**. Despite his earlier hesitations and requests for signs, Gideon demonstrates unwavering determination to complete the mission God entrusted to him, personally carrying out the execution and signifying the complete triumph over Midianite oppression. Thirdly, the verse subtly touches on the **Nature of True Strength**, contrasting the Midianite kings' worldly understanding of strength (physical prowess, warrior status) with the divine power that enabled Gideon's victory, which was not dependent on human might but on God's intervention. Finally, the taking of the "ornaments" signifies the **Complete Defeat and Plunder** of the enemy, marking the end of their reign and the appropriation of their symbols of power and wealth, some of which may have had pagan significance ([Judges 8:26](/judges/8-26 "Gideon's Ephod from the Spoils")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _koach'_):** This word denotes not merely physical power but also capacity, ability, vigor, and often refers to military might or the effectiveness of a leader. In the context of the kings' plea, it refers to the decisive, potent force of a mature warrior, implying a swift and dignified death. Their request is an acknowledgment of Gideon's proven military prowess and leadership.
* **Ornaments (Hebrew, _saharonim'_):** Specifically referring to crescent-shaped pendants or necklaces, these were common adornments for camels and people in the ancient Near East. While often decorative, they frequently held religious or superstitious significance, possibly functioning as talismans or symbols of pagan deities (such as the moon god). Their seizure by Gideon symbolizes not just the plunder of wealth, but the complete dismantling of Midianite power, including their idolatrous practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us:"** The Midianite kings, facing certain death, issue a direct command to Gideon. Their request is a plea for a quick, decisive, and therefore more honorable execution. They prefer to die by the hand of a recognized warrior and leader, Gideon, rather than the inexperienced hand of his son, Jether, whom Gideon had initially commanded to kill them ([Judges 8:20](/judges/8-20 "Jether's Hesitation")). This highlights their concern for dignity even in defeat.
* **"for as the man [is, so is] his strength."** This is an ancient Near Eastern proverb or cultural maxim. It means that a man's actions, particularly in battle or execution, reflect his true character and power. The kings are essentially saying, "Be the strong, capable warrior you are, and give us a death worthy of your might." It underscores their respect for Gideon's demonstrated strength and their desire for a death that aligns with their own warrior code.
* **"And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna,"** Gideon's action is swift and decisive. This personal execution signifies the full completion of his mission as deliverer and avenger. It brings a definitive end to the Midianite oppression and fulfills the personal justice for his slain brothers, demonstrating Gideon's resolve and commitment to God's purpose, even in a grim task.
* **"and took away the ornaments that [were] on their camels' necks."** This act signifies the complete subjugation and plunder of the Midianite kings and their forces. The "ornaments" were valuable spoils of war, likely crescent-shaped decorations that may have also served as pagan symbols. Their seizure represents not only the acquisition of wealth but also the dismantling of Midianite power and their idolatrous practices, further emphasizing the totality of Israel's victory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is evident in the Midianite kings, once powerful oppressors, now humbling themselves to plead for a dignified death from their captor, Gideon. Their worldly understanding of "strength" is ironically contrasted with the divine strength that empowered Gideon's small, weak army to defeat their vast forces. **Symbolism** is rich here: Gideon's personal execution of the kings symbolizes the complete and personal nature of divine justice and vengeance for his brothers. The "ornaments" taken from the camels are not just material spoils but also symbolize the stripping away of Midianite wealth, power, and potentially their pagan religious influence. The narrative uses **Foreshadowing** by contrasting the kings' plea for a death by a "strong man" with God's earlier demonstration in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Gideon's Army and Victory") that true strength comes from Him, not from human might, subtly setting the stage for future theological reflections on divine power versus human capability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:21 stands as a stark testament to the outworking of divine justice and the consequences of rebellion against God and His people. Gideon's execution of Zebah and Zalmunna is not merely an act of personal vengeance but a fulfillment of God's judgment upon the Midianites, who had severely oppressed Israel. It underscores God's sovereignty in using human agents, even imperfect ones like Gideon, to bring about His righteous purposes. The finality of this act signals the end of a period of severe oppression and the restoration of a measure of peace for Israel, demonstrating that God is faithful to deliver His people and to hold wicked rulers accountable. This passage reminds us that while God is merciful, His justice is also sure and will ultimately prevail against all forms of wickedness and oppression.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Humbles")
* [Romans 13:4](/romans/13-4 "Romans 13:4 - The Authority of the Governing Powers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 8:21, though a scene of grim justice, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often calls His servants to complete difficult and sometimes uncomfortable tasks in the spiritual battle. Like Gideon, we are called to be resolute in seeing God's purposes through to completion, even when the path is challenging or requires us to confront uncomfortable truths. This passage highlights the importance of spiritual discernment, understanding that true strength comes not from worldly might or human prowess, but from obedient reliance on God. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate consequences for those who persistently oppose God and His people, while also showcasing the personal cost and responsibility of leadership in times of spiritual conflict. We are to be instruments of God's will, ensuring that His justice and truth prevail in our spheres of influence, while always remembering that our ultimate battle is spiritual, not against flesh and blood.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Gideon's decisive action here, particularly after his earlier hesitations, illustrate the process of growing in faith and obedience to God's call?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Midianite kings, be tempted to define "strength" by worldly standards (power, influence, status), and how does God's work through seemingly weak means challenge those definitions?**
* **What "ornaments" or lingering influences of spiritual opposition or idolatry might God be calling us to "take away" in our own lives or communities to ensure a complete victory?**

### FAQ
**Why did Zebah and Zalmunna ask Gideon to kill them, and not his son Jether?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern warrior culture, there was a strong emphasis on dignity in death, especially for captured kings. Zebah and Zalmunna preferred to be executed by a renowned warrior and leader like Gideon, whose strength and prowess had been clearly demonstrated. They likely considered it more honorable to die by the hand of a formidable opponent rather than by Gideon's young, inexperienced son, Jether, whom Gideon had initially commanded to kill them ([Judges 8:20](/judges/8-20 "Jether's Hesitation")). Their plea, "for as the man [is, so is] his strength," was an appeal to Gideon's established reputation as a mighty warrior, requesting a swift and decisive end.

**What is the significance of Gideon taking the "ornaments that were on their camels' necks"?**

Answer: The "ornaments" (Hebrew: _saharonim_) were crescent-shaped pendants or necklaces, likely made of gold or other precious metals, commonly used as adornments for camels and people in the ancient Near East. Their significance is twofold: Firstly, they represented the wealth and spoils of war, symbolizing the complete defeat and plunder of the Midianite kings. Secondly, these crescent-shaped ornaments often carried religious or superstitious significance, possibly being associated with pagan deities (like the moon god) or serving as amulets. By taking them, Gideon not only claimed the material spoils but also symbolically stripped the Midianites of their power, their dignity, and potentially their idolatrous symbols, signifying a comprehensive victory over their oppressive and pagan influence. This act foreshadows the later mention of Gideon using some of the gold to create an ephod, which unfortunately became an idol for Israel ([Judges 8:27](/judges/8-27 "Gideon's Ephod Becomes a Snare")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Gideon's decisive execution of Zebah and Zalmunna, bringing an end to Midianite oppression and avenging his brothers, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect justice executed by Jesus Christ. While Gideon's act was a temporal, earthly judgment, Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection represent the definitive triumph over the true enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness. Just as Gideon brought an end to an era of oppression, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), definitively took away the sin of the world, and as the [Lion of the Tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), He executes divine judgment. He did not merely defeat earthly kings but disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The "strength" the Midianite kings appealed to in Gideon pales in comparison to the divine strength of Christ, who, though appearing weak in His crucifixion, utterly vanquished all spiritual opposition. His final return will be as the righteous King, riding forth to judge and make war, bringing ultimate and eternal justice to all who oppose God ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Through Christ, the true Deliverer, the spoils of victory are not mere earthly ornaments, but the eternal liberation and redemption of His people, and the complete subjugation of every spiritual foe.

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

Psalms 83:11

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

Isaiah 3:18

In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of [their] tinkling ornaments [about their feet], and [their] cauls, and [their] round tires like the moon,

Judges 8:26

And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred [shekels] of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that [was] on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that [were] about their camels' necks.

1 Samuel 31:5

And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

1 Samuel 31:3

And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.

Judges 9:54

Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

Psalms 83:1

¶ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.