Judges 8:29

¶ And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.

And Jerubbaal {H3378} the son {H1121} of Joash {H3101} went {H3212} and dwelt {H3427} in his own house {H1004}.

Yeruba'al the son of Yo'ash returned to his home and stayed there.

and he—Jerubbaal son of Joash—returned home and settled down.

And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.

Commentary

Judges 8:29 offers a concise but significant statement about the renowned Israelite judge, Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal. It marks the end of his active public service and his return to a private, settled life after a period of intense warfare and national leadership.

Context

This verse follows Gideon's remarkable victories over the Midianites and their allied forces, detailed extensively in preceding chapters. Having delivered Israel from oppression through God's power, Gideon was offered the opportunity to establish a hereditary kingship over Israel. However, he famously refused this offer, declaring, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you" (Judges 8:23). His return to his "own house" in Ophrah signifies the fulfillment of his divinely appointed task as a judge and the ushering in of a period of peace for forty years in the land (Judges 8:28), before the nation eventually fell back into idolatry.

Key Themes

  • Transition from Public Service to Private Life: The verse highlights Gideon's transition from a prominent national leader to a private citizen. This underscores the temporary and task-specific nature of the judges' roles in Israel, contrasting with the dynastic aspirations of kings.
  • Humility and Rest: Gideon's decision to return home, rather than consolidate power, demonstrates a profound humility and trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. It also signifies a well-deserved period of rest and peace after fulfilling a demanding divine calling.
  • The Cycle of Leadership in Judges: This act of returning home is characteristic of the judges, who were raised by God for specific periods of deliverance and then receded, allowing God to be the ultimate ruler of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Jerubbaal" (Hebrew: יְרֻבַּעַל, Yerubba'al) is a powerful reminder of Gideon's early act of faith. It means "Let Baal contend" or "Baal will contend," a name given to him after he tore down his father's altar to the pagan god Baal (Judges 6:32). This name serves as a testament to his courageous stand against idolatry, setting the stage for his greater role in delivering Israel.

Practical Application

Gideon's example in Judges 8:29 offers several valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Faithful Service and Retreat: It reminds us that there is a time for intense public service and a time for quiet, private life. Fulfilling one's calling also includes knowing when to step back and allow others to lead or to enjoy a season of rest.
  • Humility in Success: Even after achieving great victories and being offered immense power, Gideon remained grounded, returning to his own home. This illustrates the importance of humility, recognizing that all accomplishments come from God and that true leadership points back to Him.
  • The Value of Home and Family: After his public duties, Gideon returned to his "own house," emphasizing the significance of home as a place of peace, family, and personal life, a sanctuary after the demands of the world.
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Cross-References

  • Judges 7:1

    ¶ Then Jerubbaal, who [is] Gideon, and all the people that [were] with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

  • Judges 6:32

    Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

  • Nehemiah 5:14

    ¶ Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

  • Nehemiah 5:15

    But the former governors that [had been] before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.

  • 1 Samuel 12:11

    And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.