Judges 8:3

God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.

God {H430} hath delivered {H5414} into your hands {H3027} the princes {H8269} of Midian {H4080}, Oreb {H6159} and Zeeb {H2062}: and what was I able {H3201} to do {H6213} in comparison of you? Then their anger {H7307} was abated {H7503} toward him, when he had said {H1697} that {H1696}.

God handed over to you Midyan's chiefs, 'Orev and Ze'ev. What could I do that matches what you did?" By saying that, he appeased their anger at him.

God has delivered Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian, into your hand. What was I able to do compared to you?” When he had said this, their anger against him subsided.

God hath delivered into your hand the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison with you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.

Commentary

Judges 8:3 reveals Gideon's remarkable wisdom and diplomacy in handling a delicate situation after his triumphant victory over the Midianites. This verse captures his strategic response to the powerful tribe of Ephraim, whose anger threatened to ignite internal strife within Israel.

Context

Following Gideon's miraculous and decisive victory over the vast Midianite army with only 300 men, a significant challenge arose not from the external enemy but from within Israel. The men of Ephraim, a proud and influential tribe, were deeply offended because Gideon had not called them to participate in the initial, glorious phase of the battle (Judges 8:1). Their indignation was fierce, threatening to overshadow the victory and sow disunity. Gideon's response in Judges 8:3 is a masterful act of de-escalation, designed to pacify their anger and preserve the unity of the Israelite tribes.

Key Themes

  • Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Gideon demonstrates exceptional skill in navigating a volatile situation. Instead of defending himself or rebuking Ephraim's pride, he strategically praises their contribution – the capture and killing of the Midianite princes, Oreb and Zeeb. This act of acknowledging their significant role turns their potential hostility into admiration. This approach aligns with the wisdom found in Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turneth away wrath."
  • Humility in Leadership: Gideon exemplifies true humility by downplaying his own achievements ("what was I able to do in comparison of you?") and elevating Ephraim's. He redirects the credit to God and then to their specific, vital contribution. Such humility is a hallmark of effective, God-fearing leadership, capable of diffusing jealousy and fostering cooperation.
  • God's Sovereign Hand: Central to Gideon's argument is his immediate declaration, "God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb." By emphasizing divine intervention, Gideon reminds Ephraim that the ultimate victory was not merely a human triumph but a direct act of God. This perspective places their contribution within the larger framework of God's work, making it all the more significant and honorable.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "abated toward him" comes from the Hebrew word raphah (Χ¨ΦΈΧ€ΦΈΧ”), which means "to slacken," "relax," or "let go." This vividly describes the immediate effect of Gideon's words: their intense anger, like a tight grip, simply loosened and dissipated. It highlights the profound impact of a well-chosen, humble, and honoring response.

Practical Application

Judges 8:3 offers timeless lessons applicable to personal relationships, organizational leadership, and even national diplomacy:

  • Value Others' Contributions: Recognizing and affirming the efforts and significance of others, even if they perceive their role as secondary, can prevent resentment, build trust, and foster unity.
  • Practice Humility: A humble approach, especially when dealing with pride, jealousy, or perceived slights, can disarm opposition and build bridges rather than walls. It demonstrates secure and selfless leadership.
  • De-escalate Conflict with Wisdom: Instead of meeting anger with anger, a wise and gracious response that focuses on shared success, acknowledges contributions, and attributes ultimate blessing to God, can resolve disputes peacefully. This verse powerfully illustrates the transformative power of words to either ignite or extinguish conflict.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 15:1

    ΒΆ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

  • Judges 7:24

    And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.

  • Judges 7:25

    And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.

  • Romans 12:6

    Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, [let us prophesy] according to the proportion of faith;

  • Proverbs 25:15

    ΒΆ By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

  • Psalms 115:1

    ΒΆ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

  • Philippians 2:3

    [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.