Judges 8:4

¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him, faint, yet pursuing [them].

And Gideon {H1439} came {H935} to Jordan {H3383}, and passed over {H5674}, he, and the three {H7969} hundred {H3967} men {H376} that were with him, faint {H5889}, yet pursuing {H7291} them.

By now Gid'on and his three hundred men had come to the Yarden and crossed over. They were exhausted but were still pursuing the enemy.

Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.

And Gideon came to the Jordan, andpassed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing.

Commentary

Context

Judges 8:4 finds Gideon and his small army of 300 men at a critical juncture in their pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. This verse follows the miraculous, divinely orchestrated victory where Gideon's men, armed with trumpets, pitchers, and lamps, routed the vast Midianite and Amalekite forces in the Valley of Jezreel (Judges 7:22). Despite their stunning success, the battle was not over. The remaining enemy leaders were fleeing, and Gideon, demonstrating relentless commitment, pressed on. Crossing the Jordan River, they were now deep in enemy territory, physically exhausted from the intense battle and chase, yet unwavering in their mission to completely subdue Midian.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance and Endurance: The phrase "faint, yet pursuing" vividly captures the essence of tenacious perseverance. It highlights a determination that transcends physical limitations and weariness. Gideon and his men were not just tired; they were "faint," indicating extreme exhaustion, yet their will to complete the task remained strong.
  • Faith in God's Strength: Their ability to continue despite their fatigue points to a reliance on a source of strength beyond their own. This reflects a deep faith that God, who granted them the initial victory, would also sustain them to finish the pursuit. It's a testament to the truth that God often works through human weakness to display His divine power (2 Corinthians 12:9).
  • Unwavering Commitment: Even after the initial triumph, Gideon understood that the threat remained as long as the enemy leaders were at large. This verse underscores the importance of seeing a divine task through to its complete fulfillment, not stopping short after partial success.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "faint" is 'ayef (עָיֵף), which denotes being thoroughly weary or exhausted. It suggests a state of depleted strength. The word for "pursuing" is radaph (רָדַף), meaning to chase, follow after, or pursue. The powerful juxtaposition of these two states—physical weakness ("faint") paired with active, determined effort ("pursuing")—creates a striking image that resonates deeply with the challenges and demands of faith and obedience.

Practical Application

The message of "faint, yet pursuing" holds profound relevance for believers today. The Christian life is often described as a race or a spiritual battle, where initial victories are celebrated, but sustained effort is required. There will be times when we feel spiritually, emotionally, or physically exhausted, facing daunting challenges or the lingering effects of past struggles. This verse encourages us:

  • To press on in faith even when weary, trusting that God will provide the strength needed to complete the tasks He has set before us (Galatians 6:9).
  • To remember that true victory often requires endurance beyond the initial burst of success.
  • To rely on divine grace and power when our own resources are depleted, knowing that our weakness can highlight God's perfect strength.

It's a call to perseverance in prayer, service, and standing firm against spiritual opposition, even when the journey feels long and arduous.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 6:9

    And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

  • Hebrews 12:1

    ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

  • Hebrews 12:4

    ¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16

    For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.

  • 1 Samuel 30:10

    But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.

  • 1 Samuel 14:28

    Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food this day. And the people were faint.

  • 1 Samuel 14:29

    Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.