Judges 8:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 8:4 presents a powerful snapshot of Gideon and his 300 men at a pivotal moment in their campaign against the Midianites. Despite having achieved a miraculous initial victory through divine intervention, the enemy kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, remained at large, posing a continued threat. This verse highlights the profound commitment and physical endurance of Gideon and his forces as they cross the Jordan River, utterly exhausted ("faint"), yet resolutely pressing on ("pursuing") to complete the divinely appointed task of subduing Midian. It underscores the principle that God's work often requires human perseverance even in the face of extreme weariness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 8:4 immediately follows the dramatic, divinely orchestrated rout of the Midianite and Amalekite forces described in [Judges 7](/judges/7 "Judges 7 - Gideon's Victory"). Gideon's small, divinely chosen army of 300 men, armed only with trumpets, pitchers, and lamps, had thrown the vast enemy camp into chaos, leading to a self-inflicted slaughter and widespread flight. While this was a decisive victory, the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, had escaped with a remnant of their army. The narrative then shifts to Gideon's relentless pursuit across the Jordan, demonstrating that the victory was not considered complete until the enemy leadership was neutralized. This verse also sets the stage for Gideon's subsequent interactions with the uncooperative towns of Succoth and Penuel (Judges 8:5-9), who refused to provide aid to his exhausted men, further emphasizing the isolation and hardship of their pursuit.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jordan River served as a significant geographical and symbolic boundary in ancient Israel, often marking a transition into new territory or a new phase of a campaign. For Gideon and his men, crossing the Jordan meant pushing deep into the Transjordan region, an area often contested and inhabited by various peoples, including the Midianites. Ancient warfare typically involved not only pitched battles but also extensive pursuits to ensure the complete subjugation or annihilation of a defeated foe, preventing their regrouping and future threats. The Midianites were nomadic raiders who had oppressed Israel for seven years ([Judges 6:1](/judges/6-1 "Judges 6:1 - Israel Oppressed by Midian")), making their complete defeat essential for Israel's security and peace. The physical demands of such a pursuit, especially after an intense night battle, would have been immense, underscoring the extreme fatigue implied by "faint."
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is **Perseverance and Endurance**, highlighting the unwavering commitment required to see a divine mission through to its completion, even when physically depleted. It illustrates that God's miraculous intervention does not negate the need for human effort and tenacity. Another theme is **Faith in God's Sustaining Power**; Gideon and his men's ability to continue despite exhaustion points to a reliance on a strength beyond their own, echoing the principle that God's power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Completing the Task**, emphasizing that partial victory is not enough when a divine mandate is given. Gideon's relentless pursuit ensures the full deliverance of Israel from Midianite oppression, demonstrating responsible leadership that prioritizes the ultimate objective over immediate comfort or rest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faint (Hebrew, _'ayef'_):** This Hebrew word (עָיֵף) denotes a state of profound weariness, exhaustion, or being utterly spent. It suggests not merely being tired but having reached the limits of physical and perhaps even mental endurance. The term implies a depletion of strength, often associated with thirst or hunger, making the continued pursuit an act of sheer will and determination rather than physical capacity.
* **Pursuing (Hebrew, _radaph'_):** The Hebrew verb (רָדַף) means to chase, to follow after, or to pursue relentlessly. It implies an active, determined, and often aggressive pursuit of an object or enemy. In this context, it signifies Gideon's unwavering commitment to track down and eliminate the remaining Midianite leadership, demonstrating that despite their physical state, their objective remained firmly in sight and their will to achieve it was unbroken.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Gideon came to Jordan, [and] passed over, he, and the three hundred men that [were] with him":** This clause establishes the geographical progression of Gideon's pursuit. The crossing of the Jordan River marks a significant step, moving from the immediate battleground in the Jezreel Valley into the Transjordanian territory where the Midianite kings had fled. The mention of "the three hundred men" reiterates the small, divinely chosen size of his army, emphasizing that this continued pursuit was not due to overwhelming numbers but unwavering resolve.
* **"faint":** This single word powerfully conveys the physical condition of Gideon and his men. After a night of intense battle, blowing trumpets, breaking pitchers, and then a prolonged chase, they were utterly exhausted. This state of fatigue highlights the human cost of their obedience and the immense challenge they faced, making their subsequent action all the more remarkable.
* **"yet pursuing [them]":** This phrase, introduced by the conjunction "yet," creates a striking contrast with "faint." Despite their extreme exhaustion, their will to continue the pursuit remained undiminished. It speaks to a deep sense of purpose, a commitment to complete the task God had given them, and perhaps a reliance on divine strength to overcome their physical limitations. This juxtaposition is the heart of the verse's message.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Juxtaposition** to create a vivid and impactful image. The contrasting states of being "faint" (physical exhaustion) and "yet pursuing" (active determination) are placed side-by-side, highlighting the remarkable resolve of Gideon and his men. This creates a powerful **Paradox**, where weakness is shown to coexist with strength, and weariness does not impede progress. The narrative also uses **Conciseness** to deliver a profound message in very few words, allowing the reader to grasp the immense effort and commitment involved. Furthermore, the scene functions as a **Metaphor** for the spiritual journey, where believers are often called to persevere through trials and weariness, relying on a strength beyond their own.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 8:4 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of perseverance in God's service. It teaches that while God grants miraculous victories, He also calls His people to diligent, often arduous, follow-through. The "faint, yet pursuing" motif illustrates that divine empowerment does not negate human effort or the reality of physical and spiritual exhaustion. Instead, it demonstrates that true faith is not merely about experiencing initial triumphs but about enduring through the weariness that inevitably accompanies sustained obedience and warfare, trusting that God will sustain the faithful to complete His purposes. This verse encourages believers to press on even when their resources are depleted, knowing that their weakness can become the canvas for God's strength to be perfectly displayed.

* [Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Not Growing Weary in Doing Good")
* [Hebrews 12:1-3](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1-3 - Running the Race with Perseverance")
* [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Pressing On Toward the Goal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The image of Gideon and his men, "faint, yet pursuing," resonates deeply with the realities of the Christian life. Our spiritual journey is not always a series of mountaintop experiences; it often involves long stretches of weariness, opposition, and the quiet, persistent effort required to fulfill God's calling. There will be times when we feel spiritually exhausted, emotionally drained, or physically depleted by the demands of life, ministry, or ongoing spiritual battles. This verse reminds us that true faithfulness is demonstrated not by never feeling faint, but by continuing to pursue God's will and purpose even when we are. It calls us to draw upon a strength beyond our own, trusting that the same God who granted the initial victory will provide the endurance to see His work through to completion. Our perseverance in prayer, service, resisting temptation, and walking in obedience, even when weary, becomes a powerful testimony to God's sustaining grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or spiritual journey do you currently feel "faint"?**
* **What "pursuit" has God called you to that requires perseverance despite your weariness?**
* **How does Gideon's example encourage you to rely on God's strength when your own resources are depleted?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "pursue" God's will even when you feel exhausted?**

### FAQ
**Why were Gideon and his men "faint" but still pursuing?**

Answer: Gideon and his 300 men were "faint" due to the immense physical demands of their recent activities. They had just completed a miraculous, divinely orchestrated night battle against the vast Midianite and Amalekite forces ([Judges 7:19-22](/judges/7-19 "Judges 7:19-22 - The Rout of Midian")). This would have involved intense physical exertion, psychological strain, and likely no rest. Following this initial victory, they immediately launched into a relentless pursuit of the fleeing enemy kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and their remaining forces. This pursuit would have covered significant ground, crossing the Jordan River, without time for food, water, or sleep. Their continued "pursuing" despite being "faint" highlights their extraordinary commitment to God's mission, Gideon's determined leadership, and their reliance on divine strength to complete the task of fully subduing Midian. It underscores the principle that God's work often requires human perseverance beyond natural limits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "faint, yet pursuing" motif of Judges 8:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Gideon pursued earthly enemies with physical exhaustion, Christ undertook a spiritual pursuit of cosmic redemption, enduring unimaginable suffering and weariness for the salvation of humanity. He was the ultimate "faint, yet pursuing" one, bearing the weight of the world's sin and the wrath of God, yet resolutely pressing on towards the cross. In Gethsemane, He was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus in Gethsemane")), sweating drops of blood, a vivid picture of being "faint." Yet, He pursued the Father's will, praying, "not my will, but yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). On the cross, utterly depleted, He cried out, "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")), signifying the complete and perfect fulfillment of His mission. Unlike Gideon, whose victory required ongoing human effort, Christ's pursuit culminated in a finished work that secures eternal victory for all who believe, demonstrating that His perseverance was not merely human endurance but divine, salvific determination that brings rest to the weary.

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

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.