Judges 8:18

¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they; each one resembled the children of a king.

Then said {H559} he unto Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, What {H375} manner of men {H582} were they whom ye slew {H2026} at Tabor {H8396}? And they answered {H559}, As thou {H3644} art, so were they; each one {H259} resembled {H8389} the children {H1121} of a king {H4428}.

Then he said to Zevach and Tzalmuna, "Tell me about the men you killed at Tavor." They answered, "They looked like you, like a king's sons."

Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.”

Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

Commentary

Judges 8:18 captures a pivotal moment in Gideon’s pursuit of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, after their defeat. Here, Gideon confronts them about men they killed at Tabor, revealing a personal dimension to his campaign.

Context

This verse immediately follows Gideon's capture of the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, having pursued them relentlessly across the desert (Judges 8:4-12). The question Gideon poses is not merely out of curiosity but serves to uncover a personal grievance that will justify the kings' execution. Tabor is a significant mountain in Israel, and the slaying of men there by the Midianites points to a previous raid or massacre that affected Gideon directly. This moment transitions from Israel's national deliverance to Gideon's personal justice.

Key Themes

  • Personal Vengeance and Justice: While Gideon's initial call was to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression (Judges 6:14), this verse reveals a deeply personal motivation for his actions. The slain men at Tabor turn out to be his own brothers (Judges 8:19), turning the pursuit into an act of blood vengeance, a recognized form of justice in ancient Israel.
  • The Stature of Leaders: The Midianite kings' response, "As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king," highlights the noble appearance and perhaps the inherent leadership qualities of Gideon’s slain brothers. This description not only flatters Gideon but also underscores the significance of the men who were killed, elevating the gravity of the Midianites' crime. It suggests a shared regal or distinguished bearing.
  • Consequences of Oppression: The Midianites, who had long oppressed Israel, now face the full consequences of their actions, including past atrocities like the slaying of Gideon's brothers. This serves as a stark reminder of divine retribution and the ultimate defeat of those who defy God and oppress His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "resembled the children of a king" (KJV) or "had the appearance of sons of a king" (ESV) in Hebrew is b'nei melekh (בְּנֵי מֶלֶךְ). This does not necessarily mean they were literal royalty but implies they possessed a remarkable dignity, noble bearing, strength, and perhaps a striking physical presence that set them apart. It suggests a high status or distinguished appearance, consistent with Gideon's own character as a "mighty man of valour" (Judges 6:12).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that conflict often carries deep personal costs, beyond national or strategic objectives. It speaks to the human element of justice and vengeance, and how personal grievances can fuel or shape significant events. For believers, it highlights the importance of understanding the motivations behind actions, while also seeking divine justice rather than purely personal retribution. The dignified description of Gideon's brothers also underscores the value of every human life, especially those of noble character, and the lasting impact of their loss.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 4:6 (4 votes)

    And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, [saying], Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

  • Psalms 89:12 (2 votes)

    The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.

  • Jude 1:16 (2 votes)

    These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

  • Psalms 12:2 (2 votes)

    They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.