Judges 8:2

And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? [Is] not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

And he said {H559} unto them, What have I done {H6213} now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning {H5955} of the grapes of Ephraim {H669} better {H2896} than the vintage {H1210} of Abiezer {H44}?

He answered by saying to them, "How can what I have done be compared with what you have done? Aren't the grapes Efrayim leaves on the vines better than the ones Avi'ezer harvests?

But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?

And he said unto them, What have I now done in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 8:2

In Judges 8:2, we find Gideon, the deliverer of Israel, responding with remarkable humility and wisdom to the indignant men of Ephraim. After Gideon's decisive victory over the Midianites, the tribe of Ephraim, known for its strength and prominence among the Israelite tribes, felt slighted because they were not called to join the battle from its outset. Their complaint was fierce and accusatory.

Context and Background

Following God's miraculous reduction of Gideon's army to only 300 men, a small but mighty force achieved a resounding victory over the vast Midianite host (Judges 7:22). As the Midianites fled, Gideon called upon other tribes, including Ephraim, to pursue them. The men of Ephraim intercepted the fleeing Midianites, capturing and killing their princes, Oreb and Zeeb (Judges 7:25). Despite this crucial contribution, their pride was wounded by not being involved from the beginning, leading to their angry confrontation with Gideon.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility and Diplomacy: Gideon's response is a masterclass in conflict resolution. Instead of defending himself or becoming angry, he de-escalates the situation with sincere humility and flattery. He acknowledges Ephraim's perceived importance and validates their contribution.
  • Valuing Others' Contributions: The core of Gideon's argument is the rhetorical question: "Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?"
    • Gleaning refers to the small leftovers after the main harvest, while vintage is the full, abundant harvest.
    • Abiezer was Gideon's own family clan within the tribe of Manasseh.
    • Gideon is essentially saying that even Ephraim's *post-battle cleanup* (capturing the princes) was more significant and valuable than his own clan's *entire main effort* (the initial victory). This extreme compliment disarmed Ephraim's anger.
  • Preventing Strife and Promoting Unity: Gideon's wisdom prevented a potential internal tribal conflict that could have undermined the unity necessary for Israel's continued deliverance and stability. His focus was on the greater good rather than personal vindication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms for "gleaning" (עוֹלְלֹת, 'ol'lōth) and "vintage" (בָּצִיר, bātsîr) vividly convey the agricultural metaphor. "Gleaning" implies the small, seemingly insignificant remnants, while "vintage" refers to the full, primary harvest. By comparing Ephraim's "gleaning" to his own clan's "vintage," Gideon dramatically elevates Ephraim's role, diffusing their resentment.

Practical Application

Gideon's response in Judges 8:2 offers timeless lessons for leadership and personal interactions:

  • De-escalation: When faced with unwarranted criticism or anger, a humble and validating response can often disarm an opponent more effectively than defensiveness.
  • Valuing Contributions: Recognizing and affirming the efforts of others, even if they seem minor in comparison to one's own, fosters goodwill and cooperation.
  • Prioritizing Peace: Sometimes, laying aside personal pride for the sake of peace and unity is the wisest course of action, especially in collective endeavors or within a community. This principle is echoed in passages about living peaceably with all men.
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Cross-References

  • James 3:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

  • James 3:18 (2 votes)

    And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

  • Judges 6:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which [was] in Ophrah, that [pertained] unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide [it] from the Midianites.

  • Judges 6:34 (2 votes)

    But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him.

  • James 1:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

  • James 1:20 (2 votes)

    For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4 (2 votes)

    ¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,