Judges 8:21

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man [is, so is] his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that [were] on their camels' necks.

Then Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759} said {H559}, Rise {H6965} thou, and fall {H6293} upon us: for as the man {H376} is, so is his strength {H1369}. And Gideon {H1439} arose {H6965}, and slew {H2026} Zebah {H2078} and Zalmunna {H6759}, and took away {H3947} the ornaments {H7720} that were on their camels {H1581}' necks {H6677}.

Then Zevach and Tzalmuna said, "You, do it. You, kill us. Let a grown man do what takes a grown man's strength." So Gid'on got up and killed Zevach and Tzalmuna; then he took the ornamental crescents from around their camels' necks.

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Get up and kill us yourself, for as the man is, so is his strength.” So Gideon got up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and he took the crescent ornaments from the necks of their camels.

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us; for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks.

Commentary

Context of Judges 8:21

This verse marks the climax of Gideon's campaign against the Midianites, specifically the execution of their two kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. After a miraculous victory orchestrated by God with a small army of 300 men (Judges 7:22), Gideon pursued the fleeing kings and captured them. Earlier, Zebah and Zalmunna admitted to killing Gideon's own brothers at Tabor (Judges 8:18-19), giving Gideon a personal and familial motive for their execution beyond simply being enemies of Israel. The scene unfolds with the kings requesting a swift, honorable death.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The execution of Zebah and Zalmunna serves as a powerful demonstration of God's justice against those who oppressed Israel and personally wronged Gideon's family. It underscores the principle that wickedness has consequences.
  • The Nature of Strength and Manhood: The Midianite kings' plea, "Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man [is, so is] his strength," is a fascinating cultural insight. It suggests a belief that a swift, decisive death should be delivered by a strong, mature warrior, not a fearful youth. They likely preferred an honorable death at the hands of a formidable leader like Gideon, rather than the indignity of being killed by his inexperienced son, Jether, whom Gideon initially commanded. This worldly wisdom contrasts with the biblical truth that God often uses the weak to shame the strong.
  • Gideon's Resolve and Leadership: Despite his initial hesitations and need for signs earlier in the narrative, Gideon demonstrates unwavering resolve in fulfilling his mission. He personally carries out the execution, signifying the complete triumph over Midianite oppression.
  • Spoils of War: The taking of "ornaments that were on their camels' necks" symbolizes the complete defeat and plunder of the enemy. These were likely valuable, possibly crescent-shaped decorations or talismans, indicative of Midianite wealth and pagan practices (Judges 8:26).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase, "for as the man [is, so is] his strength," reflects an ancient understanding of dignity and power. The Midianite kings were essentially saying, "Be a man of strength, and kill us with the decisive blow expected of a great warrior." The Hebrew word for "ornaments" (saharonim) used elsewhere in this chapter (Judges 8:26) specifically refers to crescent-shaped decorations, which were common adornments for camels and people in the ancient Near East, sometimes carrying religious or superstitious significance.

Practical Application

Judges 8:21 reminds us that God often calls His servants to complete difficult tasks, even those that are unpleasant or require firm resolve. Gideon's actions here bring a definitive end to a period of oppression, highlighting the importance of seeing God's purposes through to completion. It also serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate consequences for those who persistently oppose God and His people, while also showcasing the personal cost and responsibility of leadership in times of conflict.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 83:11 (4 votes)

    Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:

  • Isaiah 3:18 (3 votes)

    In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of [their] tinkling ornaments [about their feet], and [their] cauls, and [their] round tires like the moon,

  • Judges 8:26 (3 votes)

    And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred [shekels] of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that [was] on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that [were] about their camels' necks.

  • 1 Samuel 31:5 (2 votes)

    And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.

  • 1 Samuel 31:3 (2 votes)

    And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.

  • Judges 9:54 (2 votes)

    Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. And his young man thrust him through, and he died.

  • Psalms 83:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Song [or] Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.