Bible Commentary

Judges 8

Judges 8 — Overview

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

In this chapter we are told how Gideon pacified the Ephraimites, who complained because they were not sent unto to fight the Midianites, how he pursued the Midianites, until he took their two kings, and on his return chastised the men of Succoth and Penuel, because they refused to relieve his men with food as they were pursuing, how he slew the two kings of Midian, and after this conquest refused to take the government of Israel when offered him, how he requested of the Israelites the earrings they had taken from the Midianites, with which he in weakness made an ephod, which proved a snare to his house, how that the people were in peace forty years during his life, and that he had a numerous issue, and died in a good old age, but that after his death the Israelites fell into idolatry, and were ungrateful to his family, .

Ver. 1. And the men of Ephraim said unto him,.... To Gideon, when they brought him the heads of Oreb and Zeeb; taking this to be a proper opportunity to expostulate and chide with him, when they had done so much service:why hast thou served us thus; neglected them, overlooked them, which they took as a reproach to them, and as if he had bore them ill will:that thou calledst us not when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites?

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Judges 8 — OverviewJudges 8 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThis chapter gives us a further account of Gideon's victory over the Midianites, with the residue of the story of his life and government. I. Gideon prudently pacifies the offended Ephraimites, ver. 1-3. II. He…Judges 8 — OverviewJudges 8 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeJudges 8:1, Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites; Judges 8:4, Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon’s army; Judges 8:10, Zebah and Zalmunna are taken; Judges 8:13, Succoth and Penuel are destroyed; Judges 8:17, Gideon…Judges 8:1-3Judges 8:1-3 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleNo sooner were the Midianites, the common enemy, subdued, than, through the violence of some hot spirits, the children of Israel were ready to quarrel among themselves; an unhappy spark was struck, which, if…Judges 8:1Judges 8:1 · Treasury of Scripture Knowledgethe men: Judges 12:1-6; 2 Samuel 19:41; Job 5:2; Ecclesiastes 4:4; James 4:5-6 Why: etc. Heb. What thing is this thou hast done unto us, sharply. Heb. strongly.Judges 8:2Judges 8:2 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeWhat: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:14-15; Philippians 2:2-3; James 1:19-20, James 3:13-18 Is not the: That is, the Ephraimites have performed more important services than Gideon and his men had achieved. Abiezer:…Judges 8:2Judges 8:2 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd he said unto them,.... In a very mild and gentle manner, giving soft words, which turn away wrath:what have I done in comparison of you? he and his men, he signifies, had only blew trumpets, broke pitchers, and held…