In this chapter, Gideon kills the remaining 15,000 warriors and the two kings of Midian. And after 40 years of peace and the death of Gideon, the Israelites, again, made Baal their god.
The chapter begins, “Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon. But Gideon replied, “What have I done compared to you? Aren’t the last grapes of Ephraim’s harvest better than the entire crop of my little clan of Abiezer? God gave you victory over Oreb and Zeeb, the generals of the Midianite army. What have I done compared to that?” When the men of Ephraim heard Gideon’s answer, they were no longer angry.” (Judges 8:1-3)
Crossing the Jordan River, Gideon and his 300 exhausted men continued chasing the Midianites. “When they reached Succoth, Gideon asked the leaders of the town, “Will you please give my warriors some food? They are very tired. I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” But the leaders of Succoth replied, “You haven’t caught Zebah and Zalmunna yet. Catch them first, and then we will feed your warriors.” So Gideon said, “After the Lord gives me victory over Zebah and Zalmunna, I will return and tear your flesh with the thorns and briers of the wilderness.” (Judges 8:5-7)
Leaving Succoth, Gideon went to Peniel and, again, asked for food, but received the same answer. Gideon then told the people of Peniel he would tear down their tower when he returned in victory. “By this time Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with a remnant of 15,000 warriors -- all that remained of the allied armies of the east -- for 120,000 had already been killed.” (Judges 8:10) Wow! Gideon and his 300 men killed 120,000 warriors! How is that even possible??? God...that’s how! Lord, you are amazing!!!
Gideon surprised, chased, and captured the 15,000 warriors, and eventually killed the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. He also returned to Succoth and Peniel, and did what he said he was going to do -- punishing the leaders with thorns and briers, and knocking down the tower of Peniel before killing the men in the town.
For the rest of Gideon’s life (40 years), the land was at peace. During this peace Gideon was fruitful and produced 70 sons from many wives, and one son named Abimelech from a concubine in Shechem. As soon as Gideon died, the Israelites began worshiping images of Baal, forgetting how the Lord rescued them from their surrounding enemies.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to never abandon you! Keep our memory sharp...that we will never forget the blessings and victories you provide us with daily. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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