“And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.”
This verse is part of the account of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites. After God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men. However, God instructed him to reduce the number of soldiers in order to demonstrate His power. Eventually, only 300 men remained. In Judges 8:19, we find Gideon engaged in battle with the Midianites. The verse refers to an earlier encounter between Gideon and two Midianite leaders, Oreb and Zeeb, whom he captured. Gideon discovered that these leaders had killed his brothers, and when confronted about it, they admitted their guilt. This verse reveals an aspect of Gideon’s character. Despite his triumph over the Midianites and the opportunity to take revenge, Gideon did not allow personal vengeance to cloud his judgment. Instead, he acknowledged that the Lord was the one who gave him victory over his enemies.
Family bonds:Gideon refers to the Midianite leaders as his “brethren” because they were fellow Israelites, albeit enemies. This reminds us of the importance of familial relationships and the recognition of common heritage.
Restraint and justice:Gideon’s response demonstrates a degree of self‑restraint. Instead of impulsively seeking personal revenge, he trusts in God’s justice. He leaves the punishment of the Midianite leaders in God’s hands and refrains from taking matters into his own hands.
Trust in the Lord:Gideon’s statement, “as the LORD liveth,” affirms his faith in God’s existence and power. He recognizes that his victory came from the Lord and acknowledges the sovereignty of God in matters of life and death.
Honoring God’s deliverance:Gideon emphasizes the significance of God’s intervention. He tells the Midianite leaders that if they had not killed his brothers, he would not have taken their lives. This statement underscores the idea that Gideon recognized the Lord’s hand in his victory and the divine purpose behind it.
In this verse, Gideon’s response reveals his character as a leader who seeks justice, acknowledges God’s sovereignty, and prioritizes the fulfillment of God’s purposes over personal revenge. It serves as an example for us to trust in God’s justice, exercise self‑control, and honor God’s role in our victories.
It is important to note that the Bible contains various accounts that reflect the historical and cultural contexts in which they were written. As we study these passages, we should consider the broader themes and principles they convey, seeking to apply them to our lives today while also being mindful of the full biblical narrative and the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
