“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.”
Context:The Book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history when the nation was governed by judges, who acted as deliverers and leaders. Gideon was one of these judges. The passage takes place after Gideon and his army of 300 men defeated the Midianites with God’s help.
Zebah and Zalmunna:These were two Midianite kings who had oppressed the Israelites for years. Gideon’s victory over them marked a turning point in the struggle against the Midianites.
The Offer of Zebah and Zalmunna:In this verse, Zebah and Zalmunna, realizing they had been defeated, made a desperate plea to Gideon. They asked him to rise and fall upon them, implying they preferred to be killed by Gideon’s hand rather than being captured and humiliated.
Gideon’s Response:Gideon, as the leader and judge of Israel, rose to the occasion. He accepted the challenge and executed Zebah and Zalmunna personally. By doing so, he completed the victory and eliminated the immediate threat from the Midianites.
Significance of the Act:Gideon’s act of killing Zebah and Zalmunna demonstrated his authority as a judge and the strength that God had given him. It also brought a sense of justice and closure to the conflict with the Midianites.
The Ornaments on the Camels:After slaying the Midianite kings, Gideon took the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks. These ornaments likely included jewellery, precious metals, and other valuable items. This act symbolised the spoils of victory and served as a tangible evidence of Gideon’s triumph over the Midianites.
Lessons and Applications:
- God’s Strength in Weakness:Gideon’s victory over the Midianites with only 300 men emphasised God’s power working through human weakness. It serves as a reminder that we should not underestimate what God can accomplish through us when we rely on His strength.
- Courage and Leadership:Gideon’s response to the plea of Zebah and Zalmunna demonstrates his courage and willingness to take decisive action as a leader. It encourages us to step up and face challenges head-on, trusting God to guide us.
- Completing the Task:Gideon’s act of killing the kings and taking the ornaments showed the importance of following through on what God has called us to do. It reminds us to persevere and finish the work God has entrusted to us.
- The Spoils of Victory:The ornaments taken by Gideon highlight the blessings that come from obedience and victory in God’s name. It serves as a reminder that when we align ourselves with God’s will and accomplish His purposes, He blesses us in various ways.
In summary, Judges 8:21 showcases Gideon’s response to the defeated Midianite kings’ plea, revealing his strength and leadership as a judge of Israel. This passage reminds us of God’s strength in our weakness, the importance of courage and completing the tasks God has given us, and the blessings that come from aligning ourselves with His will.
