Why were the men of Ephraim angry with Gideon in this passage?

The men of Ephraim felt left out and insulted because Gideon had not called them at the start of the fight with Midian. They wanted the honor of leading and were jealous, so they spoke sharply to Gideon, asking why he had treated them this way. Their reaction shows how pride and desire for status can stir up conflict even after God has given victory. Instead of rejoicing that the enemy was defeated, they focused on their own importance and how they thought they had been slighted.

How did Gideon calm Ephraim’s anger, and what does that show about his leadership?

Gideon answered Ephraim with gentle, humble words. He said, “What have I done now in comparison of you?” and compared their work to a rich “gleaning” that was better than his own “vintage.” He reminded them that God had given them the princes Oreb and Zeeb, making their role look greater than his. This answer turned away their anger. It shows that wise leadership does not grab credit but is willing to lower itself, point to God’s work, and honor others to keep peace among God’s people.

What does the phrase “faint, yet pursuing” tell us about Gideon and his men?

“Faint, yet pursuing” describes Gideon and his 300 men as they crossed the Jordan. They were exhausted and hungry from chasing the Midianites, yet they kept going because the work God gave them was not finished. This short phrase paints a picture of weary obedience: they did not stop just because they were tired. It encourages readers to see that serving God often involves pressing on when strength is low, trusting Him to carry us as we keep going in the path He has set.

Why did the leaders of Succoth and Penuel refuse to give bread to Gideon’s men?

The leaders of Succoth and Penuel refused to give bread because they were afraid and did not trust Gideon would win. They asked if Zebah and Zalmunna were already in Gideon’s hand, meaning they wanted proof of victory before risking anything. Their answer showed selfishness and a lack of faith. Instead of helping their own brothers who were worn out in battle, they cared more about their safety and standing with the enemy if Gideon failed. Their refusal turned a simple request for help into open disrespect toward God’s appointed deliverer.

Why did Gideon punish Succoth and Penuel so harshly after taking Zebah and Zalmunna?

Gideon had warned both Succoth and Penuel that when the Lord gave him Zebah and Zalmunna, he would return and punish them. When he came back with the captured kings, their unbelief and scorn were exposed. They had refused help to God’s weary fighters and mocked Gideon’s trust in God. Gideon then used thorns and briers to teach the elders of Succoth and tore down Penuel’s tower, killing the men of the city. This shows that despising God’s help and abandoning His people in their work is not a small thing but a serious offense that brings judgment.

Who were Zebah and Zalmunna, and why did Gideon kill them?

Zebah and Zalmunna were kings of Midian, leaders of the enemy army that had long oppressed Israel. Gideon chased them down and captured them after the main battle. When Gideon questioned them, he learned, or had confirmed, that they had killed his own brothers at Tabor, men who “resembled the children of a king.” Gideon told them that if they had spared his brothers, he would have spared them. Because they had shed innocent blood and led Israel’s oppressors, Gideon put them to death, carrying out justice for their violence and cruelty.

Why did Gideon ask his son Jether to kill Zebah and Zalmunna, and why did Jether hesitate?

Gideon told his firstborn son Jether to rise and kill Zebah and Zalmunna, likely to honor his family and show that these enemies fell not only to Gideon but to his house. However, Jether did not draw his sword. He was still young and afraid to carry out an execution, especially of powerful kings. The kings then urged Gideon himself to strike them, saying, “As the man is, so is his strength.” Gideon then killed them. This moment shows both the weight of judgment and the natural fear a youth might feel facing such a task.

What does this passage teach about pride, faith, and God’s justice?

This passage sets pride and faith side by side. Ephraim’s pride leads to angry words, which Gideon must calm with humility. Succoth and Penuel’s fear and lack of faith in God’s help lead them to refuse aid, bringing punishment on them. Gideon’s trust in God keeps him moving forward when tired and when others doubt him. God’s justice is seen in the fall of Zebah and Zalmunna, who had shed innocent blood, and in the discipline of Israelite towns that would not stand with God’s work. It warns against pride and unbelief, and it honors humble, steady obedience.

Judg.8.1

Judges 8:1

KJV

And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.

Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna

And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.

And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.

¶ And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

¶ And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army?

And Gideon said, Therefore when the Lord hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

¶ And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him.

And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

¶ Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.

¶ And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

¶ And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?

And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth.

And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

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.

And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.

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.

Cross References

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