SCRIPTURE: JUDGES 8
ZEBAH AND ZALMUNNA (vs. 1-210
While Gideon was still pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, he told the men of Succoth to give him some bread. But they refused. The he made the same request to the men of Peniel but they also refused. So he said: “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower” (v. 9). Zebah and Zalmunna had a force of fifteen thousand men but Gideon went and captured them routing their entire army. While returning from the battle, Gideon caught a young man and questioned him. The man wrote down for him the name of the 77 officials os Succoth. the elders of the town. Then Gideon took the elders of the town and pushed them with desert thorns and briers. he also pulled down the town of Peniel and killed the men of the town. Then he also killed Zebah and zalmunna and took the ornaments off their camel’s necks.
GIDEON’S EPHOD (vs. 22-27)
The Israelites wanted Gideon to rule over them but Gideon said: “I will not rule over you nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you” (v. 23). And he made a request that each one of them give him an earning from their share of plunder. So they gave their gold rings that total 17 hundred shekels. Gideon made the gold into an Ephod and placed in his town Ophrah. All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it then.
GIDEON’S DEATH (vs. 28-35)
After the Midianites were subdued, the Israelites enjoyed peace for 40 years. The son of Joash, Jerub-Baal had many wives with a total of 70 sons. His concubine bore him a son named Abimelech that caused the family problems.
Gideon died at old age and was buried in the tomb of his father Joash in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. After Gideon died, the Israelites against prostituted themselves to Baal. They worship Bal-Berith as their god. They totally forgot the Lord their God of how He had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies. They also failed to show kindness to the family of Gideon for all the good things he had done.
THOUGHTS:
The Ephraimites were angry with Gideon because they were left out and did not share in the glory. But Gideon tactfully gave them the “soft answer” to heal the wounds and prevent division. He explained diplomatically that their accomplishment was greater than his own clan Abiezer. We should learn to avoid conflict by being patient and careful in dealing those who oppose us.
The people wanted to make Gideon their king but Gideon stressed that the Lord is to rule over them. Gideon never lost sight of putting God first. How about you? Is God first in your life?
Gideon asked for a generous share of the loot to make into an ephod as a remembrance to commemorate the victory. Unfortunately, it led the nation into idolatry and apostasy. The whole nation forsook God and worshiped the new god. Many times, decisions stem from good intention produces negative results. So when we plan or make decision, take time to anticipate that a good idea may lead to a potential problem.
The relation between a concubine produced a son that tore apart Gideon’s family and caused tragedy to the nation. Beware of moral laxness that will cause problem. we need to be constantly watchful against temptation. Satan always attacks us after a victory.