Judges Chapter 8
A great victory had just occurred for the people of Israel over their oppressors the Midianites. But this victory was not enough for the tribe of Ephraim. The men of Ephraim were upset with Gideon that they had not been called to fight in the battle from the beginning. Apparently, they had not gotten the memo that God had told Gideon to reduce the size of his army down to just 300 men. But when we look back to the ending verses of chapter 7 it was the men from the tribe of Ephraim, as well as some other tribes, who were called out to help with the pursuit of the fleeing Midianites. And it was the men of Ephraim who were credited with capturing and decapitating the two princes of the Midian people.
Gideon seemed to know just how to handle the indignation of these men. He praised them for their glorious conquering of Midianites, and this seemed to calm them down. Oddly though, they did not go with Gideon and his army of 300 to finish pursuing the Midianites and their two kings. Gideon crossed over the Jordan River in pursuit with his small loyal army of 300 who were exhausted.
Let's Reflect
1. The army of Gideon needed substance. They had been fighting and running after the Midianites for many miles. Now on the other side (eastern side) of the Jordan River they entered the town of Succoth in the territory of the Israel tribe of Gad. How did the officials treat the request of Gideon?
2. The same treatment was given to Gideon when they entered the town of Penuel. What promises did Gideon make to Succoth and Penuel when he returned after capturing the kings of Midian?
3. According to verse 10 how many men were left of Midian who were with the two kings Zebah and Zalmunna? How many of the Midian army had Gideon’s army already taken out?
4. Verse 12 tells us that the surprise attach of Gideon did what to the army of Midian?
5. Gideon also captured the two kings and brought them with him when he went back to Succoth and Penuel. Gideon would bring down the pride of both towns. The pride of Succoth was the men or officials who ran the town, and the pride of Penuel was their tower. Gideon secured the names of all the officials of Succoth by making a young man write down all their names. How many names did he record?
6. Gideon destroyed the men of pride in Penuel and their tower. He was about to take the life of the two Midian kings, but he had a question he first wanted answered. What was his rhetorical question? The question was rhetorical because he already knew the answer.
7. After Gideon had finished annihilating the Midianites he did something peculiar, he created an ephod decorated with the spoils of war. And ephod is a vest-like garment that the priests wore. It is not known whether Gideon wore this ephod or just had it on display. Either way it was an item that had a lot of gold on it and the Bible says that it became an item that did what to Gideon and his family?
8. The Bible also talks about the fact that Gideon slipped into sexual lust for women. He had several wives and concubines. The verses seem to indicate that Gideon in his older years as judge in Israel let all his victories and wealth become his priority. Despite his indiscretions, God allowed Israel to have rest from oppression of outside peoples. How long did the rest last for Israel?
9. What did the people of Israel do once Gideon had passed away?
