The Call of Gideon and the Signs of Faith
Judges 6:1-40
Jud.6.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרע: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judg 2:11 (verbal): Uses the same refrain 'the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD' that frames the cyclical pattern of sin and punishment in Judges.
- Judg 2:14 (verbal): Like Judg 6:1 it reports God handing Israel over to raiders/spoilers as punishment ('he delivered them into the hands of...'), reflecting the same causative formula.
- Judg 3:8 (thematic): God delivers Israel into the hand of an oppressor for a fixed term (eight years) after their evil—parallel example of the sin→oppression→deliverance pattern.
- Judg 4:3 (structural): Similarly records Israel's evil, the LORD selling them into the hand of an enemy, and a numbered period of oppression (twenty years), mirroring the structural framework of Judg 6:1.
- Deut 28:25 (allusion): Echoes Deuteronomic covenant theology: disobedience brings curses including being given into the hands of foes—background theological rationale for Judges' deliveries into enemies' hands.
Alternative generated candidates
- The sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
- And the people of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.
Jud.6.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ותעז: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- המנהרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בהרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המערות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המצדות: NOUN,f,pl,def
Parallels
- Judg.6.1 (structural): Immediate context: introduces the Midianite oppression that leads into v.2’s description of Israelites hiding in dens, caves, and strongholds.
- 1 Sam.13.6 (verbal): Describes Israel hiding 'in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in high places, and in pits' when pressed by the Philistines—close verbal and situational parallel to the caves/strongholds of Judg 6:2.
- 1 Sam.22.1 (thematic): David and his followers flee to the cave of Adullam for refuge from enemies, reflecting the recurring theme of Israelites seeking caves and strongholds for safety.
- Isa.2.19 (allusion): Prophetic imagery of people entering 'the caves of the rocks' and hiding from terror parallels the motif of taking refuge in caves/strongholds in the face of a threatening foe.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the power of Midian prevailed over Israel because of Midian; and the people of Israel made for themselves the dens that are in the hills and the caves and the strongholds.
- And the power of Midian prevailed over Israel; because of Midian the people of Israel made for themselves dens in the mountains, caves, and strongholds.
Jud.6.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- זרע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועלה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמלק: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ועלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.6.4 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same episode describing how the Midianites, Amalekites and others would devastate the produce of the land—directly completes the action introduced in 6:3.
- Judg.2.14-15 (thematic): Shows the recurring Judges theme of Israel being delivered into the hands of raiders/enemies who plunder the land as punishment for covenant unfaithfulness.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-2 (thematic): Narrates Amalekite raids on settled Israelite territory (Ziklag), a similar pattern of raiding, plundering and taking spoil from the people.
- Exod.17:8-16 (allusion): Earliest Israelite encounter with Amalek—Amalek as perennial enemy who attacks Israel, providing background for later references to Amalekite raids.
- Num.31:1-3 (allusion): God’s command to take vengeance on Midian reflects ongoing hostile relations with Midianites and explains their role as aggressors against Israel in the wilderness and later periods.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whenever Israel sowed, Midian and Amalek and the people of the East would come up against them.
- Whenever Israel sowed, Midian and Amalek and the people of the East would come up against them.
Jud.6.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- וישחיתו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- יבול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עד: PREP
- בואך: NOUN,m,sg,construct+2,m,sg
- עזה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- ישאירו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מחיה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחמור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 6:3 (verbal): Immediate context: the previous verse describes the same Midianite/Amalekite raids and language about destroying the produce of the land and leaving no sustenance.
- Judges 6:6 (thematic): Summarizes the effect of the raids—Israel brought very low and crying out to the LORD—continuing the theme of devastation and national distress caused by the invaders.
- 1 Samuel 30:1-2 (thematic): Account of raiding bands (Amalekites) attacking Ziklag, burning towns and carrying off people and livestock—parallels the pattern of desert raiders devastating crops and animals.
- Deuteronomy 28:49 (allusion): Part of the covenant curses: a nation from far off will come and devour the produce of your land—serves as a theological background for foreign devastation in Israel’s history.
- Amos 4:9 (thematic): God’s judgments portrayed as destruction of gardens/vineyards and devouring of produce—echoes the motif of agricultural ruin and loss of livestock in exile/tribal suffering.
Alternative generated candidates
- They would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the land as far as Gaza; they left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey.
- They would encamp against them and destroy the produce of the land as far as Gaza; they left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor ass.
Jud.6.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- ומקניהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- יעלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ואהליהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- ובאו: VERB,qal,imp,2,mp
- כדי: CONJ
- ארבה: VERB,hif,impf,1,c,sg,NA
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולהם: CONJ+PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ולגמליהם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- אין: PART,neg
- מספר: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- לשחתה: PREP+VERB,qal,inf,0,f,sg+obj:3,f,sg
Parallels
- Joel 1:4 (thematic): Locusts/grasshoppers as an image of overwhelming devastation; Joel describes the land eaten and ruined by swarming insects, echoing the locust-like invasion in Judges 6:5.
- Exodus 10:12-15 (verbal): The plague of locusts that covered the land and consumed vegetation parallels the language of a swarm entering the land to destroy it (covering and devouring the ground).
- Numbers 13:33 (verbal): The spies’ simile ‘we seemed like grasshoppers’ uses the same grasshopper/locust imagery to express overwhelming numbers or relative smallness—verbal parallel to the ‘grasshopper’ comparison in Judges 6:5.
- Psalm 78:46 (thematic): Speaks of God sending locusts/consuming swarms to destroy crops and produce, thematically paralleling the depiction of invaders coming like locusts to devastate the land.
- Joel 2:25 (thematic): Refers to restoration for the years ‘the swarming locust has eaten,’ presupposing locust-devastation imagery similar to Judges 6:5’s description of the land ruined by a swarm-like invading force.
Alternative generated candidates
- For they and their camels came up with their tents and came in like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number; they came into the land to ravage it.
- For they and their camels came like swarms of locusts; their camels were without number; they came into the land to destroy it.
Jud.6.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאד: ADV
- מפני: PREP
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויזעקו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 3:9 (verbal): Same recurring phrase and action — “the children of Israel cried unto the LORD” (pattern of oppression and a cry for help that precedes divine deliverance).
- Judges 3:15 (verbal): Another instance in the book where Israel’s cry to the LORD leads to God raising a deliverer, reflecting the cyclical judge‑pattern found in Judges 6:6.
- Judges 10:10 (structural): Parallel cycle of oppression→Israel cries to the LORD→God responds with pity and raises a deliverer; same theological structure as Judges 6:6–7.
- Exodus 2:23–25 (thematic): Earliest Israelite example of suffering under enemies, crying out to God in distress, and God’s attentive response — establishes the motif used in the Judges narratives.
- Psalm 107:6 (verbal): Uses the language ‘they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them’ — a poetic reflection of the same cry‑and‑deliver theme found in Judges 6:6.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Israel was brought very low because of Midian; and the sons of Israel cried to the LORD.
- So Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the people of Israel cried unto the LORD.
Jud.6.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- זעקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- אדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.3.9 (verbal): Same formula — 'the children of Israel cried unto the LORD' when oppressed and God raises up a deliverer (Othniel); fits the Judges' cyclical pattern.
- Judg.10.10 (verbal): Israel again 'cried unto the LORD' under oppression; the language and situation closely parallel Judg.6:7 (confession, cry, divine response).
- Exod.2.23-24 (verbal): Early Israelite cry in bondage: 'they cried, and their cry came up unto God'; establishes the motif of communal lament and divine hearing.
- Judg.16.28 (thematic): Samson's personal cry to Yahweh in the midst of oppression/danger — a concentrated instance of the deliverance motif found throughout Judges.
- Ps.34.17 (thematic): ’The righteous cry, and the LORD hears’ — a theological parallel emphasizing that cries for help from the righteous/people elicit divine intervention.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the sons of Israel cried to the LORD on account of the Midianites,
- And it came to pass, when Israel cried unto the LORD because of Midian,
Jud.6.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נביא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- העליתי: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואציא: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 20:2 (verbal): Uses the same covenantal formula—'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage'—the foundational reminder invoked by judges and prophets.
- Deuteronomy 5:6 (verbal): Repeats the Exodus command-prefix wording as a covenantal claim ('I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt'), a stock formula later used by prophetic messengers.
- Judges 2:1-3 (structural): An earlier theophanic messenger recounts God’s action in bringing Israel out of Egypt and issues warnings—paralleling the summons/reminder function of the prophet in Judg 6:8.
- Amos 2:10 (thematic): The prophet Amos recalls God’s deliverance from Egypt ('I brought you up from the land of Egypt') as the basis for covenant accountability—similar use of the Exodus act as prophetic indictment.
- Jeremiah 7:22 (allusion): Jeremiah invokes God’s bringing Israel from Egypt to address what God actually commanded, echoing the motif of recalling the Exodus in prophetic rebuke and teaching.
Alternative generated candidates
- the LORD sent a prophet to the sons of Israel. He said to them, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I brought you up from Egypt, and I rescued you out of the house of bondage.
- that the LORD sent a prophet unto the people of Israel, and he said unto them, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage.
Jud.6.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואצל: PREP
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מיד: PREP
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ומיד: ADV
- כל: DET
- לחציכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואגרש: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- מפניכם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+SUF,2,m,pl
- ואתנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ארצם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 3:8 (verbal): God's promise to deliver Israel from oppression, bring them into a land 'flowing with milk and honey,' and 'drive out' its inhabitants parallels the language of delivering from enemies and giving the land.
- Deuteronomy 7:1-2 (thematic): When the LORD brings Israel into the land he will give them and deliver the nations into their hands so they may dispossess them—echoing the promise to expel oppressors and grant possession of the land.
- Joshua 21:44 (structural): Summary report of God's fulfillment: the LORD gave Israel rest and delivered their enemies into their hands so they possessed the land, reflecting the outcome promised in Judges 6:9.
- Leviticus 26:7-8 (thematic): A covenantal blessing that God will grant victory over enemies and cause them to fall before Israel, resonating with the promise to drive out oppressors and enable possession of the land.
Alternative generated candidates
- I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and I drove them out before you and gave you their land.
- I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out from before you and gave you their land.
Jud.6.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיכם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- תיראו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- האמרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- יושבים: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- בארצם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def,poss:3mp
- ולא: CONJ
- שמעתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בקולי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,prs:1,_,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 20:2-3 (verbal): Same covenant formula 'I am the LORD your God' followed by the prohibition against other gods — directly parallels 'I am the LORD your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites.'
- Deuteronomy 6:14 (verbal): Command not to follow or worship other gods of the surrounding peoples ('לא תלך אחרי אלהים אחרים') echoes the injunction against fearing the Amorite gods and disobeying God's voice.
- Deuteronomy 7:4 (thematic): Warning that the nations will turn Israel to other gods and cause them to serve foreign deities parallels the concern in Judges about Israel serving the gods of the Amorites and failing to obey God.
- Judges 2:11-13 (structural): Narrative pattern of Israel forsaking the LORD to serve Baal and the Ashtaroth and thus not heeding God mirrors the situation summarized in Judges 6:10 — persistent idolatry and disobedience provoking divine rebuke.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I said to you, 'I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.' Yet you did not listen to my voice."
- And I said unto you, I am the LORD your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. Yet you have not obeyed my voice.
Jud.6.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תחת: PREP
- האלה: DEM,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בעפרה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ליואש: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העזרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וגדעון: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- חבט: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בגת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להניס: VERB,hif,inf
- מפני: PREP
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 3:2 (verbal): Both verses describe an appearance of the 'angel of the LORD' in a theophanic setting — Exodus the burning bush, Judges the tree at Ophrah — using the same language of divine visitation.
- Genesis 18:1-3 (thematic): Theophanic visitation beside/shade of trees (oaks/terebinths) and an encounter between a patriarchal/household setting and divine messengers; similar spatial motif of a divine appearance at a tree.
- Judges 13:3-22 (thematic): Another appearance of the angel of the LORD announcing the birth/commission of a judge (Samson). Parallels include angelic visitation to the parents and the commissioning of a deliverer.
- Luke 1:26-38 (allusion): Angel (Gabriel) greets and commissions a chosen individual with a divine mission. The greeting/commission motif parallels the angelic announcement to Gideon that follows this verse.
- Ruth 3:2 (thematic): Use of the threshing floor (and related hidden/night activity) as a setting for vulnerable, secretive actions concerning household survival and future destiny — parallels Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite; and Gideon his son was beating out wheat in the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
- Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the oak that was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite; and Gideon his son was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.
Jud.6.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- גבור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- החיל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Luke 1:28 (verbal): An angelic salutation featuring the phrase 'the Lord is with you' (Greek: ὁ κύριος μετὰ σοῦ), paralleling the angel's address to Gideon.
- Joshua 1:9 (thematic): A command to be strong and courageous grounded in the promise 'for the LORD your God is with you,' echoing the encouragement implicit in calling Gideon a 'mighty man of valor.'
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): God's reassurance 'Fear not, for I am with you' resonates with the angelic announcement of God's presence that empowers Gideon against fear.
- Judges 6:14 (structural): Immediate narrative follow-up in the same pericope: after identifying Gideon as a valorous man, the LORD commissions him ('Go in this thy might'), showing continuity between the greeting and the call to action.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, "The LORD is with you, mighty man of valor."
- And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him and said unto him, The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.
Jud.6.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- ויש: CONJ+VERB,qal,pres,3,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ולמה: CONJ
- מצאתנו: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg,obj1pl
- כל: DET
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- ואיה: ADV,interr
- כל: DET
- נפלאתיו: NOUN,f,pl,const+PRON,3,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ספרו: VERB,qal,impv,2,_,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- אבותינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cp
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הלא: PART
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- העלנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj1pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועתה: CONJ
- נטשנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj1pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויתננו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj1pl
- בכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,construct
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 6:10 (quotation): God (through the prophet) says 'I brought you up from Egypt,' the very claim Gideon echoes when asking why the LORD has abandoned Israel—direct verbal and thematic overlap within the same narrative.
- Exodus 3:8 (verbal): God's promise to 'bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt' is the foundational deliverance Gideon cites ('Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?'), linking Israel's memory of redemption to their present complaint.
- Judges 2:14–15 (thematic): The Deuteronomistic cycle: Israel is given into the hands of enemies because of unfaithfulness. Gideon's charge that the LORD has 'given us into the hand of Midian' echoes this recurring pattern of abandonment and oppression.
- Psalm 44:9–12 (thematic): A communal lament accusing God of rejecting and handing the people over to foes ('You have rejected and humbled us, and do not go out with our armies'), paralleling Gideon's complaint about God's apparent absence and loss of former wonders.
- Deuteronomy 32:7 (allusion): The exhortation to 'remember the days of old; ask your father' and recall God's past deeds resonates with Gideon's reference to the wonders 'our fathers' recounted—invoking ancestral memory of God's past acts.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gideon said to him, "O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? Where are all his wondrous deeds that our fathers recounted, saying, 'Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?' Now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian."
- And Gideon said unto him, Oh my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? Where are all his wondrous deeds which our fathers told us of, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ Now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.
Jud.6.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפן: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בכחך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- זה: PRON,dem,m,sg
- והושעת: VERB,hiph,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלא: PART
- שלחתיך: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg,obj:2,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.6.12 (structural): Immediate narrative context: the angel's earlier appearance calls Gideon a 'mighty man of valour'—the commissioning in 6:14 follows that the LORD sends him to deliver Israel.
- Exod.3.10 (verbal): Divine commissioning language: 'Come, I will send you' parallels God's sending of Gideon to deliver his people.
- Jer.1.7 (verbal): Prophetic commission formula: 'to all to whom I send you, you shall go' echoes the motif of God sending a chosen agent despite apparent weakness.
- Josh.1.6-9 (thematic): Leadership commissioning with exhortation to courage and action—'be strong and courageous' and assume leadership to bring Israel into the land, akin to Gideon's call to act.
- Isa.6.8 (thematic): The sending motif: God's call/commission ('Whom shall I send?') and the human response highlight the pattern of divine commissioning found in Gideon's call to save Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this your strength and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do I not send you?"
- And the LORD looked upon him and said, Go in this your strength and save Israel from the hand of Midian; have I not sent you?
Jud.6.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- במה: PREP+PRON,interr
- אושיע: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- אלפי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- הדל: ADJ,m,sg,def
- במנשה: PREP,prop,sg
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- הצעיר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Exodus 3:11 (thematic): Moses responds to a divine call with doubt about his ability and status ('Who am I that I should go...?'), paralleling Gideon's expression of personal inadequacy.
- Exodus 4:10 (verbal): Moses cites a personal limitation ('I am slow of speech') as a reason he is unfit for the task, similar to Gideon's self-deprecating excuse for why he cannot save Israel.
- Jeremiah 1:6 (thematic): Jeremiah objects to his prophetic call because of his youth ('I cannot speak, for I am only a youth'), echoing Gideon's claim to be the youngest and thus ill-suited for leadership.
- 1 Samuel 9:21 (verbal): Saul emphasizes his low standing within his tribe ('Am I not a Benjamite, the least of the tribes?'), mirroring Gideon's remark that his family is the least in Manasseh.
- 1 Samuel 17:33 (thematic): Saul tells David he is only a youth compared to the seasoned Philistine warrior, reflecting the theme of apparent insignificance and youthfulness found in Gideon's protest.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to him, "O my LORD, with what shall I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house."
- And he said unto him, Oh my lord, how shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house.
Jud.6.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אהיה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- והכית: VERB,qal,perf,2,ms,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 3:12 (verbal): God's promise of personal presence to a reluctant leader — 'certainly I will be with thee' echoes the same assurance given to Moses.
- Joshua 1:5 (verbal): Divine pledge of continual presence and protection to Joshua — 'I will not fail thee nor forsake thee; I will be with thee' parallels the assurance given to Gideon.
- Deuteronomy 20:4 (thematic): Theme of Yahweh fighting on Israel's behalf — 'for the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you' corresponds to the promise that Gideon will defeat Midian as one man.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): Prophetic reassurance of God's presence and help — 'I am with you; fear not' resonates with the comfort given to Gideon facing overwhelming foes.
- Judges 7:7 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within Judges: God ensures victory with a reduced force — the victory over Midian is achieved by God's presence and action on behalf of Gideon.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD said to him, "I will be with you, and you shall strike Midian as one man."
- And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.
Jud.6.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- נא: PART
- מצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיניך: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const,2,ms
- ועשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שאתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- מדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- Judg.6.36-40 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: Gideon asks for and receives a sign (the fleece), developing the request in 6:17 for concrete proof that God is speaking to him.
- Exod.33.13 (verbal): Moses uses the same formula (“If now I have found favor in your sight…”) to petition God for assurance and guidance — a verbal and thematic parallel about seeking confirmation of divine favor/presence.
- Gen.18.3 (verbal): Abraham addresses divine visitors with the phrase “If now I have found favor in your sight…,” echoing the language of seeking favor/assurance before making a request.
- Isa.7.11 (thematic): God (through Isaiah) invites Ahaz to ask for a sign from the Lord — thematically parallel in the motif of requesting a divine sign to confirm God’s word.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said to him, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, show me a sign that it is you who speak with me."
- And Gideon said unto God, If I have found favor in your sight, show me a sign that it is you who speak with me.
Jud.6.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- נא: PART
- תמש: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- מזה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- באי: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,m,pl
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- והצאתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,*,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מנחתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1ms
- והנחתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,_,sg
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- אשב: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
- עד: PREP
- שובך: NOUN,m,sg,poss,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 18:1-8 (verbal): Abraham urges the heavenly visitors to ‘stay’ and prepares a meal, placing it before them — close verbal and thematic parallel of hospitality to a divine/messengers and setting food ‘before’ the guest.
- Judges 6:20-21 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: Gideon brings out the meat and unleavened cake, sets it before the angel, who consumes it by fire — completes the action requested in 6:18 and mirrors the same sacrificial/manifestation pattern.
- Judges 13:15-20 (verbal): Manoah asks the angel to remain so they can prepare a kid; a sacrifice is offered and the angel is taken up in the flame — nearly identical motif of requesting an angel to wait and offering food/sacrifice.
- Luke 24:29-31 (thematic): The Emmaus disciples urge the risen Jesus to ‘stay with us’; he stays, takes bread and breaks it, and their eyes are opened — thematically parallels hospitality to a divine guest leading to revelation at a shared meal.
- 1 Kings 19:5-8 (thematic): An angel ministers to Elijah, providing bread and water to strengthen him for a journey — shares the motif of a divine messenger and provision of food as sign/strengthening from God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you." And he said, "I will remain until you return."
- Do not depart from here, I pray you, until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you. And he said, I will tarry until you return.
Jud.6.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וגדעון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גדי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עזים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואיפת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קמח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הבשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שם: ADV
- בסל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמרק: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- שם: ADV
- בפרור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויוצא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תחת: PREP
- האלה: DEM,pl
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Genesis 18:6-8 (verbal): Abraham hastens to prepare a calf and bread for his divine visitors; parallels Gideon’s preparation of a kid and unleavened cakes for the angel (hospitality/meal for a theophanic visitor).
- Judges 13:15-21 (structural): Manoah prepares a kid and a grain offering for the angel of the LORD and the angel ascends in the flame—closely parallels Gideon’s offering to the angel and the subsequent theophanic fire.
- 1 Kings 19:5-8 (thematic): An angel provides food (a cake) to sustain a prophet; thematically similar—divine/angelic involvement with bread/cake as sustenance and sign of divine action.
- Leviticus 7:12-13 (verbal): Law texts describing unleavened cakes in a basket as part of offerings echo the phrase and ritual context of 'unleavened cakes in a basket' in Judges 6:19, linking the meal to cultic/offeratory language.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Gideon went in and prepared a kid of the goats and unleavened cakes of flour; he put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and brought them out under the terebinth and presented them to him.
- So Gideon went in and made ready a kid and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour. The flesh he put in a basket and the broth he put in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them.
Jud.6.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הבשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- והנח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- הסלע: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הלז: PRON,dem,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- המרק: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שפוך: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:33-38 (thematic): Elijah arranges a sacrificial offering (placing wood and the offering), drenches it with water, and fire from the LORD consumes the sacrifice—parallel motif of a prepared offering consumed by divine fire.
- Judges 13:20-21 (structural): Manoah and his wife offer a sacrifice to the angel of the LORD, who is then taken up in the flame of the altar—close narrative parallel within Judges: offering to the angel and a fiery divine action.
- Genesis 22:9-13 (thematic): Abraham places the bound offering on an altar in obedience to a divine command; the scene shares the motif of placing an offering on a specified place in response to God's messenger.
- Genesis 28:18 (thematic): Jacob sets up the stone (a rock) and pours a libation, treating a rock as a sacred place—resonant with Gideon’s instruction to lay the offering on a particular rock and pour the broth thereon.
Alternative generated candidates
- The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock; then pour out the broth." And he did so.
- And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
Jud.6.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- קצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המשענת: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ויגע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בבשר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובמצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ותעל: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- האש: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- הצור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ותאכל: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הבשר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- המצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ומלאך: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מעיניו: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,poss3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.13:19-20 (verbal): Manoah offers a sacrifice; fire from the altar interacts with the angel of the LORD and the angel vanishes—closely parallels an angel-touching sacrifice and a divine flame and disappearance.
- 1 Kings 18:38 (thematic): Elijah’s altar: ‘the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering’—same motif of divine fire consuming a sacrifice as confirmation of God’s presence and power.
- Leviticus 9:24 (verbal): At the inauguration of the priesthood fire from the LORD consumes the offering—similar language and cultic function of divine fire consuming sacrificial food.
- Gen.15:17 (allusion): The smoking oven and flaming torch pass between covenant pieces—uses flame/smoking imagery to signify God's presence and action, thematically related to fire as divine manifestation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the angel of the LORD reached with the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of the LORD departed from his sight.
- Then the angel of the LORD put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the flesh and the cakes. And the angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.
Jud.6.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אהה: INTJ
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- מלאך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judg.13:22 (verbal): Manoah and his wife react to seeing the angel of the LORD with the same fear of dying after seeing God; wording and situation closely parallel Gideon’s exclamation.
- Gen.32:30 (verbal): Jacob’s declaration 'I have seen God face to face' echoes the phraseology and the theme of encountering a divine/human messenger face-to-face and its existential implications.
- Exod.33:11 (structural): Moses' unique 'face to face' communication with the LORD provides a structural parallel about intimate encounter language used for human encounters with divine presence.
- Job 42:5 (thematic): Job’s contrast between hearing about God and now seeing Him ('my eyes have seen you') connects thematically with the transformative, overwhelming nature of a direct encounter with the divine experienced by Gideon.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the LORD. And Gideon said, "Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face."
- Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the LORD, and Gideon said, Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.
Jud.6.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- תירא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- תמות: VERB,qal,yiqtol,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.6.22 (structural): Immediate context: Gideon fears he has seen God and will die; the divine messenger then reassures him with the same words in 6:23.
- Luke 1:30 (verbal): Angel's reassurance to Mary, 'Fear not,' parallels the angelic/divine address that calms human fear in Judges 6:23.
- Luke 2:10 (thematic): Angelic announcement to the shepherds begins with 'Fear not' and brings good news/peace—similar motif of heavenly messengers calming fear and proclaiming salvation.
- John 14:27 (thematic): Jesus' words, 'Peace I leave with you... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,' combine the themes of peace and a command not to fear found in Judges 6:23.
- Isaiah 41:10 (thematic): Divine reassurance—'Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed'—echoes the prophetic/theological function of God comforting a fearful human in Judges 6:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the LORD said to him, "Peace to you; do not fear, you shall not die."
- And the LORD said unto him, Peace be unto you; do not fear; you shall not die.
Jud.6.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שם: ADV
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שלום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- עודנו: ADV
- בעפרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,prop
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העזרי: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 6:23 (verbal): Immediately before 6:24 the LORD greets Gideon with the word 'Peace' (שָׁלוֹם), which directly explains Gideon's naming of the altar 'YHWH Shalom.'
- Numbers 6:24-26 (verbal): The priestly blessing invokes the LORD's favor and peace (shalom); thematically parallels the use of 'YHWH Shalom' as a theophoric declaration of God's peace.
- Genesis 26:25 (structural): Isaac 'built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD,' paralleling Gideon's building an altar and naming it for the LORD—common post-epiphany cultic response.
- Genesis 12:7 (structural): Abram builds an altar at the site where the LORD appears; parallels the motif of constructing an altar at a divine revelation and dedicating it to YHWH.
- Isaiah 9:6 (thematic): Messianic title 'Prince of Peace' resonates with the designation 'YHWH Shalom,' linking the theme of God's peace with divine identity and salvation.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Gideon built there an altar to the LORD and called it The-LORD-is-Peace. It is still at Ophrah of the Abiezrites to this day.
- Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD and called it The LORD Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.
Jud.6.25 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בלילה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קח: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- פר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לאביך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- ופר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- שבע: NUM,card
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- והרסת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לאביך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- האשרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- תכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 7:5 (verbal): Divine command to destroy foreign cultic sites—'break down their altars...their Asherim shall ye cut down'—uses the same language and legal precedent for tearing down altars and cutting Asherah poles as in Judges 6:25.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (verbal): Hezekiah 'removed the high places, brake the images, and cut down the groves (Asherim)'—a royal reform mirroring Gideon's destruction of a local Baal altar and Asherah pole.
- 2 Chronicles 14:3 (verbal): Asa 'took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves'—another parallel account of cutting down Asherim and dismantling idolatrous worship.
- Acts 19:19 (thematic): New Testament example of converts destroying objects associated with false religion—'they burned their books...'; thematically parallels Gideon's immediate destruction of idolatrous cultic items as repudiation of false worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now that night the LORD said to him, "Take your father's bull, and pull down the altar of Baal that is beside your father's house and cut down the Asherah that is beside it;
- That same night the LORD said unto him, Take your father's bull and the second bull of seven years, and break down the altar of Baal that your father has, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it;
Jud.6.26 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ובנית: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,sg
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהיך: NOUN,m,sg,prsuf-2ms
- על: PREP
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המעוז: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- במערכה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ולקחת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והעלית: VERB,hif,impf,2,m,sg
- עולה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעצי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- האשרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (verbal): Commands Israelites to tear down the altars of the nations, break sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim—direct legal precedent for destroying Asherah poles and replacing foreign cultic sites with altars to YHWH.
- Exodus 34:13 (verbal): An earlier injunction to break down altars, smash sacred stones, and cut down Asherim—language and intent parallel Gideon’s action of cutting the Asherah and building an altar to the LORD.
- 1 Kings 18:30-38 (structural): Elijah repairs/writes an altar to YHWH and confronts Baal worship in a public cultic confrontation; parallels Gideon’s removal of Baal/Asherah symbols and establishment of an altar to the LORD.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (thematic): Hezekiah’s reforms: he removed high places, broke the pillars, and cut down Asherim—a later royal example of the same destructive/reformative pattern enacted by Gideon.
Alternative generated candidates
- and build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of the stronghold here, and take the second bull and offer it as a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah that you shall cut down."
- and build an altar to the LORD your God upon the top of this rock, in the proper order, and take the second bull and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down.
Jud.6.27 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מעבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- יומם: ADV
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לילה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg 6:25-26 (structural): Immediate context: God commands Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah; v.27 reports Gideon carrying out that command (the same episode continued).
- Gen 31:19 (thematic): Rachel secretly takes her father’s household gods and hides them when Jacob flees — a covert removal of cult objects motivated by fear of discovery, paralleling Gideon’s nighttime action.
- 2 Kings 18:4 (thematic): Hezekiah ‘broke the pillars’ and removed high places and idols in Judah — a royal-led destruction of pagan worship sites comparable in aim to Gideon’s removal of Baal’s altar.
- 2 Kings 23:4-6 (thematic): Josiah’s reforms include cutting down Asherah poles and destroying altars and idols throughout the land — another instance of purging idolatry, contrasting Gideon’s secretive night work with a public reform.
- Acts 19:19 (thematic): New believers in Ephesus publicly burn occult books, symbolically renouncing pagan practices; parallels Gideon’s decisive repudiation and removal of local pagan cult objects (though the Acts act is public and corporate).
Alternative generated candidates
- So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him, because he was afraid of his father's household and of the men of the city. He did it by night.
- So Gideon took ten men of his servants and did as the LORD had said to him, because he was afraid of his father's household and of the men of the city to tell them by day; therefore he did it by night.
Jud.6.28 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכימו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בבקר: PREP
- והנה: ADV
- נתץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והאשרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- כרתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הפר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- העלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,def
- על: PREP
- המזבח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הבנוי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judg.6.25-27 (structural): Immediate context: Gideon demolishes the Baal-altar and Asherah by night and builds a new altar for YHWH—verse 6:28 reports the morning discovery and reaction.
- Exod.34.13 (verbal): Legal/backgroundal wording: the command to 'break down their altars, break their pillars, and cut down their Asherim' provides the covenantal injunction behind Israelite destruction of foreign cultic sites.
- 1 Kgs.18.30-32 (verbal): Elijah on Mount Carmel: he repairs the altar of YHWH, then removes/destroys the altars and Asherah of Baal—language and action closely parallel Gideon’s destruction of Baal’s cult.
- 2 Kgs.18.4 (thematic): Hezekiah's reforms: he 'removed the high places, broke the pillars and cut down the Asherim,' echoing the motif of righteous kings/agents destroying idolatrous objects and altars.
- 1 Kgs.15.13 (thematic): Asa's reform: he 'removed the male shrine prostitute from the land and the Asherah that his grandmother had made'—another example of removing Asherah and cultic objects to restore proper worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was torn down, and the Asherah that was beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built.
- And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down and the Asherah that was beside it was cut down; and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built.
Jud.6.29 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- רעהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- וידרשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויבקשו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואש: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.6:25-27 (structural): Immediate narrative antecedent: these verses describe Gideon’s tearing down of Baal’s altar and building an altar to Yahweh—the act that prompts the question in v.29.
- 1 Kings 18:21-40 (thematic): Elijah’s public confrontation with Baal worship and the destruction/defeat of Baal’s claim; parallels the challenge to Baal cultic practice and divine vindication of the Yahweh-centered act.
- 2 Kings 10:18-28 (thematic): Jehu’s purge of Baal worship in Israel (toppling altars, destroying images) — another instance of a single leader acting decisively against Baal cultic sites.
- Exod.32:20 (thematic): Moses destroys the golden calf and punishes idolatry after the people’s sin—an individual leader’s forceful removal of an illicit cultic object parallels Gideon’s act.
- Acts 19:19 (thematic): New Testament example of converts publicly destroying instruments of pagan practice (burning magic books), echoing the motif of decisive rejection and removal of illicit religious objects.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they said to one another, "Who has done this thing?" When they inquired and searched, they said, "Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing."
- And they said one to another, Who has done this thing? When they inquired and searched, they said, Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.
Jud.6.30 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- יואש: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- הוצא: VERB,hiphil,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בנך: NOUN,m,sg,cstr+poss,2,m,sg
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נתץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מזבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכי: CONJ
- כרת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- האשרה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.6.25-27 (structural): Immediate context of the same episode: Gideon destroys the altar of Baal and cuts down the Asherah by night and then builds an altar to YHWH—sets up the action that provokes the townsmen's response in v.30.
- Deut.12.2-3 (verbal): Legal precedent for destroying foreign cultic objects: commands Israel to break down altars, smash stones, and burn Asherim—background justification for Gideon’s act.
- 1 Sam.7.4 (thematic): Communal removal of Baal and Ashtaroth and return to YHWH; echoes the theme of purging Canaanite cults and redirecting worship to the LORD.
- 2 Kings 23.4-7 (thematic): Josiah’s reform: removal of altars, images, and Asherah poles and punishment of idolatrous practices—parallels Gideon’s destruction of Baal’s cult and the larger concern with eliminating Asherah worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the men of the city said to Joash, "Bring out your son that he may die, because he has torn down the altar of Baal and because he has cut down the Asherah that was beside it."
- Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out your son that he may die, because he has broken down the altar of Baal and because he has cut down the Asherah that was beside it.
Jud.6.31 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יואש: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עמדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- האתם: INTP+PRON,2,m,pl
- תריבון: VERB,qal,imprf,2,m,pl
- לבעל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- תושיעון: VERB,qal,imprf,2,m,pl
- אותו: PRON,3,m,sg,obj
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יריב: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יומת: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- הבקר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ירב: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נתץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מזבחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg,poss
Parallels
- 1 Kings 18:21 (thematic): Elijah challenges Israel to choose between Yahweh and Baal—same rhetorical demand to abandon Baal and declare which deity they will follow (questions of allegiance).
- 1 Kings 18:27 (verbal): Elijah mockingly invites Baal to answer (’perhaps he is on a journey/sleeping’), paralleling Joash’s taunt that if Baal is a god he should defend himself.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Psalmic polemic that idols are powerless (have mouths but do not speak), echoing the implicit argument that Baal cannot vindicate himself.
- Deuteronomy 12:2-3 (structural): Command to destroy pagan altars and images; parallels Gideon’s tearing down of Baal’s altar and the family/clan controversy that follows.
- Psalm 135:15-18 (thematic): Another prophetic/psalmic denunciation of idols as inert and unable to act—supports Joash’s claim that Baal cannot defend the desecration of his altar.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Joash said to all who stood against him, "Will you contend for Baal? Will you save him? Whoever contends with him shall be put to death by morning; if he is a god, let him contend for himself."
- And Joash said to all who stood against him, Will you plead for Baal? Will you save him? Whoever will plead for him shall be put to death by morning; if he is a god, let him plead for himself—because he has broken his altar.
Jud.6.32 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקרא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ירבעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- ירב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הבעל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- נתץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- מזבחו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+suff
Parallels
- Judges 6:27 (quotation): Describes the same action—Gideon offering the meat and tearing down Baal's altar—whose destruction prompts the name Jerubbaal in v.32.
- Judges 6:28-30 (structural): Immediate narrative context showing the town's reaction and the attempt to kill Gideon after he destroyed the altar; sets up why he is called Jerubbaal.
- 1 Kings 18:30-40 (thematic): Elijah repairs the LORD's altar, challenges Baal's prophets and demonstrates Yahweh's supremacy—parallel theme of confronting and discrediting Baal-worship.
- 2 Kings 10:18-28 (thematic): Jehu's violent purge of Baal worship—cutting down pillars, demolishing the temple and killing priests—another instance of removing Baal's cult from Israelite life.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore on that day he was called Jerubbaal, saying, "Let Baal contend against him," for he had torn down his altar.
- Therefore he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal contend against him, because he broke down his altar.
Jud.6.33 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועמלק: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- נאספו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- יחדו: ADV
- ויעברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בעמק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יזרעאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 7:12 (verbal): Repeats the same enemy list (Midianites, Amalekites, and people of the East) and the image of them lying in the valley — a direct verbal and pictorial parallel to 6:33.
- Judges 7:1 (structural): Describes Gideon and his forces encamping opposite the Midianite camp in the valley (by the spring of Harod), continuing the same narrative setting begun in 6:33.
- Judges 6:2 (thematic): States the broader context of Midianite (and allied) oppression over Israel, framing the enemy threat that culminates in their assembly in 6:33.
- Psalm 83:9-10 (thematic): Invokes past deliverances over enemies (including Midian) and reflects the motif of hostile coalitions against Israel and God's saving intervention — a theological echo of the Midianite threat in Judges.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then all the Midianites and Amalek and the people of the East gathered together, and they crossed over and encamped in the valley of Jezreel.
- And all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East were gathered together; they crossed over and encamped in the valley of Jezreel.
Jud.6.34 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לבשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויתקע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בשופר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויזעק: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אביעזר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 3:10 (verbal): The exact formula 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon him' is used of Othniel, marking divine empowerment for deliverance and leadership, paralleling Gideon's commissioning.
- Judges 11:29 (verbal): Of Jephthah: 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah,' enabling him to lead Israel to victory—same motif of the Spirit empowering a judge/leader for military action.
- Judges 14:6 (verbal): Describes Samson: 'the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon him' and he performed a strong exploit. Close verbal and thematic parallel emphasizing Spirit-empowered strength and action.
- 1 Samuel 11:6 (thematic): When Saul hears of Jabesh-gilead he is filled with the Spirit and acts decisively to rescue the city—a Saulic analogue to Spirit-empowered military mobilization (cf. Gideon blowing the trumpet to rally men).
- 1 Chronicles 12:18 (verbal): The chronicler's account of men coming to David ends with 'the Spirit clothed Amasai,' echoing the language of the Spirit 'clothing' or coming upon a leader to prompt allegiance and action.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, and Abiezer was gathered after him.
- Then the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he blew a trumpet, and Abiezer was summoned after him.
Jud.6.35 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ומלאכים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מנשה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויזעק: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- אחריו: PREP,3,m,sg
- ומלאכים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- באשר: CONJ
- ובזבלון: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנפתלי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לקראתם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judg 6:33 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel in the same episode: Gideon blows a trumpet and men of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali are gathered—6:35 continues the account of messengers sent and people coming.
- Judg 4:10 (verbal): Deborah and Barak muster forces from Naphtali and Zebulun—shares the same tribal names and the motif of calling up these northern tribes for battle.
- Judg 5:18 (thematic): The Song of Deborah celebrates Zebulun and Naphtali for risking their lives in battle, thematically echoing their readiness to respond when summoned.
- 1 Sam 11:7-11 (structural): Saul sends couriers and summons Israel to assemble (Gilgal) after a crisis—parallel practice of dispatching messengers to muster troops for a military response.
Alternative generated candidates
- He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they were called out to follow him; he also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.
- He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were summoned; he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.
Jud.6.36 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אם: CONJ
- ישך: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- מושיע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Judg.6:37-40 (structural): Immediate continuation of Gideon’s request — the famous fleece sign where he seeks confirmation from God that he will save Israel by Gideon’s hand.
- Isaiah 7:11 (verbal): God invites King Ahaz to "ask a sign" for confirmation; uses similar language about requesting a sign, providing a contrast in responses (Ahaz refuses, Gideon requests).
- Exod.4:1-9 (thematic): Moses seeks and is given signs to confirm his divine commissioning (staff-to-serpent, leprous hand), paralleling Gideon’s request for a sign as confirmation of his call to deliver Israel.
- 1 Kings 18:36-39 (thematic): Elijah prays that God reveal Himself and vindicate His prophet, resulting in dramatic divine demonstration and deliverance of Israel — thematically akin to Gideon seeking God’s vindicating sign.
- Matt.12:38-39 (allusion): Religious leaders demand a sign from Jesus; Jesus replies only the sign of Jonah — contrasts the expectation and reception of signs in Israel’s prophetic tradition with Gideon’s personal request and affirmation.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
- And Gideon said unto God, If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken,
Jud.6.37 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- הנה: PART
- אנכי: PRON,1,sg
- מציג: VERB,hiph,ptc,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- גזת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הצמר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בגרן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- טל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הגזה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לבדה: ADV
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וידעתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- כי: CONJ
- תושיע: VERB,hiph,impf,2,m,sg
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- את: PRT,acc
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- דברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 6:36-40 (structural): Immediate context: the broader pericope records Gideon’s fleece-sign episode—verse 37 is part of a twofold request (dew on fleece, earth dry; then fleece dry, earth wet).
- Isaiah 7:11-14 (thematic): God (through Isaiah) challenges King Ahaz to ask for a sign from the LORD—a parallel motif of requesting a divine sign to confirm God’s word or promise.
- Matthew 12:38-40 (thematic): Scribes and Pharisees demand a sign from Jesus; his response about the ‘sign of Jonah’ contrasts human tests/requests for signs with God’s own timing and purposes.
- 1 Kings 18:41-45 (thematic): Elijah’s prophetic sign of rain after a drought uses a meteorological phenomenon as confirmation of God’s action, echoing Gideon’s use of dew/rain as a divine sign.
Alternative generated candidates
- behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said."
- behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing-floor; if there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the ground, then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.
Jud.6.38 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
- וישכם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ממחרת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויזר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הגזה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וימץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- טל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- הגזה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מלוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הספל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judg.6.36 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel: Gideon first requests a sign with the fleece (asking that dew fall on the fleece while the ground remains dry), which sets up the event described in 6:38.
- Judg.6.39-40 (structural): Direct continuation/contrast: Gideon asks a second test (that the fleece be dry and the ground wet), completing the twofold sign-account that frames verse 6:38.
- Num.17:8 (thematic): Overnight miraculous sign (Aaron’s rod budding) confirming divine choice/authority—parallel function to the fleece as a visible heavenly sign verifying God’s call.
- 1 Kgs.18:41-45 (thematic): Elijah’s prophetic sign concerning rain/dew from heaven: like Gideon’s fleece, a meteorological phenomenon serves as a divine confirmation and demonstration of God’s power.
- Ps.133:3 (thematic): Uses dew as a divine blessing and symbol of God’s favor—parallels the motif of dew/rain as a sign of God’s presence and blessing in Gideon’s story.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it was so; when he rose early the next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung out the dew, a bowlful of water from the fleece.
- And it was so. When he rose early on the morrow and squeezed the fleece, he wrung a bowl full of dew out of the fleece.
Jud.6.39 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- יחר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אפך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואדברה: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אך: PART
- הפעם: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אנסה: VERB,hiph,impf,1,c,sg
- נא: PART
- רק: PRT
- הפעם: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בגזה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהי: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הגזה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לבדה: PREP+ADJ,f,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- יהיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- טל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.6:36-40 (structural): Immediate context: the two 'fleece' tests (first wet on dry ground, then dry on wet) that verify God's call to Gideon; 6:39 records the second test.
- Exod.4:1-9 (thematic): Moses asks for and receives miraculous signs from God to confirm his commissioning (staff to serpent, hand leprous), paralleling Gideon's request for a sign to validate his mission.
- Isa.7:11-14 (allusion): Ahaz is invited to ask for a sign from the LORD but refuses; contrasts with Gideon, who actively requests and receives a sign—both involve the motif of requesting a divine sign.
- Matt.12:38-40 (thematic): Religious leaders demand a miraculous sign from Jesus and are rebuked; parallels the broader motif of people testing God by seeking miraculous confirmation for a messenger or mission.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gideon said to God, "Do not let your anger burn against me; let me make one more test only; let me make this test: let the fleece be dry only and let there be dew on all the ground."
- And Gideon said unto God, Do not be angry with me; let me speak but this once: let me, I pray, make trial once more with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
Jud.6.40 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כן: ADV
- בלילה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ההוא: DEM,ms,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- הגזה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לבדה: PREP+ADJ,f,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- טל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judges 6:36-39 (structural): Immediate context of the fleece episode: Gideon's two requests (wet fleece/dry ground and then dry fleece/wet ground) and the initial fulfillment; v.40 is the concluding fulfillment of that sign sequence.
- Exodus 16:13 (thematic): Reports dew around the Israelite camp accompanying God's provision of manna — uses dew imagery as a tangible sign of divine provision and care, like the dew confirming Gideon's sign.
- 1 Samuel 12:17-18 (thematic): Samuel calls down an extraordinary thunderstorm at harvest as a sign to confirm his word — another instance where God uses weather as a confirmatory sign for Israel.
- 1 Kings 18:41-45 (thematic): Elijah's prayer leads to a dramatic change in weather (end of drought and coming rain), illustrating God’s control of dew/rain as a sign and confirmation of prophetic action.
- Genesis 9:12-17 (thematic): God gives the rainbow as a visible sign to confirm his promise/covenant with Noah — parallels the function of Gideon's fleece as a divine sign confirming God's word.
Alternative generated candidates
- And God did so that night; for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
- And God did so that night; for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
The Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD gave them into the hand of Midian for seven years. And the power of Midian prevailed over Israel; because of Midian the Israelites made for themselves caves in the mountains, and strongholds, and dens.
Whenever Israel planted, Midian and Amalek and the people of the East would come up against them.
They encamped against them and ruined the produce of the land as far as Gaza; they left no sustenance in Israel — no sheep, ox, or donkey.
For they and their livestock would come up like swarms of locusts; their tents and camels covered the land, and they came into the land to ruin it. So Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian, and the Israelites cried out to the LORD.
When the Israelites cried to the LORD because of the Midianites,
the LORD sent a prophet to the Israelites, and he said to them, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of slavery.
I delivered you from the hand of the Egyptians and from the hand of all who oppressed you, and I drove them out before you and gave you their land. And I said to you, ‘I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell,’ — yet you did not obey my voice.” Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the oak that was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite; and Gideon his son was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you, O mighty warrior.” And Gideon said to him, “Please, my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonderful deeds which our fathers recounted, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ Now the LORD has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.”
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this your strength and save Israel from the hand of Midian; have I not sent you?” And he said to him, “Please, my lord, with what shall I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house.” And the LORD said to him, “I will be with you, and you shall strike down Midian as one man.” And Gideon said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, then show me a sign that it is you who speak with me.”
Do not depart from here until I come to you and bring out my present and set it before you.” And he said, “I will stay until you return.” So Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and an ephah of flour; he made it into unleavened cakes in a basket and put the broth in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them. And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And he did so.
Then the angel of the LORD reached out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the cakes. And the angel of the LORD departed from his sight.
When Gideon perceived that it was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” But the LORD said to him, “Peace to you; do not fear; you shall not die.”
Then Gideon built an altar there to the LORD and called it The LORD Is Peace. It stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites to this day.
That night the LORD said to him, “Take your father's bull, the second bull seven years old, and pull down the altar of Baal that belongs to your father, and cut down the Asherah that is beside it;
and build an altar to the LORD your God on the top of this stronghold in proper order, and take the second bull and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down.” So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the LORD had told him; for he feared his father's household and the men of the city, so he did it by night.
When the men of the city rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was torn down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built. And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” When they inquired and searched, they said, “Gideon son of Joash has done this thing.”
Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son that he may die, because he has torn down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it.” But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning; if he is a god, let him contend for himself.”
Therefore on that day he was called Jerubbaal, saying, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he tore down his altar. Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East were gathered together; they crossed over and encamped in the valley of Jezreel.
Then the Spirit of the LORD clothed Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and the Abiezrites were summoned after him.
He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were summoned after him; and he sent messengers to Asher and Zebulun and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them. And Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,
behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there is dew only on the fleece and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” And it was so; he rose early on the next day and squeezed the fleece, and wrung out dew — a bowlful of water. And Gideon said to God, “Do not be angry with me; let me speak but this once: please let me test but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece and on all the ground let there be dew.” And God did so that night; it was dry on the fleece only, and dew was on all the ground.