Gideon's Pursuit and Execution of the Midianite Kings
Judges 8:1-21
Jud.8.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מה: PRON,int
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- לבלתי: PART,neg
- קראות: VERB,qal,inf
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כי: CONJ
- הלכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,f,sg
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- במדין: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויריבון: VERB,qal,wayqatal,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בחזקה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.12.1 (verbal): Almost identical complaint by the men of Ephraim to Jephthah — rebuke for not being called to join in the fighting (same phrasing and grievance).
- Judg.7.2-8 (structural): God instructs Gideon to send many men home (those fearful), explaining why many Israelites — and thus potentially Ephraimites — were not present when Gideon fought Midian, setting the scene for Ephraim's later complaint.
- Num.32.6-15 (thematic): Moses rebukes the tribes of Reuben and Gad for seeking settlement before ensuring Israel’s military obligations — parallels the theme of inter‑tribal dispute over participation in collective warfare and accusations of shirking duty.
- 1 Kgs.12.16-20 (thematic): The northern tribes' rejection of Rehoboam after feeling ignored/unheard echoes the wider motif of tribal grievance and rupture when groups perceive they were not consulted or properly included in major decisions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this thing that you have done to us, that you went to fight Midian and did not call us to go with you? Why have you treated us this way?” They reproached him sharply.
- The men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, that you did not call us when you went to fight against Midian? Why should you boast of yourself in the honor?”
Jud.8.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- עשיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- עתה: ADV
- ככם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- הלוא: PART
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- עללות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבציר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביעזר: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- Judg.8.1 (structural): Immediate context: the men of Ephraim are angry because Gideon did not call them to join the pursuit (sets up the question in 8:2).
- Judg.8.3-4 (verbal): Continuation of Gideon's response and explanation—he defends his actions and praises Ephraim’s earlier contribution ('the gleaning... better than the vintage of Abiezer').
- Judg.12.1-6 (thematic): Later clash between Ephraim and Jephthah over perceived slights and exclusion—another episode of inter-tribal resentment and demands for recognition.
- 1 Sam.12.3 (verbal): Samuel's rhetorical challenge ('Whose ox have I taken?...') parallels Gideon's defensive question ('What have I done to you?')—both appeal to innocence and ask for evidence of wrongdoing.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to them, “What have I done now? Is not the gleaning of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
- He answered them, “What have I done now among you? Is not the gleaning of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
Jud.8.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בידכם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ערב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- זאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- יכלתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,f,sg
- עשות: VERB,qal,inf
- ככם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- אז: ADV
- רפתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- רוחם: NOUN,f,sg,abs,3,m,pl
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בדברו: PREP,3,m,sg
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 7:25 (verbal): Same episode naming Oreb and Zeeb as the Midianite chiefs killed in pursuit; echoes the claim that God delivered those leaders into Israel's hands.
- Judges 8:1-4 (structural): Immediate literary context — the confrontation between Gideon and the Ephraimites, explaining why Gideon reminds them God gave Oreb and Zeeb and how his words mollified them.
- Judges 12:1-6 (thematic): Another instance of intra‑Israelite conflict between Gilead and Ephraim (Jephthah episode) — parallels the theme of tribal grievance and contested credit for victory.
- Psalm 44:3 (thematic): Affirms the theological motif that victories come from God’s act (‘you gave them up’/‘you gave the land’) — parallels Gideon’s claim that God handed the Midianite leaders into Israel’s hands.
- 2 Chronicles 20:15 (thematic): The declaration that the battle belongs to the Lord and he will fight for Israel parallels the idea that God, not human initiative alone, delivered the enemy leaders into Israel’s hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- In your hands God has given Oreb and Zeeb, the princes of Midian. What was I able to do to you? When they told it, their spirit shrank from them because of him.”
- God has given into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. What could I do more than what you have done? When they told it, their spirit drooped from them.”
Jud.8.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- הירדנה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,def
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ושלש: CONJ+NUM,card,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- האיש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- עיפים: PART,qal,act,m,pl
- ורדפים: PART,qal,act,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 7:23-25 (verbal): Same episode immediately before—Gideon and the 300 blow trumpets, pursue the Midianites and capture Oreb and Zeeb; direct narrative parallel about the 300 men in pursuit.
- Joshua 3:14-17 (structural): Crossing the Jordan functions as a major transitional motif; Gideon’s crossing with his men echoes the structural theme of a river crossing in Israel’s decisive movements (Joshua’s crossing into the land).
- 1 Samuel 14:6 (thematic): Jonathan’s attack with a small band and the confidence that God can save ‘by few’ parallels the theme of a small, exhausted force succeeding through divine help (as with Gideon’s 300).
- Exodus 14:13-14 (thematic): The motif of pursuing enemies and trusting the Lord to fight for Israel mirrors the theological backdrop of pursuit and divine deliverance present in Gideon’s exhausted pursuit.
- Judges 8:5 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after crossing the Jordan Gideon confronts the men of Succoth and later Ephraim—shows the structural move from external pursuit to internal conflicts following the crossing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Gideon crossed the Jordan; he and the three hundred men who were with him, exhausted yet in pursuit.
- Gideon crossed the Jordan with the three hundred men who were with him, exhausted yet in pursuit.
Jud.8.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאנשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תנו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- נא: PART
- ככרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעם: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ברגלי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- כי: CONJ
- עיפים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- ואנכי: PRON,1,sg
- רדף: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצלמנע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.8:6-7 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Succoth refuses Gideon's request for loaves, and Gideon later punishes the town—directly tied to 8:5's appeal and the refusal motif.
- 1 Sam.25:10-11 (thematic): Nabal's refusal to provide provisions for David and his men parallels Succoth's denial of food to Gideon's pursuing troops; both refusals provoke potential or actual retaliation.
- 1 Sam.30:11-12 (verbal): David's distressed men are described as faint and in need of food, and a stranger supplies them bread—echoing Gideon's appeal for 'cakes of bread' for his weary fighters.
- Matt.10:14 (thematic): Jesus' instruction that disciples shake the dust off towns that refuse them (and the associated negative consequence for those towns) resonates with the theme of refusal of hospitality/provisions leading to judgment in Judges 8.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are faint; I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
- He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people that follow me, for they are faint, and I pursue Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
Jud.8.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הכף: NOUN,f,sg,def
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצלמנע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לצבאך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.8.7 (structural): Immediate parallel in the same episode: Penuel likewise refuses Gideon’s men food; both refusals provoke Gideon’s threat and punishment of the towns.
- 1 Sam.30.11-16 (thematic): Contrast of hospitality: an Egyptian at Ziklag provides bread and refreshment to David’s exhausted men, highlighting positive treatment of a fleeing/war-weary force versus Succoth’s refusal.
- 2 Sam.17.27-29 (thematic): Communities bringing provisions to a military leader on the run (David) — a thematic counterpoint showing towns that welcome and supply troops, in contrast to Succoth’s denial of bread.
- Judg.19.22-24 (thematic): Another Judges episode of failed hospitality by a town’s inhabitants; thematically related as an instance where townspeople’s refusal or abuse of strangers/guests leads to violent consequences and communal crisis.
Alternative generated candidates
- The rulers of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your company?”
- But the elders of Succoth replied, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your men?”
Jud.8.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- לכן: ADV
- בתת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- צלמנע: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בידי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
- ודשתי: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בשרכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- קוצי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הברקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Judges 7:24-25 (structural): Same episode: these verses recount the pursuit of the Midianite princes and their capture (Zebah and Zalmunna), providing the immediate narrative background to Gideon’s declaration about them being given into his hand.
- Judges 8:1-3 (structural): Immediate context within Gideon’s confrontation with the men of Ephraim — his rebuke and question about assistance and recognition relate directly to his claim concerning what will happen when the LORD gives the princes into his hand.
- 1 Samuel 17:46 (verbal): David’s declaration to Goliath — 'This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand' — uses the same idiom of God ‘giving’ an enemy into a person’s hand, paralleling the language and theological idea of divine deliverance in Judges 8:7.
- Joshua 10:8 (thematic): The account of God delivering enemy kings into Israel’s hand reflects the broader biblical motif of Yahweh granting victory and enemies to his servants, the same theme asserted by Gideon when he speaks of Zebah and Zalmunna being given into his hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- Gideon said, “Because the LORD has given Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, I will thresh your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers of the field.”
- Gideon answered, “When the LORD gives Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.”
Jud.8.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- משם: PREP
- פנואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- כזאת: DEM,f,sg
- ויענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אותו: PRON,3,m,sg,obj
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- פנואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כאשר: CONJ
- ענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judges 8:5-7 (verbal): Immediate context: Gideon’s prior request to Succoth (and their refusal) is narrated here; Judges 8:8 states the men of Penuel answered him 'likewise' as the men of Succoth had answered—direct verbal and narrative parallel.
- Judges 8:14-17 (thematic): Gideon’s later retribution against Succoth and Penuel for their refusal: he punishes the leaders of Succoth and tears down the tower of Penuel and slays its men—shows consequence for the refusal recorded in 8:8.
- Judges 8:17 (verbal): Specific follow-up to 8:8 concerning Penuel: this verse describes Gideon’s demolition of Penuel’s tower and execution of its men, directly completing the episode that begins with their refusal to help.
- Genesis 32:30 (allusion): Same place-name (Peniel/Penuel). Genesis records Jacob naming the site 'face of God' after a theophany; Judges’ Penuel is a town whose hostile response to Gideon provides an ironic contrast to Jacob’s sacred encounter at the same-named locale.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he went up from there to Penuel and spoke to them likewise; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
- From there he went up to Penuel and spoke to them the same words; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
Jud.8.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גם: ADV
- לאנשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
- פנואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- בשובי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1s
- בשלום: PREP
- אתץ: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המגדל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 8:11 (verbal): Immediate continuation: the men of Succoth/Penuel refuse Gideon’s request for provisions — the direct narrative context for the threatened demolition in 8:9.
- Judges 8:12 (verbal): Gideon’s explicit vow of retribution (to tear their flesh with thorns) escalates the threat made in 8:9 and links his words to promised punishment.
- Judges 8:17 (structural): Fulfillment of the threat: Gideon tears down the tower of Penuel and punishes the city, a direct structural echo of the promise in 8:9.
- Judges 7:22–23 (thematic): Earlier phase of Gideon’s campaign — pursuit and rout of Midianite forces — provides the military context for his demands and threats to towns that withhold support.
- 1 Samuel 30:11–20 (thematic): David’s pursuit and retribution after the Ziklag raid: like Gideon, a leader pursues enemies and exacts punishment on those who wrong or fail to aid his people, illustrating the motif of retaliatory justice for denied support.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said also to the men of Penuel, “When I return in peace I will tear down this tower.”
- He said also to the men of Penuel, “When I return in peace I will tear down this tower.”
Jud.8.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וזבח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- וצלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקרקר: PREP
- ומחניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עמם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כחמשת: NUM,card,sg
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- כל: DET
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- מכל: PREP
- מחנה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- והנפלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ועשרים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חרב: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.7.12 (verbal): Same campaign context and similar language describing the Midianite host’s great multitude (they lay along in the valley like grasshoppers), setting the scene for the large casualty figures in 8:10.
- Judg.7.22 (structural): Describes the Lord throwing the Midianite army into confusion so that they turned on one another—this explains how so many were slain and parallels the mass slaughter noted in 8:10.
- Numbers 31:7-12 (thematic): An earlier Israelite defeat of Midian with many killed and captives; thematically parallels the decisive, large‑scale destruction of Midianite forces recorded in Judges 8:10.
- 1 Sam.18.7 (thematic): Uses the motif of counting slain and military achievement (“Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands”), echoing the practice of reporting large numbers slain as a measure of victory as in Judges 8:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor, and their camps were with them—about fifteen thousand, all the remnant of the people of the east—and one hundred and twenty thousand men who drew the sword had fallen.
- Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor, and their camps with them were about fifteen thousand—the remnant of the whole host of the people of the East—and among the dead were one hundred and twenty thousand men who had drawn the sword.
Jud.8.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- השכוני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- באהלים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מקדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לנבח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגבהה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והמחנה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בטח: ADV
Parallels
- Judges 7:16-22 (structural): Same campaign: Gideon divides his men, uses trumpets/torches to surprise the Midianite camp, causing panic and a rout — immediate narrative parallel to 8:11's attack and flight.
- Judges 7:25 (structural): Close aftermath of the same victory: Israel seizes Midianite leaders and brings back spoils — echoes the pursuit and defeat described in 8:11–showing the continuation of Gideon's victory.
- Joshua 10:10 (thematic): Joshua's sudden attack on the Amorites and subsequent pursuit (the Lord routs the enemy) parallels the motif of a decisive rout and pursuit of fleeing foes.
- 1 Samuel 14:20-23 (thematic): Jonathan's surprise assault causes panic in the Philistine camp and a disorderly flight, similar in theme to Gideon's sudden strike and the enemy's dispersion.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 (thematic): God-induced confusion among enemy ranks leads them to destroy one another and flee before Judah — parallels the divine-aided panic and easy rout described in Gideon's attack.
Alternative generated candidates
- Gideon came up by the way of the watch; from the camps on the east he advanced and struck the camp, and the camp was thrown into panic.
- Gideon went up by the way of the tent-dwellers toward Nabah, and struck the camp; the camp was put to rout.
Jud.8.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וינוסו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אחריהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- וילכד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- מדין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- צלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- המחנה: NOUN,m,sg,def
- החריד: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Describes the Midianite rout and Israel's pursuit—parallel theme of pursuit after the fleeing Midianites and the terror of the enemy host.
- Judges 7:25 (verbal): Reports the taking and killing of two Midianite leaders (Oreb and Zeeb); verbal and thematic parallel to Gideon’s capture of two Midianite kings (Zebah and Zalmunna).
- Judges 8:20-21 (structural): Direct continuation of the same episode: details Gideon’s pursuit to Karkor, the capture of Zebah and Zalmunna, and their subsequent execution—same characters and outcome as v.8:12.
- 1 Samuel 15:8,33 (thematic): Samuel’s capture (and later execution) of the Amalekite king Agag echoes the motif of Israel capturing enemy royalty and executing them as part of divine/judicial retribution.
Alternative generated candidates
- Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna; and all the army fled.
- Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two princes of Midian—Zebah and Zalmunna—and all the army trembled.
Jud.8.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואש: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- מן: PREP
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מלמעלה: PREP
- החרס: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judg.7.22 (structural): Describes the immediate rout of the Midianites after Gideon's surprise attack — the battlefield action to which Gideon is returning in 8:13.
- Judg.8.19-21 (structural): Direct continuation of the episode: Gideon's pursuit, capture, and execution of Zebah and Zalmunna—events tied to his return from the fighting.
- Judg.8.28 (thematic): Summarizes the outcome of Gideon's campaigns — the subjugation of Midian and ensuing forty years of peace that follow the victories referenced in 8:13.
- Judg.6.11-12 (thematic): Gideon's commissioning and call to confront Midian; provides background for his role as Israel's military leader whose return from battle is narrated in ch. 8.
- 1 Sam.11.12-15 (thematic): Narrates a leader's return after victory and the people's response (coming to Gilgal to renew leadership) — a parallel pattern of military deliverance followed by communal settlement and acclaim.
Alternative generated candidates
- Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle by the ascent of Heres.
- Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle, from the ascent of Heres.
Jud.8.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאנשי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וישאלהו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ויכתב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- זקניה: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- ושבעה: CONJ+NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 11:16-17,24-25 (verbal): God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to share leadership; the appointment of a specific number of elders (seventy) parallels Gideon’s listing of seventy‑seven leaders of Succoth (numeric/leadership correspondence).
- Exodus 18:21-26 (thematic): Jethro advises Moses to appoint able men as chiefs and elders to judge the people—a parallel theme of selecting local leaders/elders to administer justice and governance.
- Judges 8:16-17 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after verse 8:14 (the naming of Succoth’s leaders), Gideon punishes those leaders for refusing help; the verses function as a direct structural sequel to 8:14.
- 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (thematic): The elders of Israel come together to make a major political decision (requesting a king); like Judg 8:14, this passage highlights the role of elders/representatives as municipal or national decision‑makers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He took a youth from the men of Succoth and questioned him, and he wrote down the names of the elders of Succoth and its nobles—seventy-seven men.
- He seized a young man of the men of Succoth and questioned him; and he wrote down for him the elders of Succoth and its seventy-seven leading men.
Jud.8.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חרפתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אותי: PRON,1,sg,acc
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הכף: PART
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לאנשיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- היעפים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Judg.8:16-17 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: Gideon punishes the men of Succoth for refusing to give food and for their earlier taunt, showing the consequence of the refusal recorded in v.15.
- Judg.8:3-4 (verbal): Related incident within the same episode: Ephraim's complaint and taunting of Gideon echo the mocking tone in Succoth’s words ('Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand?'), highlighting communal scorn of the deliverer.
- 1 Sam.30:11-12 (thematic): Contrast in hospitality to exhausted fighters: an Egyptian stranger feeds David’s men, whereas the men of Succoth refuse to give bread to Gideon’s weary soldiers—both passages treat aid (or its denial) to returning warriors.
- Matt.10:14-15 (thematic): Jesus warns that towns rejecting his messengers will face judgment; parallels the theme that communities who refuse/help or scorn God’s deliverers incur hostile consequences.
- Luke.10:10-12 (thematic): Parallel teaching about towns that do not receive the sent servants: a pronouncement of judgment on unwelcoming towns echoes the punitive outcome for Succoth’s refusal and scorn in Judges 8:15–17.
Alternative generated candidates
- He went to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, whom you taunted, saying, ‘Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your weary men?’”
- He came to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, those whom you taunted, asking, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your faint men?’”
Jud.8.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- זקני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- קוצי: NOUN,m,pl,constr
- המדבר: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- הברקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- סכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Judg.8:4-7 (thematic): The refusal of the towns (Succoth and Penuel) to assist Gideon and his men—this episode sets up why Gideon later seizes the elders and leaders (v.16) and punishes the towns.
- Judg.8:17 (structural): Immediate sequel: Gideon exacts punishment from the men of Succoth (beating them with thorns/briers) after taking their elders—direct continuation of the action begun in v.16.
- Judg.8:18-21 (thematic): Gideon’s treatment of the captured Midianite kings (Zebah and Zalmunna) and his interrogation/execution of leaders parallels his taking and dealing with city elders—same motif of securing authority through control of leadership.
- Judg.9:4-6 (thematic): Abimelech’s maneuvering with the leaders/elders of Shechem to secure kingship shows a related theme: control or co-optation of city elders and chiefs to obtain political power—contrast and parallel to Gideon’s seizure of elders.
Alternative generated candidates
- He seized the elders of the city and taught the men of Succoth a lesson with the desert thorns and briers.
- He took the elders of the city and made them pass under the thorns of the wilderness and the brambles, and thus gave the men of Succoth a lesson.
Jud.8.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- מגדל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פנואל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתץ: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויהרג: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אנשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 8:8 (structural): Immediate narrative antecedent: the men of Penuel (and Succoth) refuse Gideon aid, providing the motive for Gideon’s later destruction of the tower and killing of the city’s men.
- Joshua 8:24-29 (thematic): Account of Israel’s destruction of Ai—city razed and inhabitants put to the sword—parallels the motif of punitive destruction of a town after military victory.
- 1 Samuel 15:2-3 (thematic): Divine command to Saul to ‘utterly destroy’ Amalek—men, women and children—shows a broader biblical pattern of complete punitive annihilation comparable to Gideon’s killing of a city’s men.
- Judges 12:5-6 (thematic): Inter-tribal massacre (Gileadites slay tens of thousands of Ephraimites at the fords) parallels retributive slaughter of a local population as an act of vengeance or punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- He tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
- He broke down the tower of Penuel and struck down the men of the city.
Jud.8.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- צלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איפה: ADV
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הרגתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- בתבור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- כמוך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- כמוהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- כתאר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 7:25 (structural): Same Gideon cycle: earlier report of the capture and killing of Midianite leaders (Oreb and Zeeb)—connects structurally to the pursuit and accounting for slain enemy leaders in ch. 8.
- Judges 8:20-21 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Gideon questions, captures, and executes Zebah and Zalmunna—this passage directly completes the exchange recorded in v.18 and shows the fate of the kings mentioned.
- 1 Samuel 30:11-13 (thematic): An informant/prisoner recounts who attacked and what was done to the people (the Amalekite raid on Ziklag). Parallels the motif of questioning a captive/survivor about slain or captured people to obtain information and justification for action.
- 2 Kings 10:6-14 (thematic): Jehu's violent execution of Ahab's relatives and supporters after capturing them—parallels the theme of victorious Israelite leaders interrogating, seizing, and executing enemy rulers in retribution.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “What about the men whom you killed at Tabor?” They answered, “They were like you—each one alike, like the sons of a king.”
- He said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “Where are the men whom you put to death on the hill of Tabor?” They answered, “They were like you—like one of the sons of a king.”
Jud.8.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אמי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- החיתם: VERB,hif,perf,2,m,pl
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- לא: PART_NEG
- הרגתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Judg.8:1-3 (thematic): Same episode — intra‑Israelite dispute over credit for the victory (Ephraim’s complaint) and Gideon’s response; parallels the social tension between victorious leader and fellow Israelites found in v.19.
- Judg.8:20-21 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: Gideon’s interrogation and execution of the Midianite kings (Zebah and Zalmunna). Connects to v.19 as part of Gideon’s handling of enemies and justice after the battle.
- Judg.9:1-6 (verbal): Family and kinship conflict over leadership (Abimelech’s move against his ‘brothers’/the house of Jerubbaal). Resonates with the phrase בְּנֵי אִמִּי (‘my mother’s sons’) and the theme of intra‑family strife and claims to authority.
- Judg.8:23 (thematic): Gideon’s refusal of kingship — contrasts his rejection of formal rule with the forceful manner in which he enforces judgment in the same episode; both verses illuminate Gideon’s ambiguous relationship to power.
- Judg.11:30-40 (thematic): Oaths and vows invoking the LORD that have serious personal or communal consequences (Jephthah’s vow). Parallels the use of sacred formulae and the weight of pledges/swearings in crisis situations like v.19’s oath‑style language.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had spared them, I would not have killed you.”
- He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had killed them, I would not have delivered you into their hands.”
Jud.8.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ליתר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכורו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- קום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- הרג: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- ולא: CONJ
- שלף: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנער: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חרבו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- כי: CONJ
- ירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- עודנו: ADV
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:33 (verbal): Saul tells David he cannot fight the Philistine because he is only a youth—similar language and motive (being ‘a youth’/fear/inexperience) used to explain reluctance to act.
- Judges 8:21 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: because Jether would not draw his sword Gideon himself killed the enemy kings—directly resolves the situation described in 8:20.
- Judges 4:21 (thematic): Jael kills the enemy commander Sisera when the expected Israelite warrior does not—parallels the theme of an unexpected person delivering the decisive blow when the expected agent fails or hesitates.
- 2 Samuel 4:5-12 (thematic): The violent execution of a rival royal figure by others after his capture; thematically parallels the issue of killing defeated/captured leaders and the transfer of responsibility for that killing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then his eldest son Jether said to him, “Rise, kill them!” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he feared, he was yet a youth.
- He said to his firstborn, “Rise, strike them.” But the young man did not draw his sword, for he feared, being yet young.
Jud.8.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצלמנע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- ופגע: CONJ+VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- כי: CONJ
- כאיש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבורתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- גדעון: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- ויהרג: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- זבח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- צלמנע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- השהרנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בצוארי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cst
- גמליהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 8:20 (structural): Immediate context: describes the capture/pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna and sets up Gideon’s killing of them in v.21.
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Earlier Gideon-led victory where the Israelite force routs Midian and takes plunder and ornaments — parallels the motif of pursuing foes and seizing spoils.
- Judges 7:25 (verbal): Earlier execution of Midianite leaders (Oreb and Zeeb) after capture; parallels Gideon’s killing of enemy chiefs (Zebah and Zalmunna).
- Joshua 10:24-26 (thematic): Joshua executes captured kings after battle — similar motif of defeated rulers being put to death by Israelite commanders.
- Numbers 31:47-50 (thematic): Post-battle handling of spoils and ornaments taken from defeated enemies; parallels taking/dedication of gold and ornaments seized after victory.
Alternative generated candidates
- Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise yourself and fall upon us; as a man is his strength.” So Gideon rose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.
- They said to him, “Rise yourself and fall upon us; for as the strength of a man, so is his strength.” Then Gideon rose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna and took the ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.
And the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this thing you have done to us, that you did not call us to go with you to fight the Midianites?—you have fought them bravely.”
He answered them, “What have I done now to you? Is not the gleaning of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?”
“God has given into your hand the princes of Midian—Oreb and Zeeb; what could I have done to you? When they cried out, their courage failed them because of this.”
Gideon crossed the Jordan—he and the three hundred men who were with him—tired yet in pursuit.
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are exhausted; I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
The elders of Succoth replied, “Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?”
Gideon answered, “If the LORD gives Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will thresh your flesh with the desert thorns and briers.”
He went up from there to Penuel and spoke to them the same words; and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered.
He also said to the men of Penuel, “When I return in peace I will break down this tower.”
Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor, with their camp—about fifteen thousand men, the remnant of the entire army of the people of the East—and with them in the camp were 120,000 men who had drawn the sword.
Gideon advanced by the nomads’ route by the tents on the east and struck the camp, for the host was confident.
Zebah and Zalmunna fled; he pursued them and took the two kings of Midian—Zebah and Zalmunna—and the whole camp trembled. And Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle at the ascent of Heres.
He seized a young man of the men of Succoth and questioned him; the young man wrote down for him the princes of Succoth and its elders—seventy-seven men.
Gideon went to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold, these are Zebah and Zalmunna whom you insulted, saying, ‘Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your weary men?’”
He took the elders of the city and beat them with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers, thus punishing the men of Succoth.
He tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city.
He said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “Where are the men whom you killed at Tabor?” They answered, “They were like you—each was like a prince’s son.”
Gideon said, “They were my kin—my mother’s sons. As the LORD lives, if you had spared them I would not have put you to death.”
Then he said to his eldest son, “Rise, slay them!” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, being still a youth.
Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself and strike him, for he is like his father in strength.” Gideon rose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the ornaments that were on the necks of their camels.