Judges 8:21 - Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks.
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What does "Judges 8:21" mean?
This verse from Judges 8:21 is the climax of Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, after a stunning victory against their vast army. Let's break it down:
"Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.”" This is a request, albeit a desperate one. Zebah and Zalmunna are appealing to Gideon to personally execute them.
They are likely trying to invoke the code of honor in warfare. Being killed by a great warrior like Gideon was considered a more honorable death than being killed by one of his less experienced men.
"As the man is, so is his strength" implies they recognize Gideon's prowess and strength (both literal and leadership). They believe that dying at his hand will somehow validate their own standing as kings. They might also be trying to goad him or test him.
"Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna..." Gideon fulfills their request. He personally executes the captured kings. This solidifies his victory and demonstrates his complete dominance over the Midianites. This action is important because:
It marks the definitive end of the Midianite oppression of Israel. By killing the kings, Gideon removes the central leadership and the figureheads of the enemy.
It shows Gideon's commitment to justice and retribution. He remembers the oppression and suffering the Midianites inflicted on his people.
It could be seen as Gideon taking on the role of king, even though he refuses the explicit offer of the throne later in the chapter (Judges 8:22-23). In practice, he acts as a leader with royal power.
"...and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks." This detail is significant because:
The crescents were likely ornaments or amulets, possibly made of precious metals. They were symbols of status, power, and perhaps religious belief for the Midianite kings.
By taking these crescents, Gideon is claiming the spoils of war and stripping the kings of their final vestiges of authority and identity.
It is also a demonstration of Gideon's power. He has the right to claim these valuable objects.
In summary:
Judges 8:21 depicts Gideon's decisive action in eliminating the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Their plea highlights the concept of honorable death in warfare, while Gideon's response demonstrates his authority and commitment to justice. The taking of the crescents symbolizes the complete defeat of the Midianites and the appropriation of their power by Gideon. This act concludes the narrative of Gideon's military triumph and sets the stage for his subsequent refusal to be crowned king.
Judges 8:21 - Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.” Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks.
What does "Judges 8:21" mean?
This verse from Judges 8:21 is the climax of Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian, after a stunning victory against their vast army. Let's break it down:
"Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise and fall on us; for as the man is, so is his strength.”" This is a request, albeit a desperate one. Zebah and Zalmunna are appealing to Gideon to personally execute them.
They are likely trying to invoke the code of honor in warfare. Being killed by a great warrior like Gideon was considered a more honorable death than being killed by one of his less experienced men.
"As the man is, so is his strength" implies they recognize Gideon's prowess and strength (both literal and leadership). They believe that dying at his hand will somehow validate their own standing as kings. They might also be trying to goad him or test him.
"Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna..." Gideon fulfills their request. He personally executes the captured kings. This solidifies his victory and demonstrates his complete dominance over the Midianites. This action is important because:
It marks the definitive end of the Midianite oppression of Israel. By killing the kings, Gideon removes the central leadership and the figureheads of the enemy.
It shows Gideon's commitment to justice and retribution. He remembers the oppression and suffering the Midianites inflicted on his people.
It could be seen as Gideon taking on the role of king, even though he refuses the explicit offer of the throne later in the chapter (Judges 8:22-23). In practice, he acts as a leader with royal power.
"...and took the crescents that were on their camels’ necks." This detail is significant because:
The crescents were likely ornaments or amulets, possibly made of precious metals. They were symbols of status, power, and perhaps religious belief for the Midianite kings.
By taking these crescents, Gideon is claiming the spoils of war and stripping the kings of their final vestiges of authority and identity.
It is also a demonstration of Gideon's power. He has the right to claim these valuable objects.
In summary:
Judges 8:21 depicts Gideon's decisive action in eliminating the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna. Their plea highlights the concept of honorable death in warfare, while Gideon's response demonstrates his authority and commitment to justice. The taking of the crescents symbolizes the complete defeat of the Midianites and the appropriation of their power by Gideon. This act concludes the narrative of Gideon's military triumph and sets the stage for his subsequent refusal to be crowned king.