Judges 8:28 - So Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, and they lifted up their heads no more. The land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon.

Generated Verse: Judges 8:28

What does "Judges 8:28" mean?


Judges 8:28, "So Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, and they lifted up their heads no more. The land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon," is a summary statement of the impact of Gideon's victory over the Midianites. Let's break down the meaning:

"So Midian was subdued before the children of Israel": This means that the Israelites, led by Gideon, had decisively defeated the Midianites. The military power and threat that Midian posed to Israel had been broken. The verb "subdued" implies a complete submission, not just a temporary setback.

"and they lifted up their heads no more": This is a figurative expression indicating that the Midianites lost their power and influence. They were no longer able to oppress or dominate the Israelites. "Lifting up the head" often symbolizes pride, confidence, and dominance; therefore, not being able to do so signifies the opposite – humiliation and submission.

"The land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon": This signifies a period of peace and prosperity for Israel. The threat from Midian was gone, and the people could live without fear of invasion or raiding. The "forty years" is a symbolic number suggesting a long period of time, often representing a generation or a significant period in Israel's history. "In the days of Gideon" clarifies that this period of peace was a direct consequence of Gideon's leadership and victory.

In essence, the verse signifies that Gideon's victory over Midian brought a long period of peace and security to Israel. Midian was no longer a threat, and the land enjoyed a time of stability and prosperity. This verse highlights the impact of godly leadership and obedience to God in bringing deliverance and blessing to the nation of Israel.