What does Judges 8:21 mean?
"Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks." - Judges 8:21
Judges 8:21 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks."
This verse occurs in the context of the story of Gideon, one of the judges of Israel. Gideon was called by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites, who had been ravaging the land and causing great suffering. Gideon, despite initial reluctance, eventually rallied an army of 32,000 men to confront the Midianites. However, God instructed him to reduce the size of his army, and ultimately only 300 men were left to face the opposing forces. Through clever strategy and the intervention of God, Gideon's small army defeated the Midianites, capturing two of their leaders Zebah and Zalmunna.
The verse in question takes place after the capture of Zebah and Zalmunna. The phrase "Rise thou, and fall upon us" is a request from the defeated leaders to Gideon, asking for a quick death at his hands rather than being taken as prisoners. The reasoning they give is "for as the man is, so is his strength," suggesting that they recognize Gideon's exceptional strength and bravery as a warrior. This request reflects the honor and fear that Gideon had instilled in his enemies through his actions on the battlefield.
Gideon complies with their request and executes the two leaders, fulfilling his duty as a victorious military leader. The verse also mentions Gideon taking "the ornaments that were on their camels' necks," which serves as a symbolic act of seizing spoils of war and further asserting his dominance over the defeated enemy.
In this passage, several themes and symbols can be identified. One prominent theme is the idea of strength and power. The statement "for as the man is, so is his strength" highlights the importance of individual strength and courage in the context of warfare. Gideon's leadership and valor in battle are celebrated, and this theme emphasizes the role of personal strength in overcoming challenges and adversaries.
Another theme is the notion of divine intervention and assistance. Throughout the story of Gideon, God is portrayed as guiding and empowering him to achieve victory. The reduction of Gideon's army, the use of unconventional tactics, and the ultimate triumph over a much larger enemy force all point to the idea that God's hand was at work in the outcome of the conflict. Gideon's obedience to God's instructions and his unwavering faith are central to this theme.
Symbolically, the ornaments taken from the camels' necks can be seen as representing the spoils of victory and conquest. In ancient warfare, seizing the wealth and possessions of the defeated enemy was a common practice, and it signified the subjugation and humiliation of the vanquished. Gideon's action of taking these ornaments can be interpreted as a physical manifestation of his victory and the assertion of his authority over the Midianites.
Overall, Judges 8:21 is a pivotal moment in the story of Gideon, highlighting his strength and valor as a military leader, as well as the divine assistance he received in achieving victory. It also serves as a symbolic representation of conquest and the spoils of war. The verse contributes to the larger narrative of the Israelites' struggle against oppression and the role of God in granting them deliverance.
Have questions about Judges 8:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Judges 8:21 Artwork
Judges 8:21 - "Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks."
"Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks." - Judges 8:21
Judges 21:8 - "¶ And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-gilead to the assembly."
Judges 9:8-15
"¶ And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-gilead to the assembly." - Judges 21:8
John 8:15 - "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man."
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
Judges 21:9 - "For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there."
Judges 12:8 - "¶ And after him Ibzan of Beth-lehem judged Israel."
Judges 18:21 - "So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them."
Judges 21:17 - "And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel."
Judges 9:21 - "And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother."
Judges 21:15 - "And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel."
Judges 21:25 - "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Judges 21:21 - "And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin."
Judges 7:21 - "And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled."
Judges 21:4 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings."
Judges 8:17 - "And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city."
Judges 8:29 - "And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house."
Proverbs 8:16 - "By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth."
Judges 13:21 - "But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD."
Judges 21:6 - "And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day."
Judges 21:2 - "And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;"
Judges 21:13 - "And the whole congregation sent some to speak to the children of Benjamin that were in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them."
Judges 8:13 - "¶ And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,"
Judges 8:8 - "¶ And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him."
Judges 19:21 - "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
Judges 21:16 - "Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?"
Judges 21:3 - "And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?"
Judges 1:21 - "And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day."