Highlights of Judges 8-10 - Theocratic Ministry School

Study information for Theocratic Ministry School

Bible reading: Judges 8-10 (8 min.)

(Judges 8:1)

Then the men of E′phra•im said to him: “What have you done to us? Why did you not call us when you went to fight against Mid′i•an?” And they quarreled bitterly with him.

*** w00 8/15 p. 25 How Do You Handle Differences? ***
Gideon, heavily involved in battle against Midian, called on the tribe of Ephraim to help. However, after the battle was over, Ephraim turned on Gideon and complained bitterly that he had not called on them at the outset of the fighting. The record states that “they vehemently tried to pick a quarrel with him.”

(Judges 8:2)

But he said to them: “What have I done compared with you? Are not the gleanings of E′phra•im better than the grape harvest of Abi-e′zer?

*** w00 8/15 p. 25 How Do You Handle Differences? ***
Gideon said in response: “What now have I done in comparison with you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape gathering of Abiezer? It was into your hand that God gave Midian’s princes Oreb and Zeeb, and what have I been able to do in comparison with you?” (Judges 8:1-3) By his well-chosen, calming words, Gideon avoided what could have been a disastrous intertribal war. Those of the tribe of Ephraim may have had a problem with self-importance and pride. However, that did not stop Gideon from working to bring about a peaceful outcome. Can we do similarly?

*** g92 12/8 p. 12 How Can I Deal With My Parents’ Criticisms? ***
“What now have I done in comparison with you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape gathering of Abi-ezer?” (Judges 8:2)
Gideon’s reply meant that in capturing the Midianite princes, the Ephraimites had accomplished more than had Gideon himself. Gideon’s mild and humble reply thus deflected the unfair criticism and maintained peace.

*** it-1 p. 20 Abi-ezer ***
Abi-ezer was a family head and an ancestor of Judge Gideon. (Jg 6:11, 24, 34; 8:2)

*** it-1 p. 20 Abi-ezer ***
The name is also used to stand for the house of Abi-ezer in a collective sense.—Jg 8:2; see ABI-EZRITE.

*** it-1 p. 963 Gleaning ***
When the Ephraimites accused Gideon of not calling them to the fight at the start of the battle against Midian, Gideon said: “Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape gathering of Abi-ezer [the house to which Gideon belonged]?” He interpreted his illustration by pointing out that Ephraim’s part (though it followed the initial battle) in capturing Midian’s princes Oreb and Zeeb was far greater than all that Gideon himself had done. (Jg 8:1-3; 6:11)

(Judges 8:3)

It was into your hand that God gave Mid′i•an’s princes O′reb and Ze′eb, and what have I done compared with you?” When he spoke this way, they calmed down.

*** w00 8/15 p. 25 How Do You Handle Differences? ***
Gideon said in response: “What now have I done in comparison with you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape gathering of Abiezer? It was into your hand that God gave Midian’s princes Oreb and Zeeb, and what have I been able to do in comparison with you?” (Judges 8:1-3) By his well-chosen, calming words, Gideon avoided what could have been a disastrous intertribal war. Those of the tribe of Ephraim may have had a problem with self-importance and pride. However, that did not stop Gideon from working to bring about a peaceful outcome. Can we do similarly?

(Judges 8:4)

Gid′e•on then came to the Jordan and crossed it. He and the 300 men with him were tired, but they kept up the pursuit.

*** w04 10/15 pp. 16-17 par. 10 “Go About in the Land” ***
10 Gideon chased the remnant of the coalition forces past Beth-shittah and then southward to Abel-meholah, near the Jordan. (Judges 7:22-25) The account says: “Gideon came to the Jordan, crossing it, he and the three hundred men that were with him, tired but keeping up the pursuit.” Once across, the Israelites pursued the enemies southward to Succoth and Penuel, near the Jabbok, then up hills to Jogbehah (close to modern Amman, Jordan). That was some 50 miles [80 km] of pursuit and fighting. Gideon captured and slew two Midianite kings; then he returned to his city, Ophrah, near the place where the fighting started. (Judges 8:4-12, 21-27) Clearly, Gideon’s feat was more than a few minutes of blowing horns, waving torches, and shouting. And think how it adds impact to the comment about men of faith: “Time will fail me if I go on to relate about Gideon [and others who] from a weak state were made powerful, became valiant in war.” (Hebrews 11:32-34) Christians too may tire physically, but is it not vital that we keep up in doing God’s will?—2 Corinthians 4:1, 16; Galatians 6:9.

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