Judges 8:21 · KJV

"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."

King James Version

Passage Context

¹⁹And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.

²⁰And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.

²¹Then 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.

²²Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.

²³And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

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Reflection Questions

What does it mean for you to show mercy to your enemies?

How do you define true strength in your life?

When have you had to make a difficult choice between mercy and justice?

Life Application

forgiveness

Consider how you can extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you, even when it feels undeserved.

strength

Reflect on how true strength often involves restraint and compassion.

People in This Verse

GideonOT

Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory against the Midianites. He is known for his initial doubts but ultimately obeyed God's call to deliver His people.

First appearance: Judges 6:11

ZalmunnaOT

Zalmunna was another king of Midian defeated by Gideon. His capture signified the end of the Midianite threat.

First appearance: Judges 7:25

ZebahOT

Zebah was one of the kings of Midian who fought against Israel. His defeat marked a significant victory for the Israelites.

First appearance: Judges 7:25

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