Judg. 8 The Ephraimites are displeased with Gideon; he satisfies them, Judg. 8:1–3. He pursueth two kings of the Midianites he punisheth those of Succoth and Penuel, Judg. 8:4–17. He revengeth his brethren’s death on the two kings, Judg. 8:18–21. He refuseth government, Judg.

Why hast thou neglected and despised us, in not calling us in to thy help, as thou didst other tribes? These were a proud people, Isa. 11:13, puffed up with a conceit of their number and strength, and the preference which Jacob by Divine direction gave them above Manasseh, Gen.

What was done was done by God’s immediate making them one to kill another; what I have done, in cutting off some of the fugitive common soldiers, is not to be compared with your exploit in destroying their princes; I began the war, but you have finished.

His soft and humble answer allayed their rage and envy. See Prov. 15:1, Prov. 25:15.

Passed over, or, had passed over: when he passed over, See Poole “Judg. 7:25”.

Succoth; a place beyond Jordan, Gen. 33:17, Josh. 13:27, Ps. 60:6. Kings of Midian; where before this time were five kings at once, Num. 31:8, who either reigned separately in divers parts of the land, or governed by common counsel and consent, as sometimes there were two or three Roman emperors…

Art thou so foolish to think, with thy three hundred faint and weary soldiers, to conquer and destroy a host of fifteen thousand men?

With the thorns which grow abundantly in the neighbouring wilderness; I will chastise or beat your naked bodies with thorny rods, even unto death. Or, I will lay you down upon thorns on the ground, and bring the cartwheel upon you, which will both tear your flesh, and bruise you to death.

Penuel; another city beyond Jordan; of which see Gen. 32:30, 1 Kings 12:25.

Your confidence in which makes you thus proud and presumptuous. He implies that he would afterwards destroy their persons, as is expressed, Judg. 8:17.

i.e. Persons expert and exercised in war, besides the retainers to them, Judg. 6:5.

Of them that dwelt in tents, i.e. of the Arabians; so fetching a compass, and falling upon them where they least expected it. Nobah and Jogbehah; of which cities see Num. 32:35, Num. 32:42.

By which it may be gathered that he came upon them in the night, which was most convenient for him, who had so small a number with him; and most likely both to surprise and terrify them by the remembrance of the last night’s sad work, and the expectation of another like it.

He told him their names and qualities.

By that severe punishment (of which Judg. 8:7) he made the men, i.e. the elders of Succoth, to know their sin and folly, though it was too late for their good, but not for the instruction and warning of others.

What manner of men, i.e. for outward shape and quality? At Tabor; whither he understood they fled for shelter, upon the approach of the Midianites; and where he learnt that some were slain, which he suspected might be they.

For being not Canaanites he was not obliged to kill them; but they having killed his brethren, and that in cool blood, he was by law the avenger of their blood.

Up and slay them; partly, that he might animate him to the use of arms for his God and country against their enemies, and to the exercise of justice; partly, that the death of those mischievous persons might be more shameful and painful; and partly, that he might have some share in the honour of…

As the man is, so is his strength: thou excellest him, as in age and stature, so in strength; and it is more honourable, as well as easy, to dig by the hands of a valiant man.

Rule thou over us; not as a judge, for that he was already made by God; but as a king; and let the kingdom be hereditary to thee and to thy family. This miraculous and glorious deliverance by thy hands deserves no less from us.

I will not rule over you, to wit, as a king, which you desire. The Lord shall rule over you, in a special manner, as he hath hitherto done, by judges, whom God did particularly appoint and direct, even by Urim and Thummim, and assist upon all occasions; whereas kings had a greater power, and only a…

Object. They are called Midianites before. Answ. Here seems to have been a mixture of people, Judg. 6:3, which are all called by one general name, Ishmaelites, or Arabians, who used to wear earrings, Gen. 35:4; but the greatest, and the ruling part of them, were Midianites.

Made an ephod thereof; not of all of it, for then it would have been too heavy for use; but of part of it, the rest being probably employed about other things agreeable and appertaining to it; which elsewhere are comprehended under the name of the ephod, as Judg. 17:5, Judg. 18:14, Judg.

Lifted up their heads no more, i.e. recovered not their former strength or courage, so as to conquer or oppress others, as they had done. Forty years, i.e. to the fortieth year, from the beginning of the Midianitish oppression: see on Judg. 3:11. In the days of Gideon, i.e. as long as Gideon lived.

Not in his father’s house, as he did before; nor yet in a court, like a king, as the people desired; but in a middle state, as a judge, for the preservation and maintenance of their religion and liberties.

In Shechem; she dwelt there, and he oft came thither, either to execute judgment, or upon other occasions. Abimelech, i.e. my father the king; so he called him, probably to gratify his concubine, who desired it either out of pride or design.

In a good old age; his long life being crowned with the continuance of his honour, tranquility, and happiness.

The children of Israel turned again; whereby we see the wicked temper of this people, who did no longer cleave to God than they were in a manner constrained to it by the presence and authority of their judges. Baalim: this was the general name, including all their idols, whereof one here follows.