As for Penuel, Gideon tore down its tower and killed the men of that city. Then Gideon asked the kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, “What can you tell me about the men you killed at Tabor?” They answered, “They looked just like you. Every one of them looked like the son of a king.” Gideon said, “They were my brothers, my own mother’s sons. I swear, as surely as YAHWEH lives, that if you had let them live, I would let you live.” Then he turned to Jether, his firstborn son, and said, “Go ahead, kill them now!” But the boy wouldn’t do it. He didn’t draw his sword because he was still only a timid boy. Then Zebah and Zalmunna taunted Gideon, “Come on, kill us yourself. It takes a man to do a man’s job.” So Gideon executed them and plundered the crescent ornaments that hung on the necks of their camels. After that, the Israelites said to Gideon, “You’re our war hero! You’re the one who saved us from the Midianites. You be our ruler! Then your son will rule after you, and then your grandson.” Gideon answered, “No. Neither I nor my son will be your ruler. YAHWEH is to be your only King. However, I do have one request,” Gideon added. “Give me all the gold earrings you took from the Midianites.” (It was the custom of the Midianites to wear gold earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
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Compare All Versions: Judges 8:17-24
5 Days
All throughout the Bible there are stories of ordinary people being used by God to do extraordinary things. Gideon was one such person. As you journey through Gideon's life, our prayer is that you are encouraged and challenged, and that you ultimately remember God is faithful till the end.
9 Days
Called out of addiction to a life of hope, Lance Lang shares stories of others with similar callings. They're Hope Dealers.
Dive deeper into the epic story of Gideon in Judges 6-8 while learning timeless insights relevant to navigating today’s culture. These insights include resilience in adversity, leadership, and fighting spiritual battles. We hope you are encouraged through this study of Gideon in the book of Judges!
14 Days
Gideon was appointed by God to deliver his people from enemies who plundered their land, but Gideon was full of doubt and fear. He did not consider himself a “mighty warrior” at all. Only by faith could he carry out his mission. Let his story encourage you to be a hero, too - not by your power, but by faith in a mighty God.
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