Judges 6 35

Judges 6:35 kjv

And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

Judges 6:35 nkjv

And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who also gathered behind him. He also sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

Judges 6:35 niv

He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, calling them to arms, and also into Asher, Zebulun and Naphtali, so that they too went up to meet them.

Judges 6:35 esv

And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.

Judges 6:35 nlt

He also sent messengers throughout Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, summoning their warriors, and all of them responded.

Judges 6 verses

Judges 6 35 Meaning

Judges 6:35 describes the immediate and crucial action taken by Gideon following the anointing of the Spirit of the Lord upon him (Judges 6:34). He sent messengers to rally the northern tribes of Israel—his own tribe of Manasseh, and also Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali—to gather for battle against the Midianite oppressors. This verse signifies the prompt and obedient response of a divinely empowered leader and the willing readiness of God's people to unite and act upon receiving the call.

Judges 6 35 Context

Judges chapter 6 sets the stage by describing the severe oppression Israel faced under the Midianites, who repeatedly ravaged their land and livestock, forcing the Israelites into caves and strongholds. In this desperate situation, Israel cried out to the Lord (Jdg 6:7). The narrative then shifts to the calling of Gideon by the Angel of the Lord (Jdg 6:11-24), where Gideon initially expresses doubt about his capabilities and his family's insignificance. Despite his hesitation, he obeys God's command to tear down his father's altar to Baal and Asherah, signifying a spiritual cleansing within his own household and community (Jdg 6:25-32). Immediately preceding verse 35, Judges 6:34 explicitly states that "the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon," or "came upon Gideon." This divine empowerment transforms Gideon from a fearful and uncertain man into a confident leader. Verse 35 is the direct result of this anointing: Gideon, now empowered, actively begins the process of rallying the tribes to fulfill God's purpose of delivering Israel. Historically, Israel during the period of the Judges was highly fragmented, often failing to unite against common enemies. Gideon's successful summoning of these tribes marks a significant step towards a unified, God-led response.

Judges 6 35 Word analysis

• And he sent messengers (וַיִּשְׁלַח מַלְאָכִים, vayyishlaḥ malʾāḵîm):
  • וַיִּשְׁלַח (vayyishlaḥ): "And he sent." The consecutive imperfect tense indicates an immediate sequence of events following the Spirit coming upon Gideon. It denotes decisive, deliberate action on Gideon's part, empowered by God. This verb "sent" is frequently used for divinely commissioned individuals or for acts undertaken under divine direction (e.g., God sending prophets, Moses sending spies).
  • מַלְאָכִים (malʾāḵîm): "Messengers." The plural of malʾāḵ, which can mean both human messengers and divine angels. In this context, it clearly refers to human envoys dispatched by Gideon to deliver his call. Its dual meaning emphasizes the significant role and authority of the message delivered.
• throughout all Manasseh (בְּכָל־מְנַשֶּׁה, bəḵol-mənaššeh):
  • בְּכָל־ (bəḵol): "Throughout all." Emphasizes the comprehensive and thorough nature of Gideon's outreach within his own tribe, ensuring no one was overlooked.
  • מְנַשֶּׁה (Mənaššeh): "Manasseh." Gideon's own tribe. It was typical for a leader to first secure support from their immediate kinsmen. This act likely served to solidify his local base and legitimacy before extending his appeal.
• who also gathered after him (וַיִּזָּעֲקוּ אַחֲרָיו, vayyizzāʿaqû ʾaḥărâw):
  • וַיִּזָּעֲקוּ (vayyizzāʿaqû): "And they were called together" or "they gathered themselves by crying out/being summoned." This verb implies a responsive assembly, often with urgency, indicating the people's willingness or compelled readiness to heed Gideon's call, possibly even with a "war cry" associated with it.
  • אַחֲרָיו (ʾaḥărâw): "After him." Signifies alignment and submission to his leadership, coming to join his cause and follow his command.
• and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali (וּבַלָּשׁ מַלְאָכִים בְּאָשֵׁר וּבִזְבֻלוּן וּבְנַפְתָּלִי, ûvallaš malʾāḵîm bəʾāšēr ûvizvūlūn ûvənāftālî):
  • This repetition of sending messengers underscores the critical nature of communication and coordination. These are northern tribes, most affected by Midianite raids due to their geographical proximity and exposure to incursions from the north-east.
  • אָשֵׁר (ʾĀšēr), זְבֻלוּן (Zəḇūlūn), נַפְתָּלִי (Nāftālî): These three tribes bordered Manasseh and faced similar threats. Their inclusion indicates Gideon's intention to form a broad coalition.
• and they came up to meet them (וַיַּעֲלוּ לִקְרָאתָם, vayyaʿalû liqrāʾtām):
  • וַיַּעֲלוּ (vayyaʿalû): "And they came up." This can refer to ascending to a higher geographical location (perhaps a rallying point like Mount Gilboa, though not explicitly stated here), or more broadly, gathering for a significant event, signifying active participation.
  • לִקְרָאתָם (liqrāʾtām): "To meet them." Indicates the meeting of forces, suggesting cooperation and preparation for collective action, further emphasizing unity.

Words-group analysis:

• "And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who also gathered after him": This initial phase shows Gideon consolidating support from his own people. The direct and active response of Manasseh highlights the tribe's trust in Gideon or their dire need for deliverance, sparked by Gideon's divinely inspired initiative. It is a necessary first step in building a larger fighting force.
• "and he sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali, and they came up to meet them": This phrase expands Gideon's reach beyond his immediate tribal area to other northern tribes vulnerable to Midianite raids. The willingness of these diverse tribes to "come up" and "meet them" (Gideon's forces or the combined gathering) signifies a broader, united response to the leadership emerging from God's Spirit on Gideon. It indicates the desperate need for a deliverer and their readiness to fight under divine leading. This demonstrates Gideon's God-given authority in successfully mobilizing a disparate and often disunited Israel.

Judges 6 35 Bonus section

The act of sounding a "trumpet" (Judges 6:34) and then sending "messengers" in Judges 6:35 signifies a progression in rallying. The trumpet was a call for immediate, localized assembly, whereas messengers were sent for more extensive, deliberate outreach across larger territories. This combination points to a systematic and urgent effort by Gideon to gather maximum support. The "cried out together after him" (וַיִּזָּעֲקוּ אַחֲרָיו) might imply that Manasseh’s rallying cry became a part of the message taken to the other tribes, further intensifying the call to arms and indicating a strong, vocal agreement to Gideon's leadership. The particular tribes mentioned—Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali—are located in the north, bearing the brunt of the Midianite invasions from the east (Jdg 6:3, 7). This highlights their greater incentive to respond and unite under a potential deliverer. This strategic grouping by Gideon underscores the practical dimension of his divinely-inspired leadership.

Judges 6 35 Commentary

Judges 6:35 provides a vivid illustration of a Spirit-empowered leader taking decisive action, resulting in the rallying of God's people. Gideon, previously characterized by fear and self-doubt, moves from passively threshing wheat in secret to boldly mobilizing an army. This dramatic shift is solely attributed to the Spirit of the Lord coming upon him (v.34), showcasing that divine empowerment precedes and enables effective human action for God's purposes. The verse highlights Gideon's initial strategic wisdom in calling his own tribe first before expanding his appeal to other northern tribes, reflecting both an understanding of tribal loyalties and the pressing threat of the Midianites to those regions. The ready response of the tribes to his summons underlines the desperate state of Israel and their recognition of the urgency and the emergence of a legitimate, divinely appointed leader. This gathering is the foundational step in the deliverance of Israel, emphasizing that while God provides the power, He also uses human vessels to act, unite, and execute His will. It portrays a moment of significant unity and hopeful obedience in the often fragmented history of Israel during the Judges.