Judges 8 11

Judges 8:11 kjv

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host; for the host was secure.

Judges 8:11 nkjv

Then Gideon went up by the road of those who dwell in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah; and he attacked the army while the camp felt secure.

Judges 8:11 niv

Gideon went up by the route of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the unsuspecting army.

Judges 8:11 esv

And Gideon went up by the way of the tent dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the army, for the army felt secure.

Judges 8:11 nlt

Gideon circled around by the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, taking the Midianite army by surprise.

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 11 Meaning

Judges 8:11 describes Gideon's continued, strategic pursuit of the remaining Midianite forces and their kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. It highlights his choice of a less expected route, moving "by the way of them that dwelt in tents" east of Nobah and Jogbehah. The verse culminates in his successful ambush, emphasizing that the enemy's defeat was facilitated by their complacency; "the host was secure," meaning they were off-guard and overconfident, unaware of the impending danger. This verse signifies the determined completion of God's deliverance through Gideon.

Judges 8 11 Context

Judges chapter 8 picks up immediately after Gideon's astonishing victory with 300 men over the vast Midianite army in Judges 7. Having routed the main force, Gideon now tirelessly pursues the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, who have fled eastward across the Jordan with a remnant of their army. This pursuit takes him through exhaustion and past the uncooperative Ephraimites and the hesitant men of Succoth and Penuel. Verse 11 specifically details Gideon's strategic route for this final assault. Instead of following well-worn roads, he takes a roundabout, less expected path, heading "up by the way of them that dwelt in tents," navigating areas east of the Gadite towns of Nobah and Jogbehah in Transjordan. This deliberate choice of path, combined with the Midianites' false sense of security, was crucial to his success, leading to their surprise defeat and the ultimate capture of their kings. Historically, Midianites were nomadic or semi-nomadic desert traders who had, for seven years, oppressed Israel, devastating their crops and livestock. This pursuit signifies the completion of Israel's deliverance from this oppressive period.

Judges 8 11 Word analysis

• And Gideon: (וְגִדְעוֹן, ve-Gid'on) - The name Gideon (גִּדְעוֹן, Gid'on) means "hewer" or "feller," indicative of his role in cutting down the oppressors. This continues the narrative thread from chapter 7, where he was established as the God-appointed deliverer.
• went up: (וַיַּעַל, wa-ya'al) - Implies an ascent in geographical terms, likely referring to traversing higher ground or moving further into the eastern territories which generally ascend towards the Arabian plateau. It also connotes initiative and progression in his mission.
• by the way of them that dwelt in tents: (דֶּרֶךְ הַיֹּשְׁבֵי בָאֳהָלִים, derekh ha-yoshevei ba-ohalim) - Literally, "the way of the tent-dwellers." This phrase is significant, referring to nomadic peoples, often desert dwellers like the Midianites themselves or related tribes (such as the eastern Arabians, perhaps Kedar or Nabataeans, mentioned elsewhere for their tent dwellings). This suggests Gideon took an unpatrolled, unconventional route through the desert and tribal areas, indicating a flanking maneuver or a path chosen to achieve surprise rather than through known trade routes or fortified towns. It implies bypassing fixed settlements.
• on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah: (מִזְרַח לְנֹבַח וְיָגְבְּהָה, mizraḥ le-Novah ve-Yogbehah) - Precise geographical markers identifying his route. Nobah and Jogbehah were Israelite (Gadite) towns in Transjordan (Num 32:34-42), but Gideon is moving east of them, deep into the semi-arid, largely untamed regions. This further emphasizes the strategic detour and the extensive range of his pursuit, taking the fight into enemy-familiar territory where they would feel relatively safe.
• and smote the host; (וַיַּךְ אֶת־הַמַּחֲנֶה, wa-yakh et-ha-maḥaneh) - "Smote" (וַיַּךְ, wa-yakh) is from the root nakah (נכה), meaning "to strike," "to hit," "to defeat." It denotes a decisive and forceful attack. "The host" (הַמַּחֲנֶה, ha-maḥaneh) refers to the remaining army or camp of Midian, which includes Zebah and Zalmunna's personal retinue.
• for the host was secure: (וְהַמַּחֲנֶה הָיָה בֶּטַח, ve-ha-maḥaneh hayah betach) - This is the crucial explanation for Gideon's success. The Hebrew betach (בֶּטַח) fundamentally means "security," "confidence," "safety." However, in this context, it carries a pejorative connotation of "overconfidence," "complacency," "unwariness," or "being off guard." The Midianites believed themselves safe, perhaps because of their distance from Israelite territory, the difficulty of the terrain, or the initial rout they had already survived. Their feeling of security was a fatal misjudgment that made them vulnerable to Gideon's unexpected assault. This highlights a biblical principle: false security often precedes sudden judgment or downfall (e.g., Jer 49:31, 1 Thess 5:3).

Judges 8 11 Bonus section

The journey described in Jdg 8:11 signifies Gideon's extraordinary perseverance. He was "faint, yet pursuing" (Jdg 8:4), embodying a Spirit-filled determination to finish the work God had begun through him. This pursuit into the desolate, nomadic lands beyond the settled Transjordanian cities underlines the arduous nature of his mission and the depth of his commitment, a trait highly valued in faithful servants of God. The selection of a route through "tent-dwellers" could also subtly imply God's universal reach, as the battle unfolds not just in established cities but even among the marginalized or transient populations. The Midianites, who reveled in their destructive mobility (Jdg 6:5), were ultimately caught by surprise by the very nature of the paths they frequented.

Judges 8 11 Commentary

Judges 8:11 reveals Gideon's unwavering resolve and the divine strategy at play in completing Israel's deliverance from Midianite oppression. After his astonishing victory, Gideon did not rest but relentlessly pursued the two Midianite kings and their remaining forces, a testament to his dedication and obedience to the Lord's calling. The specific route chosen, "by the way of them that dwelt in tents," was critical. This indicates a shrewd military mind guided by divine wisdom, opting for an indirect, unexpected path through less-settled, possibly hostile or difficult terrain, to ensure maximum surprise. The geographical markers of Nobah and Jogbehah pinpoint his deep foray into Transjordan, beyond traditional Israelite control, showcasing the lengths to which he went.

The key to the success of this ambush lies in the final phrase: "for the host was secure." The Midianite remnant, despite their prior defeat, felt safe in their remote location, confident that Gideon would not follow them so far or would be too exhausted. This complacency, born of a false sense of security, rendered them vulnerable. It is a powerful illustration of a recurring biblical theme: overconfidence and a lack of vigilance often lead to unexpected defeat, especially when facing God's chosen instruments. Gideon, faint yet pursuing, vigilant and divinely guided, stood in stark contrast to his unsuspecting adversaries, highlighting that victory belongs to the Lord, often achieved through persistent faith and wise action.