Judges 8 12

Judges 8:12 kjv

And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

Judges 8:12 nkjv

When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole army.

Judges 8:12 niv

Zebah and Zalmunna, the two kings of Midian, fled, but he pursued them and captured them, routing their entire army.

Judges 8:12 esv

And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw all the army into a panic.

Judges 8:12 nlt

Zebah and Zalmunna, the two Midianite kings, fled, but Gideon chased them down and captured all their warriors.

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 12 Meaning

This verse describes the culminating victory of Gideon against the Midianites, specifically focusing on the capture of their two kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. Following the earlier miraculous victory with 300 men, Gideon demonstrated unwavering determination by personally pursuing the fleeing enemy leaders. His capture of these kings signified the complete defeat and disbandment of the entire Midianite host, bringing an end to their oppression over Israel. It was a decisive act of God's power working through Gideon, fulfilling His promise of deliverance.

Judges 8 12 Context

This verse occurs after the miraculous initial victory of Gideon and his 300 men over the vast Midianite and Amalekite host. The 300 had routed the main body, but the two kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, had escaped with a remnant of their army (about 15,000 men) to Karkor, beyond the Jordan. Gideon, despite his exhausted state, pressed on with relentless pursuit, embodying a deep conviction to eradicate the threat entirely. This determination led him through cities like Succoth and Penuel, whose leaders refused him aid and mocked him, promising to return later to punish their lack of faith and support. This verse then signifies the successful culmination of that determined pursuit, ensuring not just a military win, but a complete capture of the leadership, a symbol of final and decisive justice. Historically, Midianites had been a long-standing oppressor of Israel, continually raiding their lands. Capturing their kings was essential for both military and symbolic reasons, bringing an end to this oppressive cycle.

Judges 8 12 Word analysis

• And Gideon: Refers to Gid'on (גִּדְעוֹן), meaning "hewer" or "feller," reflecting his role as one who cuts down or defeats. He is the chosen judge and deliverer through whom God is acting.
• pursued: From the Hebrew verb radaph (רָדַף), meaning to chase, pursue, hunt down. It signifies an active, relentless, and determined pursuit, not just a casual follow. This highlights Gideon's perseverance despite earlier successes and weariness.
• after them: Refers directly to Zebah and Zalmunna and the remnant of their forces, indicating the specific target of Gideon's chase.
• and caught: From the Hebrew verb lakad (לָכַד), meaning to seize, capture, entrap. It implies a successful apprehension and bringing under control, confirming their status as prisoners.
• the two kings: Melekh (מֶלֶךְ), meaning king or ruler. Their status as kings highlights the magnitude of the victory; it was not merely a routing of troops but the capture of the supreme leadership. This has deep symbolic significance in ancient warfare as it dismantled the command structure and leadership.
• of Midian: Refers to the people of Midyan (מִדְיָן), a desert-dwelling nation and long-time adversaries of Israel, known for their nomadic raids and oppression. Their defeat signifies the overthrow of a persistent threat.
• Zebah and Zalmunna: These are specific names of the Midianite kings. Their individual capture underscores Gideon's focused objective of holding the very leaders accountable for the oppression and brutality against Israel, including the killing of Gideon's own brothers.
• and discomfited: From the Hebrew verb charad (חָרַד) or a similar root implying fear, panic, or confusion. In this military context, it means to throw into complete disorder, cause panic, to rout decisively, rendering an army ineffective and unable to fight. It's more than a mere scattering; it implies demoralization and breaking the spirit of the entire force.
• all the host: From the Hebrew machaneh (מַחֲנֶה), referring to the entire military encampment or army. This emphasizes the totality of the victory, indicating that not just the kings were captured, but their entire remaining fighting force was broken and dispersed, securing peace for Israel.

Judges 8 12 Bonus section

The capture of Zebah and Zalmunna was more than a military victory; it was an act of personal justice for Gideon, as these kings had killed his own brothers (Judges 8:18-19). This highlights God's justice operating not only on a national level for Israel but also personally for His instruments. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the capture and execution of enemy kings was a decisive act signaling the end of a conflict and the utter subjugation of a people. It ensured that no charismatic leader remained to rally the defeated forces, cementing Israel's freedom. This pursuit also exemplifies the importance of not stopping prematurely in one's spiritual or righteous endeavors but pressing on until God's intended complete victory is secured.

Judges 8 12 Commentary

Judges 8:12 is the climax of Gideon's campaign against Midian, moving from miraculous intervention to determined execution of justice. Having witnessed God's hand in routing the vast Midianite army with just 300 men, Gideon now undertakes a tenacious personal pursuit of the kings who led the oppression. This act demonstrates that while divine power initiates deliverance, human perseverance is often required to bring it to full fruition and secure lasting peace. The capture of Zebah and Zalmunna signifies the complete overthrow of Midianite rule, an act of God's justice against a long-standing oppressor. This verse seals the end of Midianite dominance, showing God empowering His servant to finalize the victory, leaving no enemy leadership to regather forces or instigate further harm. It reminds us that God's plan often combines His mighty power with the dedicated actions of His people, ultimately leading to definitive triumph over evil.