Judges 8 13

Judges 8:13 kjv

And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

Judges 8:13 nkjv

Then Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle, from the Ascent of Heres.

Judges 8:13 niv

Gideon son of Joash then returned from the battle by the Pass of Heres.

Judges 8:13 esv

Then Gideon the son of Joash returned from the battle by the ascent of Heres.

Judges 8:13 nlt

After this, Gideon returned from the battle by way of Heres Pass.

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 13 Meaning

Judges 8:13 states that Gideon returned from the battle, indicating the completion of his pursuit of the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna, and his journey back towards the main Israelite territories. The phrase "before the ascent of Heres" specifies a geographical landmark on his return route, marking the western boundary of his extensive campaign across the Jordan. It signifies a successful completion of the military operation and his methodical journey back to address those who had previously refused to aid him.

Judges 8 13 Context

Judges 8:13 falls within the latter part of the narrative of Gideon’s campaign against the Midianites. Having dramatically defeated the main Midianite forces with 300 men (Judg 7), Gideon embarked on a relentless pursuit of the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, across the Jordan River into Transjordanian territory. On this difficult pursuit, the people of Sukkot and Penuel refused to provide sustenance to Gideon's weary men (Judg 8:4-9), earning Gideon's vow of retribution upon his return. This verse describes Gideon’s successful completion of that pursuit, capturing the kings, and his deliberate return journey back across the Jordan, signifying the turn towards enacting the promised justice on the uncooperative Israelite towns before fully concluding his mission. This historical period, the time of the Judges, was characterized by Israel's recurring apostasy, foreign oppression, and God raising deliverers like Gideon.

Judges 8 13 Word analysis

• Gideon (גִּדְעוֹן, Gid‘ōn): A proper noun meaning "hewer" or "feller," indicative of one who cuts down or throws down. This name prophetically aligned with his divine call to "hew down" Midian's power and break down Baal's altars. His actions, like cutting through the enemy lines and breaking pagan altars, reflect this inherent meaning.

• returned (שָׁב, shāv): From the verb שׁוּב (shûḇ), meaning "to turn back," "to go back," "to come back." This word denotes a completed action, a retrace of a path, signifying the success of his mission of pursuit. It's a return, not a retreat, affirming the achieved victory.

• from the battle (מִן־הַמִּלְחָמָה, min ha-milḥāmāh):

  • from (מִן, min): A preposition indicating separation or origin.
  • the battle (הַמִּלְחָמָה, ha-milḥāmāh): From מִלְחָמָה (milḥāmāh), meaning "war," "battle," "conflict." This phrase explicitly identifies the primary action Gideon was engaged in – the intense, prolonged military pursuit and conflict. It emphasizes that he was returning from a concluded military engagement, not just a journey.

• before the ascent of Heres (מִמַּעֲלֵה הֶחָרֶס, mi-ma‘alê he-ḥāres): This is a precise geographical marker, delineating the route of Gideon's return.

  • before (מִן, min): Again, "from," "from the direction of," "at the point of."
  • the ascent (מַעֲלֵה, ma‘alê): Meaning "ascent," "going up," "rising place." This suggests an elevated path, a pass, or a climb. It implies a specific topographical feature or route.
  • of Heres (הֶחָרֶס, he-ḥāres): This is a key interpretive point. The Hebrew word חֶרֶס (ḥāres) can mean "sun" or "potsherd/earthenware."
    • If "sun": "the ascent of the sun" could refer to a place known for sunrise (to the east) or a high place where the sun is prominently visible, possibly a location or landmark associated with a solar deity (though not directly implying Gideon's involvement with that). Some commentaries associate it with the "Hill of the Sun" or the "Mountain of Heres" near Beth Shemesh.
    • If "potsherd": "the ascent of potsherds" might refer to a hill composed of rocky, brittle earth or a place known for pottery.
    • Most commonly understood as a specific geographic proper name, "Mount Heres," perhaps the pass leading up to Ephraim from the Jordan Valley, marking the western boundary of his campaign across the Jordan. It effectively marks the point where Gideon's journey brought him out of the Transjordan region and back into Cisjordan (west of the Jordan River), specifically heading towards the territory of Ephraim where Sukkot and Penuel were located. It provides a precise navigational point in the narrative.

• Word-group analysis:

  • "Gideon returned from the battle": This concise phrase summarizes a complete and victorious military campaign. It signals the shift from offensive warfare to internal matters of justice. Despite the vast distances covered and the fatigue, Gideon ensured the mission was thorough, capturing the kings and now returning to settle accounts.
  • "before the ascent of Heres": This geographical indicator places Gideon on a specific trajectory, implying his systematic return towards the Israelite territories where he had unfinished business. It emphasizes the planned nature of his journey back, not a random wandering, showing his strategic mind and commitment to accountability. This specific landmark highlights the meticulous detailing in the Biblical narrative, even for seemingly minor waypoints, confirming the reality of the historical event.

Judges 8 13 Bonus section

• The detail of Gideon's return route, specified by "the ascent of Heres," contrasts sharply with the frantic escape routes of defeated enemies, showing Gideon's methodical control and authority.
• This specific landmark implies a connection to known trade or military routes of the time, demonstrating the familiarity of the original audience with the terrain described in Judges. It further grounds the historical authenticity of the account.
• Gideon’s return, while concluding the battle against the foreign oppressor, immediately shifts the narrative's focus to the internal moral decay and lack of tribal unity within Israel, manifested in Sukkot and Penuel’s actions. His discipline in returning to address this internal failure is as significant as his victory over Midian.

Judges 8 13 Commentary

Judges 8:13 is a succinct verse that signifies the culmination of Gideon’s long and arduous pursuit of the Midianite kings. Having crossed the Jordan and pursued them far to the east, capturing them and their army, Gideon now turns westward to complete his divine mission. The mention of "the ascent of Heres" pinpoints a specific geographical marker, likely a significant pass or elevated point that served as a known landmark on the eastern approach to central Israel, particularly towards the region of Ephraim where Sukkot and Penuel were located. This detail not only lends historical and geographical veracity to the account but also highlights Gideon's deliberate and purposeful return. It indicates a methodical completion of the external conflict before dealing with internal challenges – namely, the Israelite cities that had selfishly refused aid to his weary but victorious men. Gideon’s return from the battle was not merely a physical journey; it was a journey toward implementing the consequences of justice. His perseverance and strategic thinking, despite weariness and rejection, demonstrate the characteristics of a divinely appointed leader who completes the task God has given him.