Judges 8 25

Judges 8:25 kjv

And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.

Judges 8:25 nkjv

So they answered, "We will gladly give them." And they spread out a garment, and each man threw into it the earrings from his plunder.

Judges 8:25 niv

They answered, "We'll be glad to give them." So they spread out a garment, and each of them threw a ring from his plunder onto it.

Judges 8:25 esv

And they answered, "We will willingly give them." And they spread a cloak, and every man threw in it the earrings of his spoil.

Judges 8:25 nlt

"Gladly!" they replied. They spread out a cloak, and each one threw in a gold earring he had gathered from the plunder.

Judges 8 verses

Judges 8 25 Meaning

Judges 8:25 records the people's unanimous and enthusiastic compliance with Gideon's request for gold earrings taken as spoil from their Midianite enemies. Upon Gideon's request for the earrings, the people readily agreed and immediately spread out a garment as a collection point. Every man present then generously contributed the gold earrings he had acquired from the war booty, indicating a widespread and collective outpouring of the valuable metal.

Judges 8 25 Context

Judges 8 falls after Gideon's decisive victory over the Midianites, who had oppressed Israel for seven years. The chapter details Gideon's pursuit and capture of the Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, and his justice against Succoth and Penuel for refusing aid. Following these events, the men of Israel, recognizing Gideon's successful leadership, approached him in Judges 8:22 with the desire for him and his descendants to rule over them as king. Judges 8:25 then presents Gideon's immediate request to the people, which follows their offer of kingship, asking for a contribution of gold earrings from the recent plunder. This specific request and the people's compliance set the stage for Gideon's problematic action of making an ephod, as described in verse 27, which ultimately became a spiritual snare for Israel. The widespread ownership of golden earrings points to the significant wealth of the Midianites and the scale of the victory.

Judges 8 25 Word analysis

• And they answered: Refers to the men of Israel, demonstrating a unified and immediate response to Gideon's unspoken desire (his request is stated in v.24). This reflects their gratitude and respect for Gideon, especially after their offer for him to be king (v.22) and his principled rejection (v.23).
• We will certainly give them: The Hebrew construction (naton nitten, double infinitive absolute) emphasizes determination and willingness. It translates to "giving we will give" or "we will surely give." This highlights the enthusiastic and eager compliance of the Israelites.
• And they spread a garment:
  • spread (parash): To spread out, indicating a deliberate action of making a designated area for collection.
  • a garment (simlah): A common outer cloak, often used for various purposes, including a covering, blanket, or even a rudimentary receptacle. In this context, it functions as a collection cloth, signifying a spontaneous and communal effort without formal containers. This immediate, practical action underscores their readiness to contribute.
• and every man threw therein:
  • every man ('ish): Emphasizes the universal participation and personal involvement of each warrior, indicating the widespread distribution of these golden spoils among the fighting men.
  • threw (shalak): To cast, throw down. This suggests a plentiful, almost hasty contribution, indicating that the gold was abundant and they were eager to divest themselves of it for the cause.
• the earrings (nezem):
  • The primary Hebrew term nezem refers to rings, which could be for ears, nose, or even worn on arms or ankles, though primarily understood as ear or nose rings. The text clarifies "earrings."
  • These were made of gold (implied by context and explicit in v.26). Gold was a sign of wealth and prestige in the ancient Near East. The fact that the Midianites had so many, especially men (as indicated by "every man... earrings of his prey"), indicates their luxurious lifestyle and the vast spoils taken. Such ornaments sometimes carried pagan associations or served as charms.
• of his prey (shalal):
  • prey/spoil (shalal): Refers to war booty, plunder, or spoils of war. This shalal included other valuable items, but Gideon specifically requested the nezem. The Israelites were wealthy in the spoil due to their great victory, enabling such a generous contribution. This spoil represented God's provision and the outcome of His victory through Gideon.

Words-group analysis:

• "We will certainly give them. And they spread a garment...": This sequence shows immediate agreement followed by immediate action, underscoring the collective zeal and generosity of the Israelite men. Their enthusiastic response to Gideon's unusual request demonstrates their faith in his leadership and their willingness to dedicate valuable assets from their recent victory. This spontaneity highlights the deep impact of Gideon's leadership.
• "every man threw therein the earrings of his prey": This phrase highlights the personal connection each man had to the victory (owning part of the spoil) and their willingness to give it up collectively. The emphasis on "every man" underscores a unified, popular movement, not just a few prominent figures. The collection of highly valuable "earrings" rather than other plunder shows Gideon's very specific focus, and the people's ready acquiescence, indicating the strong influence Gideon had at this moment.

Judges 8 25 Bonus section

• The term nezem (earrings) in the Hebrew Bible can also refer to nose rings. In Exodus 32:2, the Israelites were told to take off their nezem for the construction of the golden calf, implying a similar cultural association with idolatry or foreign gods. The large quantity collected (1,700 shekels in v.26, weighing about 43 pounds or 19 kilograms) suggests these were worn by many, possibly even Midianite men, reflecting their extensive wealth.
• The communal spreading of a simple garment to collect such valuable items reflects the spontaneous, somewhat impromptu nature of the collection, yet its highly successful outcome, emphasizing the people's collective determination. It highlights a pre-monarchical, less structured way of communal organization and dedication.

Judges 8 25 Commentary

Judges 8:25 presents a moment of seemingly positive religious and national zeal, where the people of Israel respond with enthusiastic unity and generosity to Gideon's unusual request. After God had delivered them miraculously through Gideon, the people were filled with a spirit of gratitude and loyalty. Their willingness to contribute precious gold nezem (earrings) from their hard-won spoils demonstrates their dedication and trust in Gideon, rejecting kingship, yet honoring their deliverer. This act, while outwardly positive in its demonstration of willingness to contribute, stands as a critical hinge in the narrative. The very valuable gold freely given here (whose substantial weight is revealed in the next verse) would then be tragically repurposed by Gideon into an "ephod," which subsequently became a "snare" for Israel, leading them back into idolatry. Thus, the verse, though describing a collective act of giving, ironically foreshadows a misuse of sacred resources that would compromise the nation's spiritual purity, showing how even genuine zeal can be misdirected or become a stumbling block without continued reliance on God's guidance. The collective action underscores the pervasive impact this future "snare" would have.