Judges 8:1 NIV

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Judges 8:1-35

Gideon Judges 6-8 AT the close of the song of Deborah "the land had rest forty years." The sixth chapter begins with the usual black line: "And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord." These comings and goings of evil in human history seem to be fated. Men never get so clear away from evil as never to come back again to it; at any moment the course of life may be reversed, and the altar, the vow, the song, and the prayer may be forgotten like vanished summers. This makes the... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Judges 8:1

CONTENTS This Chapter is but a continuation of the history of the battle, and success of Gideon, related in the former. It forms indeed the sequel of Gideon's life. The consequence of his victory excited the displeasure of the Ephramites, because he called them not to the battle. Gideon softens their displeasure by his mild answer. Some other events are related which took place after this victory. Gideon declined the government of Israel, but by his prudent conduct preserved, under the Lord,... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Judges 8:1

Ephraim. The valour and insolence of these men are placed together. Afterwards we have an account of the transactions of Gedeon in the pursuit, ver. 4. (Haydock) --- The tribe of Ephraim seems to have had some grounds for being displeased at not being summoned at first, as well as the tribes of Aser, &c., which were farther off; particularly as they sprang from Joseph, no less than Manasses, and had their portion in common. The general answers them with great respect, as otherwise their... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Judges 8:1-3

1-3 Those who will not attempt or venture any thing in the cause of God, will be the most ready to censure and quarrel with such as are of a more zealous and enterprising spirit. And those who are the most backward to difficult services, will be the most angry not to have the credit of them. Gideon stands here as a great example of self-denial; and shows us that envy is best removed by humility. The Ephraimites had given vent to their passion in very wrong freedom of speech, a certain sign of a... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Judges 8:1-9

Difficulties with Ephraim and the Cities Succoth and Penuel v. 1. And the men of Ephraim, who had not been included in the order to mobilize their forces, Judges 6:35, said unto him, Gideon, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? They demanded an explanation for having been slighted by Gideon, as they supposed. And they did chide with him sharply, attacked him in a vehement quarrel. v. 2. And he said unto them, What have I... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Judges 8:1-3

Ephraim’s proud complaint and Gideon’s wise forbearanceJudges 8:1-31And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not when [didst not call out1 to us that] thou wentest [wast going] to fight with [against] the Midianites? and they did chide [quarrel] with him sharply 2[vehemently]. And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes [omit: of the grapes] of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi-ezer?... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Judges 8:1-12

a Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath Judges 7:24-25 ; Judges 8:1-12 The fleeing host made for the three fords of the Jordan, and with all haste Gideon summoned the tribes to anticipate them. The way of the victor was not without its drawbacks and discouragements. Ephraim was wroth; Succoth and Penuel were contemptuous; his own men were faint, though pursuing. But the faith that had won the great victory never wavered. Gideon “endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” From the eternal source of... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Judges 8:1-35

Following the deliverance from the oppression of Midian, Gideon had to deal with internal troubles. The people of Ephraim objected that he had not called them to his help. The men of Succoth and Penuel had refused help in an hour of crisis. Gideon's method with Ephraim was conciliatory and that with the men of Succoth and Penuel was severe. The last things we read about Gideon are full of interest: one is characterized by great nobility, the other is a revelation of weakness which issued in... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 8:1

Chapter 8. Events To The Death of Gideon. In this chapter we are told how Gideon pacified the Ephraimites, who complained because they were not sent for to fight the Midianites; how he pursued the Midianites until he took their two kings; and how on his return he chastised the men of Succoth and Penuel, because they had refused to relieve his men with food while they were pursuing the enemy; how he slew the two kings of Midian; and after this conquest was offered sole-rulership of Israel; how... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 8:1-3

Judges 8:1-Leviticus : . The Ephraimites Appeased.— After defeating the mighty foreign foe, Gideon had to settle a domestic dispute which might easily have become serious, and he again proved himself equal to the occasion. He is a man of wit and humour as well as of military prowess. He knows that a soft answer turns away wrath, and he can make the tongue as effective a weapon as the sword. He stoops to conquer. When the jealous Ephraimites complain that he has not given them the first place... read more