John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 8:1-35
The Pursuit of the Kings. Gideon’s Subsequent Career and Death1. Cp. Judges 12. Ephraim claimed to be the leading tribe; later the name was often used as a synonym for the northern kingdom. The natural jealousy of the tribe was appeased by Gideon’s ready wit; one might have suspected that, making such claims as these, they would not have left Gideon to take the initiative.2. Gleaning and vintage] note the contrast between these. Abi-ezer] Gideon substitutes this for his own name. 4. Having... read more
Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Judges 8:13-17
The punishment of Succoth and Penuel 8:13-17The Ascent of Heres (Judges 8:13) appears to have been an inclined roadway or pass leading to that town, presumably in the Jabbok Valley near Penuel and Succoth. Gideon’s severe punishment of the men of these towns was just. They had selfishly refused to assist God’s appointed judge in His holy war for Yahweh’s glory and His people’s good. They had also shown contempt for the soldiers God had signally honored with supernatural victory. It was Gideon’s... read more