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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Judges 6:33-40

Here we have, I. The descent which the enemies of Israel made upon them, Jdg. 6:33. A vast number of Midianites, Amalekites, and Arabians, got together, and came over Jordan, none either caring or daring to guard that important and advantageous pass against them, and they made their headquarters in the valley of Jezreel, in the heart of Manasseh's tribe, not far from Gideon's city. Some think that the notice they had of Gideon's destroying Baal's altar brought them over, and that they came to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 6:34

But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon ,.... Not the spirit of prophecy, as Maimonides F24 Moreh Nevochim, par. 2. c. 45. , who calls this spirit the first degree of prophecy, but a spirit of fortitude and courage, as the Targum; the Spirit of God filled him, or, as in the Hebrew text, "clothed" F25 לבשח "induit", Pagninus, Montanus, &c.; Vid. Maimon. ut supra. (T. Bab. Temurah, fol. 28. 2. & 29. 1.) So Homer often represents his heroes as clothed with fortitude and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 6:35

And he sent messengers through all Manasseh ,.... Of which tribe he was; not only he called by the trumpet that part of the tribe, the Abiezrites, who were within the sound of it, but the rest of the tribe at a greater distance from him he sent messengers to, acquainting them with his design, and inviting them to his assistance. Some think this refers both to the half tribe of Manasseh within Jordan, and the other half tribe on the other side Jordan; but that is not very probable, only the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 6:34

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon - He was endued with preternatural courage and wisdom. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 6:34

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon - See the margin. The word contains a striking thought. It is different from that used in the case of Othniel Judges 3:10, Jephthah Judges 11:29, and Samson Judges 13:25; Judges 14:6, Judges 14:19. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Judges 6:35

His own tribe, Manasseh, and the three northern tribes of Asher, Zebulon, and Naphtali hastened to join him. Issachar was probably unable to do so, because the Midianites were encamped in the heart of their country. Asher no longer “abode in his breaches,” as in the time of Jabin Judges 6:17, perhaps ashamed of their former backwardness, and stung by the rebuke of Deborah; perhaps, too, from feeling the Midianite yoke much more galling than that of Jabin. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 6:33-34

Judges 6:33-34. Then all the Midianites were gathered together, &c. As was their usual custom every year, that they might waste the country. And pitched in the valley of Jezreel Not Jezreel in Judah, but another place of that name in the borders of Manasseh and Issachar, which was not far distant from Ophrah, where Gideon dwelt. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon Inspiring him with extraordinary wisdom, and courage, and zeal, to vindicate God’s honour and his country’s... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Judges 6:35

Judges 6:35. All Manasseh On both sides of Jordan. Unto Asher, &c. Because these tribes were nearest, and so could soonest join with him; and were nearest the enemy also, (Judges 6:33,) and therefore were most sensible of the calamity, and would in all reason be most forward to rescue themselves from it. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Judges 6:1-40

Click image for full-size versionClick image for full-size versionGod prepares Gideon (6:1-40)Israel’s return to sinful and idolatrous ways met its punishment in the raids of the Midianites. As usual the Amalekites were pleased to join in the attack. Year by year, for seven years, the invaders rode their army of camels from the deserts of Arabia, crossed the Jordan, and raided the fields and herds of the helpless Israelites. Their attacks reached as far north as Naphtali and as far west as... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Judges 6:34

Spirit = Hebrew. ruach. See App-9 . came upon = clothed (1 Chronicles 12:18 . 2 Chronicles 24:20 ). Hebrew. labash, to put on so as to fill. gathered: gathered by proclamation. read more

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