King James Version

What Does Judges 6:35 Mean?

Judges 6:35 in the King James Version says “And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and ...” — study this verse from Judges chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them. gathered: Heb. called”

Judges 6:35 · KJV

Context

33

Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.

34

But the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered after him. came: Heb. clothed gathered: Heb. called

35

And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them. gathered: Heb. called

36

And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said,

37

Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gideon sends messengers throughout Manasseh, summoning the tribe to battle. The phrase 'they also were gathered after him' suggests Manasseh responded as readily as Abiezer clan. He extends the call to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali—northern tribes most threatened by the Jezreel Valley invasion. Their response—'they came up to meet them'—indicates rapid mobilization. Gideon's expanding authority demonstrates Spirit-empowerment's visible effects. His bold leadership contrasts with earlier fearfulness, showing God's transforming power. The growing army prepares for the battle narrative of chapter 7.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The four tribes summoned (Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali) occupied northern territories surrounding the Jezreel Valley. These tribes faced immediate threat from the Midianite coalition and possessed vested interest in defeating the invaders. The lack of response from southern tribes (Judah, Simeon, etc.) foreshadows later north-south divisions and the judges period's tribal fragmentation. Deborah and Barak's earlier victory over Sisera in the same valley (Judges 4-5) provided precedent for defending this strategic region.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gideon's expanding influence demonstrate the fruit of faithful obedience in confronting idolatry?
  2. What does the northern tribes' response teach about how God orchestrates circumstances to accomplish His purposes?
  3. Why does effective spiritual leadership require both divine empowerment and human mobilization?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּמַלְאָכִ֣ים1 of 15

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

שָׁלַ֗ח2 of 15

“And he sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּכָל3 of 15
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְנַשֶּׁ֔ה4 of 15

“throughout all Manasseh”

H4519

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וַיִּזָּעֵ֥ק5 of 15

“who also was gathered”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

גַּם6 of 15
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

ה֖וּא7 of 15
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

אַֽחֲרָ֑יו8 of 15

“after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וּמַלְאָכִ֣ים9 of 15

“messengers”

H4397

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

שָׁלַ֗ח10 of 15

“And he sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בְּאָשֵׁ֤ר11 of 15

“unto Asher”

H836

asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine

וּבִזְבֻלוּן֙12 of 15

“and unto Zebulun”

H2074

zebulon, a son of jacob; also his territory and tribe

וּבְנַפְתָּלִ֔י13 of 15

“and unto Naphtali”

H5321

naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ14 of 15

“and they came up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

לִקְרָאתָֽם׃15 of 15

“to meet”

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 6:35 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Judges 6:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 30:6-12Judges 4:6

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