King James Version

What Does Judges 8:21 Mean?

“Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. ornaments: or, ornaments like the moon”

Context

And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the LORD liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.

And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth.

Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks. ornaments: or, ornaments like the moon

Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son's son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian.

And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

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Topics in This Verse

Strength

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **Rise thou, and fall upon us.**—They deprecated the pain and shame of falling by the irresolute hands of a boy. **For as the man . . . his strength.**—Deuteronomy 33:25. “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” **Ornaments.**—*Saharonim, *“little moons,” crescent-shaped ornaments of gold and silver, still in common use to decorate animals. Isaiah 3:18, “round tires like the moon.” “Niveo *lunata monilia *dente” (*Stat. Theb. *ix. 689). After one of his battles Mohammed found a slain camel adorned with these *lunulœ *and with strings of emeralds. The Roman senators (for another reason) wore silver crescents on their shoes.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 8:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.