Bible Chapter Summary
Judges 8 Summary
Gideon's Victory and the Ephod Snare
Gideon pacifies the offended men of Ephraim, then pursues the Midianite kings Zebah and Zalmunna across the Jordan, punishing the towns of Succoth and Penuel that refused his weary men bread. He captures and kills the two kings, avenging his slain brothers, and declines Israel's offer of kingship, declaring that the LORD shall rule over them. From the gold spoil he makes an ephod that becomes a snare, drawing Israel into idolatry. After forty years of peace Gideon dies, and Israel again turns to worship Baal.
Key themes
Key verses
Judges 8:23
“And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.”
Judges 8:27
“And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.”
Judges 8:28
“Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.”
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