8:1-3 Ephraim’s leaders felt left out because Gideon had not called them to join the battle but had left them in place to clean up the escaping Midianites, and so they angrily confronted him. Gideon assured the leaders of Ephraim that their accomplishment was even greater than his own clan’s (Abiezer). His diplomatic explanation pointed out that this rear guard had managed to capture the enemy’s generals, thus cutting off the leaders from their army. Not every necessary job is a highly visible leadership role. Much of the necessary labor of any effective enterprise is considered by many to be dirty work. But such work is vital to getting any big task done. Engineers and millionaires may design and finance an elegant building, but it is the bricklayers who get the work done. Pride causes us to want recognition. Are you content to be God’s bricklayer, or do you resent the work God has given you?
8:5-9 The leaders of Succoth and Penuel refused to help Gideon, probably fearing Midian’s revenge should he fail (Gideon’s army was 300 men chasing 15,000). They should have realized that victory was certain because God was with Gideon. But they were so worried about saving themselves that they never thought about God’s power to save.
Because of fear for ourselves, we may not recognize God’s presence in other people and therefore miss God’s victory. Then we must face the often bitter consequences of failing to join forces with those God has chosen to do his work. Because God will prevail with or without you, be quick to join others who are engaged in his work. Lend support with your time, money, talents, and prayer.
8:11 The Midianites were escaping into the desert area, where the tent-dwelling nomads lived. They didn’t expect Gideon to follow them that far.
8:15-17 Gideon carried out the threats he had made in 8:7, 9. It is difficult to determine whether this act of revenge was justified or whether he should have left the punishment up to God. Gideon was God’s appointed leader, but the officials of Succoth and Penuel refused to help him in any way because they feared the enemy. They showed neither faith nor respect for God or the man God had chosen to save them. We should help others because it is right, regardless of whether we will benefit personally.
8:20, 21 For a king to be killed by a boy was humiliating because it would look as though he was no match for a boy. The two men wanted to avoid that disgrace as well as the slower and more painful death that an inexperienced swordsman might inflict.
8:23 The people wanted to make Gideon their king, but Gideon stressed that the Lord was to rule over them. Despite his inconsistencies, Gideon never lost sight of the importance, for both a nation and an individual, of putting God first. Is God first in your life? If he is, he must affect every dimension of your life, not just what you do in church.
8:26, 27 Those who were very wealthy put ornaments on their camels as a way of displaying their riches. Women wore vast amounts of jewelry as well, often up to 15 pairs of earrings. Jewelry was also worn for good luck. After Gideon’s rise to power, he seems to have become carried away with this accumulation of wealth. Eventually it led the Israelites to idolatry.
8:27 An ephod was a linen garment worn by priests over their chests. It was considered holy (Exodus 28:6-35; 39:2-24; Leviticus 8:7, 8). Gideon probably had good motives for making the ephod (a visible remembrance commemorating the victory). Unfortunately, the people began to worship the ephod as an idol. Sadly, many decisions that stem from good motives produce negative results. Perhaps no one stops to ask, “What might go wrong?” or “Is there a possibility of negative consequences?” In your plans and decisions, take time to anticipate how a good idea might lead to a potential problem.
8:31 This relationship between Gideon and a concubine produced a son who tore apart Gideon’s family and caused tragedy for the nation. Gideon’s story illustrates the fact that heroes in battle are not always heroes in daily life. Gideon led the nation but could not lead his family. No matter who you are, moral laxness will cause problems. Just because you have won a single battle with temptation does not mean you will automatically win the next one. We need to be constantly watchful against temptation. Sometimes Satan’s strongest attacks come after a victory.
8:33 Baal-berith means “Baal (lord) of the covenant.” Worship of the idol may have combined elements of both the Israelite and Canaanite religions.