The Surprise Attack
May 17, 2020
Commentary
The Ephraimites had played an important role in Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 7:24-25). When Gideon called on them, they came, defending the Jordan River and slaying Oreb and Zeeb, the princes of Midian. But despite their great victory, the Ephraimites were provoked, wishing to have been called upon sooner. Instead of antagonizing them further, Gideon stoked their ego, insisting that theirs had been the greater victory of the two (vv. 1-3). Recall that the Lord had specifically told Gideon to limit his army size to 300 men lest they grow prideful in their victory (Judges 7:2 & 4).
Zebah and Zalmunna, two kings of Midian, had escaped the ambush at the Jordan River, now with only 1/8th of their army remaining. Gideon and his 300 men crossed over the Jordan and pursued them despite their exhaustion (v. 4). Two Israelite cities, Succoth and Penuel, denied them food, claiming that they would have gladly fed them if only they had successfully killed the two kings earlier. Gideon was provoked by their lack of hospitality, and he promised to return and punish them after the kings were dead (vv. 5-9). Gideon’s pride had been wounded.
Despite the odds, Gideon and his 300 men were successful. The Midianites were held up in Karkor, which means “the Foundation”. In their pride, they thought themselves secure. But Gideon led his men along an unexpected path and launched a surprise attack. They captured Zebah and Zalmunna and threw the remaining Midianites into a panic (vv. 10-12).
Application
It is easy for me to be provoked and try to take things in my own hands without seeking God’s direction and help? I need to ask God’s forgiveness and seek His direction, so I can be victorious.
Judges 8:1– 12 (NET)
1 The Ephraimites said to him, “Why have you done such a thing to us? You did not summon us when you went to fight the Midianites!” They argued vehemently with him. 2 He said to them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Even Ephraim’s leftover grapes are better quality than Abiezer’s harvest! 3 It was to you that God handed over the Midianite generals, Oreb and Zeeb! What did I accomplish to rival that?” When he said this, they calmed down.
4 Now Gideon and his 300 men had crossed over the Jordan River, and even though they were exhausted, they were still chasing the Midianites. 5 He said to the men of Sukkoth, “Give some loaves of bread to the men who are following me, because they are exhausted. I am chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” 6 The officials of Sukkoth said, “You have not yet overpowered Zebah and Zalmunna. So why should we give bread to your army?” 7 Gideon said, “Since you will not help, after the Lord hands Zebah and Zalmunna over to me, I will thresh your skin with desert thorns and briers.” 8 He went up from there to Penuel and made the same request. The men of Penuel responded the same way the men of Sukkoth had. 9 He also threatened the men of Penuel, warning, “When I return victoriously, I will tear down this tower.”
10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their armies. There were about 15,000 survivors from the army of the eastern peoples; 120,000 sword-wielding soldiers had been killed. 11 Gideon went up the road of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah and ambushed the surprised army. 12 When Zebah and Zalmunna ran away, Gideon chased them and captured the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. He had surprised their entire army.