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Study :: Bible Study Notes :: ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Judges 8

ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Judges 8

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Judg 8:1–3 The Ephraimites complained that they had been called upon too late to take part in the battle, but Gideon’s flattering response soothed them.

Judg 8:16–17 Gideon’s actions here fulfill his pledges in vv. 7 and 9.

Judg 8:22–28 Despite God’s faithfulness to Gideon, he leads the people into improper worship practices.

Judg 8:22–23 Rule over us. It was God (not any human being) who delivered his people (see note on 7:2). the Lord will rule over you. The Hebrew word order might be paraphrased as, “It is the Lord, and no other, who shall rule over you!” While Gideon’s words were theologically correct, his later actions show either that he was only pretending or that he was self-deceived. He appears eventually to have been seduced by the power of being a king (8:24–28, 31).

Judg 8:27 The original ephod was an ornate ceremonial garment worn by the high priest (Exodus 28; 39). According to the Mosaic law, there was to be only one ephod in Israel (Ex. 28:15–30). It was used to inquire of God (see 1 Sam. 14:3; 23:9; 30:7). The ephod Gideon set up in his own city ultimately became a snare to him and his family, echoing Judg. 2:3. whored. See note on 2:17.

Judg 8:29–32 for he had many wives. On polygamy, see note on Gen. 16:3. Gideon had insisted that he should not be king (see note on Judg. 8:22–23), but he ended up functioning as king, and he named one of his sons Abimelech, which means “my father is king.” Abimelech’s impact on the nation will be seen in ch. 9.

Judg 8:33–35 The steady downward cycle of Israel’s unfaithfulness continued. Though he had accomplished some good things, Gideon contributed significantly to this downward slide. whored. See note on 2:17. Baal-berith means “Baal of the covenant.” Israel made its covenant with one of the Baals, not with its own covenant-keeping God (see 9:46). Jerubbaal (that is, Gideon). See note on 6:32.

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