The Cycle Of Sin (Judges 8)

Do we see Israel’s repeated cycle of sin, suffering, sorrow and salvation in Gideon's story? Do we see it in us? Do we still need to repent long after baptism? Let’s look at Judges 8.

How did Gideon appease the complaint made by the men of Ephraim?

The men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you treated us this way, that you didn’t call us when you went to fight with Midian?” They rebuked him sharply. He said to them, “What have I now done in comparison with you? Isn’t the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? God has delivered into your hand the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb! What was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger was abated toward him when he had said that. (Judges 8:1-3 WEB)

What kind of welcome did the people of Succoth give Gideon?

Then Gideon came to the Jordan. As he and the three hundred men with him crossed over, they were exhausted but still giving chase. So he said to the people of Succoth, “Please give some loaves of bread to those who are on foot, because they’re exhausted, but I’m chasing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.” But the officials of Succoth replied, “Haven’t you already almost gotten your hands on Zebah and Zalmunna? Why should we give food to your army now?” (Judges 8:4-6 CEB)

What kind of welcome did the people of Penuel give Gideon?

“Just wait!” Gideon said. “After the Lord helps me defeat them, I'm coming back here. I'll make a whip out of thorns and rip the flesh from your bones.” After leaving Succoth, Gideon went to Penuel and asked the leaders there for some food. But he got the same answer as he did at Succoth. “I'll come back safe and sound,” Gideon said, “but when I do, I'm going to tear down your tower!” (Judges 8:7-9 CEV)

Did the original total number of Midianites equal 135,000 versus 300 Israelites?

Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army, about 15,000 men, all who were left of all the army of the people of the East, for there had fallen 120,000 men who drew the sword. And Gideon went up by the way of the tent dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked the army, for the army felt secure. And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw all the army into a panic. (Judges 8:10-12 ESV)

What did Gideon do to the two towns that refused to feed his army?

Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle by the Ascent of Heres. He captured a youth from the men of Succoth and interrogated him. The youth wrote down for him the names of the 77 princes and elders of Succoth. Then he went to the men of Succoth and said, “Here are Zebah and Zalmunna. You taunted me about them, saying, ‘Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your power that we should give bread to your exhausted men?’” So he took the elders of the city, and he took some thorns and briers from the wilderness, and he disciplined the men of Succoth with them. He also tore down the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. (Judges 8:13-17 HCSB)

How did Gideon punish the kings of Midian, Zeba and Zalmunna?

Afterwards, he asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What were the men like whom you killed at Tabor?” They answered, “Like you, each one like the son of a king…” Gideon replied, “They were my brothers—sons from my own mother. As the Lord lives, if you had let them live, I wouldn’t be killing you.” Then he told his firstborn son Jether, “Get up and kill them!” But he was afraid, since he was still only a youngster. Then Zebah and Zalmunna responded, “Get up and attack us yourself, since a man’s valor is only as good as the man himself.” So Gideon got up, killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the crescent-shaped necklaces that adorned the necks of their camels. Then the men of Israel asked Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son, and your grandsons—because you have delivered us from Midian’s domination.” But Gideon told them, “I won’t rule over you and my son won’t rule over you. The Lord will rule you.” (Judges 8:18-23 ISV)

Did Gideon make an unauthorized replica of the holy vest or ephod, worn by the high priest to discern God’s will (Exodus 29:2–5)?

And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels' necks. And Gideon made an ephod [a holy vest] 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 8:24-27 KJV)