Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The men of Ephraim said to Gideon, "Why have you treated us this way by not consulting with us before going to battle against Midian?" They felt their contribution was more significant than his, pointing out that the gleaning of grapes from Ephraim was better than the vintage of Abiezer.

Gideon replied, "What have I now done in comparison with you? God has delivered into my hands Oreb and Zeeb, two princes of Midian. What have I now done in comparison with you?" He continued to affirm his authority, having successfully pursued the Midianite leaders.

As Gideon crossed the Jordan River with his 300 men, he asked the people of Succoth for food, explaining that they were exhausted and pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. The princes of Succoth responded, "Are Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand? Why should we give bread to your army?" Gideon threatened them, saying that if God had not given him control over the Midianite leaders, he would punish them severely.

Gideon continued his journey, going up to Penuel, where he spoke to the people in a similar manner as he had spoken to those in Succoth. He warned them that when he returned in peace, he would tear down their tower. Gideon also approached the men of Penuel, saying, "When I come back in peace, I will break down this tower."

Meanwhile, Zebah and Zalmunna were at Karkor with their army of 15,000 men, who had escaped the initial battle with Midian. However, Gideon led his troops to attack them as they rested securely near Nobah and Jogbehah.

As Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued them and captured both kings, defeating their entire army. Before dawn broke, Gideon returned from battle, having successfully completed the mission against Midian.

After defeating the enemy, Gideon took a young man of Succoth prisoner to interrogate him about the city's leaders, including seventy-seven men. When he arrived at Succoth, Gideon scolded them for mocking him earlier, suggesting that he would not give bread to his weary troops if they were not in his power.

Gideon then gathered thorns and briers from the wilderness to punish the people of Succoth. He destroyed their tower, killing the men who lived there. Next, he went to Penuel and also destroyed the tower, killing its inhabitants.

While questioning Zebah and Zalmunna about their past battles, Gideon asked them what kind of warriors they had killed at Tabor. The two Midianite leaders replied that those men resembled him, each being like a son of a king. When Gideon learned that these soldiers were his own brothers or relatives, he grew more determined to take revenge.

However, when Gideon ordered his firstborn son Jether to kill Zebah and Zalmunna, the young man refused because he was still too inexperienced with a sword. The two Midianite leaders mocked Gideon, saying that if he had not killed them earlier when they were more vulnerable, now was the perfect time.

Gideon took matters into his own hands and killed both kings himself, taking their valuable ornaments as spoils. He then distributed the captured jewelry and other treasures to the Israelites who had followed him in battle.

The people of Israel asked Gideon to become their leader, suggesting that he and his sons should rule over them since they had delivered them from Midian's oppression. However, Gideon refused, saying that God alone should be their ruler.

Gideon also requested each man to give him an earring made of gold from the spoils they had taken during battle. The earrings were a distinctive feature worn by Ishmaelites, and many Israelite soldiers gladly gave them up. The total weight of these golden earrings was 1,700 shekels, along with other ornaments, purple garments, and chains that the Midianite kings wore on their camels.

Gideon took some of this spoils to create an ephod, which he placed in his city, Ophrah. Unfortunately, over time, many Israelites began worshiping this ephod as an idol, leading Gideon's family into sin.

The defeat of Midian marked the end of their period of domination over the Israelites. Jerubbaal (Gideon's name after a miracle), son of Joash, went back to his home in Ophrah.

Gideon had many wives and seventy sons born to him, including Abimelech, whose mother lived in Shechem. Gideon eventually died at an advanced age and was buried alongside his father Joash in the family tomb in Ophrah among the Abiezrites.

As soon as Gideon passed away, the Israelites returned to their sinful ways, reverting back to worshiping Baal again and establishing a new idol called Baalberith. They forgot about God's mighty deliverance from all their enemies on every side.

The Israelites showed no kindness or gratitude towards Gideon's family for their many good deeds done for them.