Judges 8:10
Judges 8:10 in Multiple Translations
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen.
¶ Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the host of the children of the east; for there fell a hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, those of all the army of the children of the east who were still living; for a hundred and twenty thousand of their swordsmen had been put to death.
Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their armies of around fifteen thousand men. These were all who remained of the armies of the people of the East—one hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already been killed.
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hostes with them, about fifteene thousande, all that were left of all the hostes of them of the East: for there was slaine an hundreth and twentie thousand men, that drew swordes.
And Zebah and Zalmunna [are] in Karkor, and their camps with them, about fifteen thousand, all who are left of all the camp of the sons of the east; and those falling [are] a hundred and twenty thousand men, drawing sword.
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the army of the children of the east; for there fell one hundred twenty thousand men who drew sword.
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men , all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell a hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
But Zebee and Salmana were resting with all their army. For fifteen thousand men were left of all the troops of the eastern people, and one hundred and twenty thousand warriors that drew the sword, were slain.
By that time, Zebah and Zalmunna had gone to Karkor town with 15,000 troops. They were all that were left of the armies that had come from the east. 120,000 of their men had already been killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 8:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 8:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זֶ֨בַח
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֜ע
בַּ/קַּרְקֹ֗ר
וּ/מַחֲנֵי/הֶ֤ם
עִמָּ/ם֙
כַּ/חֲמֵ֤שֶׁת
עָשָׂר֙
אֶ֔לֶף
כֹּ֚ל
הַ/נּ֣וֹתָרִ֔ים
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
בְנֵי
קֶ֑דֶם
וְ/הַ/נֹּ֣פְלִ֔ים
מֵאָ֨ה
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
אֶ֛לֶף
אִ֖ישׁ
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
חָֽרֶב
וְ/זֶ֨בַח
Zebach
H2078
Zebah
Conj | N-proper
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֜ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
Zalmunna
Conj | N-proper
בַּ/קַּרְקֹ֗ר
Qarqôr
H7174
Karkor
Prep | N-proper
וּ/מַחֲנֵי/הֶ֤ם
machăneh
H4264
camp
Conj | N-cp | Suff
עִמָּ/ם֙
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
כַּ/חֲמֵ֤שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
five
Prep | Adj
עָשָׂר֙
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/נּ֣וֹתָרִ֔ים
yâthar
H3498
to remain
Art | V-Niphal
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
machăneh
H4264
camp
N-cs
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
קֶ֑דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms
וְ/הַ/נֹּ֣פְלִ֔ים
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | Art | V-Qal
מֵאָ֨ה
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Conj | Adj
אֶ֛לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
shâlaph
H8025
to draw
V-Qal
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 8:10
וְ/זֶ֨בַח
Zebach
H2078
"Zebah"
Conj | N-proper
Zebach was a Midianite prince who, along with another king, invaded Palestine but was defeated by Gideon. His name means 'deprived of protection', and he's mentioned in the book of Judges. The KJV translates his name as 'Zebah'.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zebah = "deprived of protection" one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zebah. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
וְ/צַלְמֻנָּ֜ע
Tsalmunnâʻ
H6759
"Zalmunna"
Conj | N-proper
Zalmunna was a Midianite king who was slain by Gideon, as told in Judges 8:5. His name means 'deprived of protection' and he lived before the time of Israel's monarchy. He was a significant figure in the biblical account.
Definition: A man living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.8.5 § Zalmunna = "deprived of protection" a Midianite king slain by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Zalmunna. See also: Judges 8:5; Judges 8:12; Psalms 83:12.
בַּ/קַּרְקֹ֗ר
Qarqôr
H7174
"Karkor"
Prep | N-proper
Karkor is a place east of the Jordan River, where Gideon defeated Zebah and Zalmunna. Its name means foundation, and it's an important location in the story of Gideon's victories in the book of Judges.
Definition: § Karkor = "foundation" a place east of the Jordan in Gilead where Zebah and Zalmunna were again routed by Gideon
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Karkor. See also: Judges 8:10.
וּ/מַחֲנֵי/הֶ֤ם
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
Conj | N-cp | Suff
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
עִמָּ/ם֙
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
כַּ/חֲמֵ֤שֶׁת
châmêsh
H2568
"five"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word simply means the number five. It is used throughout the Bible to describe quantities of five, such as five loaves of bread in Matthew 14:17. It can also mean a multiple of five.
Definition: 1) five 1a) five (cardinal number) 1b) a multiple of five (with another number) 1c) fifth (ordinal number)
Usage: Occurs in 272 OT verses. KJV: fif(-teen), fifth, five ([idiom] apiece). See also: Genesis 5:6; Numbers 31:45; Ezra 2:66.
עָשָׂר֙
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
אֶ֔לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
כֹּ֚ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/נּ֣וֹתָרִ֔ים
yâthar
H3498
"to remain"
Art | V-Niphal
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
מִ/כֹּ֖ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מַחֲנֵ֣ה
machăneh
H4264
"camp"
N-cs
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
קֶ֑דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
וְ/הַ/נֹּ֣פְלִ֔ים
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
מֵאָ֨ה
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֥ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Conj | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
אֶ֛לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
שֹׁ֥לֵֽף
shâlaph
H8025
"to draw"
V-Qal
This Hebrew verb means to pull or draw something out, like drawing a plant out of the ground. It is used in various contexts, including pulling out a sword or growing up. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of everyday life and warfare.
Definition: 1) to draw out or off, take off 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw out 1a2) to draw off 1a3) to shoot up, draw out (of blade of grass on roof)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: draw (off), grow up, pluck off. See also: Numbers 22:23; Judges 20:46; Psalms 129:6.
חָֽרֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
Study Notes — Judges 8:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 8:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:10
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:10
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:10
- Sermons on Judges 8:10
Context — Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna
8From there he went up to Penuel and asked the same from them, but the men of Penuel gave the same response as the men of Succoth.
9So Gideon told the men of Penuel, “When I return in triumph, I will tear down this tower!”
10Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen.
11And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise. 12When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 7:12 | Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. |
| 2 | Judges 20:25 | That same day the Benjamites came out against them from Gibeah and cut down another 18,000 Israelites, all of them armed with swords. |
| 3 | Judges 20:2 | The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords. |
| 4 | Judges 20:17 | The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 3:26 | When the king of Moab saw that the battle was too fierce for him, he took with him seven hundred swordsmen to break through to the king of Edom, but they could not prevail. |
| 6 | Judges 20:35 | The LORD defeated Benjamin in the presence of Israel, and on that day the Israelites slaughtered 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. |
| 7 | Judges 20:46 | That day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all men of valor. |
| 8 | Judges 20:15 | On that day the Benjamites mobilized 26,000 swordsmen from their cities, in addition to the 700 select men of Gibeah. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 28:8 | Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen—women, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a great deal of plunder and brought it to Samaria. |
| 10 | Judges 7:22 | And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. |
Judges 8:10 Summary
[Judges 8:10 tells us that Zebah and Zalmunna, two kings of Midian, were still leading their army, even after many of their soldiers had been killed. This shows that they were determined to keep fighting, but it also sets the stage for Gideon's final victory, as seen in the surrounding verses. The fact that a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen highlights the severity of the battle and the power of God, who is our rock and refuge, as mentioned in Psalm 46:1-3. As we read this verse, we can be encouraged to trust in God's power and provision, just like Gideon did, and to remember that He is always with us, as promised in Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the numbers mentioned in Judges 8:10?
The numbers mentioned in Judges 8:10, specifically fifteen thousand men and a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen, highlight the vastness of the armies of the people of the east and the severity of the battle, as seen in other biblical accounts of war such as 1 Samuel 4:10 and 1 Chronicles 19:18.
Who were Zebah and Zalmunna and why are they important in this verse?
Zebah and Zalmunna were two kings of Midian who led the armies of the people of the east, as mentioned in Judges 8:10, and their presence signifies the opposition that Gideon faced, similar to other biblical leaders who faced opposition from foreign kings, such as in Exodus 1:8-10 and Numbers 20:14-21.
What can we learn from the fact that a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen?
The fact that a hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen, as stated in Judges 8:10, demonstrates the intensity of the battle and the power of God, who often uses His people to achieve great victories, as seen in other biblical accounts such as Joshua 10:10-14 and 2 Chronicles 32:21-22.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Gideon's life and the book of Judges?
This verse is part of the story of Gideon's victory over the Midianites, as told in Judges 6-8, and it highlights God's power and Gideon's faith, which are central themes in the book of Judges, as seen in Judges 2:10 and Hebrews 11:32-34.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse teach us about the power of God in the face of overwhelming odds, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does the fact that Zebah and Zalmunna were still in Karkor with their army, despite the heavy losses, reflect their character and the character of those who oppose God?
- What can we learn from Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna, as mentioned in the surrounding verses, about perseverance and trusting in God's power?
- How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of uncertainty and danger, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 43:2-3?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 8:10
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor..... Jerom (u) under this word says, there was in his time a castle called Carcuria, a day's journey from Petra, which was the metropolis of Idumea; but whether
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 8:10
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 8:10
i.e. Persons expert and exercised in war, besides the retainers to them, .
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 8:10
Judges 8:10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna [were] in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand [men], all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.Ver. 10. Were in Karkor.] A city beyond Jordan, where they thought themselves safe, and feared not a pursuer: but vengeance would not suffer them to live.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 8:10
(10) In Karkor.—This was the scene of the third battle, or massacre. When they had reached this distant point they probably felt secure. Karkor means, “a safe enclosure,” and the Vulg., regarding it as an ordinary noun, renders it, “where Zebah and Zalmunna were resting.” Eusebius and Jerome identify Karkor with a fortress named Karkaria, a day’s journey north of Petra; but, from the mention of Nobah and Jogbehah in the next verse, this seems to be too far south. If so, it may be Karkagheisch, not far from Amman (Rabbath Ammon), mentioned by Burckhardt. It was, however, “at a very great distance” (Jos., Antt. viii. 6, § 5 from the original scene of battle.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 8:10
Verse 10. Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor] If this were a place, it is nowhere else mentioned in Scripture. Some contend that קרקר karkor signifies rest; and thus the Vulgate understood it: Zebah and Zalmunna requiescebant, rested, with all their army. And this seems the most likely, for it is said, Judges 8:11, that Gideon smote the host, for the host was secure.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 8:10
10. Karkor] Site unknown, probably near the edge of the Syrian desert. all that were left … drew sword] These words have the appearance of an attempt to bring the present narrative into harmony with the account of the panic and flight in Judges 7:22-25. The exaggerated numbers recall those of Numbers 31 (overthrow of Midian); that drew sword is an expression which often goes with large figures, e.g. Judges 20:2; Judges 20:15; Judges 20:17; Judges 20:46; 2 Samuel 24:9 etc.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 8:10
Zebah and Zalmunna seem to have fled nearly due east to Karkor, which was probably an enclosure of some kind (perhaps a walled sheepfold, compare Numbers 31:32 note).
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 8:10
10. Karkor — A city or district some distance east of the Jordan, but now unknown. Fifteen thousand — The remnant of the one hundred and thirty-five thousand that had spread themselves like locusts in the plains of Israel.
Sermons on Judges 8:10
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Christ, Our Identity by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that our identity as Christians is rooted in our relationship with Jesus, who is our family member and the foundation of our lives. He encourages believers |
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(Education for Exultation) the Gideon Venture by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Gideon from the Bible. Gideon is in a difficult situation, feeling weak and unsure of what to do. However, God arranges for Gide |
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The Call of Gideon by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. Gideon was uncertain if God was really with him, so he asked for a sign. He put a fleece o |
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Against All Odds by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our weakness and dependence on God. The speaker highl |
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Hebrews 11:33-34 by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the Bible. He emphasizes the battle that God has in our lives of bringing us to a place of obedience and building an |