Judges 6:33
Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel.
Then all the Midianites and Amalekites and the people of the East
This phrase introduces the formidable coalition of enemies that Israel faced. The Midianites and Amalekites were nomadic tribes known for their raids and plundering. Historically, the Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah (Genesis 25:1-2), and the Amalekites were descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12). The "people of the East" likely refers to other nomadic tribes from the Arabian desert. This gathering of enemies signifies a significant threat to Israel, emphasizing the dire situation that required divine intervention. The coalition of these groups highlights the recurring theme in Judges of Israel's disobedience leading to oppression by foreign powers.

gathered together
The Hebrew root for "gathered" is "קָבַץ" (qavats), which means to assemble or collect. This word conveys a sense of unity and purpose among the enemy forces. In the context of Judges, this gathering is not just a physical assembly but a spiritual challenge to Israel, testing their faith and reliance on God. The unity of the enemies contrasts with the often fragmented and disobedient state of Israel during this period.

crossed over
This phrase indicates a strategic movement, likely crossing the Jordan River to enter the land of Israel. The act of crossing over symbolizes an invasion, a breach of boundaries that were meant to be protected by the Israelites. Historically, the Jordan River served as a natural barrier, and crossing it was a significant military maneuver. This movement signifies the imminent threat and the urgency of the situation faced by the Israelites.

and camped in the Valley of Jezreel
The Valley of Jezreel is a fertile plain in northern Israel, known for its strategic importance and agricultural productivity. The Hebrew name "Jezreel" means "God sows," reflecting the valley's richness. However, it also becomes a place of conflict and testing for Israel. The choice of this location for the enemy camp underscores the threat to Israel's sustenance and security. Archaeologically, the Valley of Jezreel has been a site of numerous battles throughout history, symbolizing the ongoing struggle between God's people and their adversaries. This setting foreshadows the divine deliverance that God will bring through Gideon, as the valley becomes a stage for God's power to be displayed.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Midianites
A nomadic people who were oppressing Israel during the time of the Judges. They were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham by Keturah.

2. Amalekites
A perennial enemy of Israel, descended from Esau. They were known for their guerrilla warfare tactics and were often in conflict with the Israelites.

3. Eastern Peoples
This term refers to various nomadic tribes from the east of Israel, often associated with the Midianites and Amalekites in their raids.

4. Jordan River
A significant geographical boundary in Israel, often symbolizing a crossing into new phases or challenges in biblical accounts.

5. Valley of Jezreel
A fertile valley in northern Israel, often a site of battles due to its strategic importance.
Teaching Points
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Just as Israel faced physical enemies, Christians face spiritual battles. Recognize the forces that oppose God's people and prepare spiritually.

Unity of the Enemy
The coalition of Midianites, Amalekites, and other tribes shows how opposition can unite against God's purposes. Be aware of how different challenges can converge in our lives.

God's Deliverance
Despite overwhelming odds, God raises up deliverers like Gideon. Trust in God's power to deliver us from seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Faith in Action
Gideon's account encourages believers to step out in faith, even when the odds are against them. Faith requires action, not just belief.

Strategic Importance of Obedience
The Valley of Jezreel was a strategic location. Similarly, obedience to God places us in strategic positions for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the Midianites and Amalekites' actions in Judges 6:33 reflect the spiritual battles we face today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves for spiritual warfare, drawing from the example of Gideon and other biblical figures?

3. How does the unity of the enemy in Judges 6:33 challenge us to be united as believers in facing spiritual opposition?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced overwhelming odds. How did your faith in God help you overcome the situation?

5. How can we ensure that we are strategically positioned in our spiritual lives, much like the Valley of Jezreel was strategically important in the physical realm?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 17
The Amalekites' attack on Israel during their journey from Egypt, highlighting the long-standing enmity between the two nations.

1 Samuel 15
God's command to Saul to destroy the Amalekites, showing the continued threat they posed to Israel.

Hebrews 11
Gideon's inclusion in the "Hall of Faith," emphasizing his role in overcoming the Midianites through faith.
The Victory Over the MidianitesJ. Bailey, . Ph. D.Judges 6:33
Divine Mercy: its Adaptation and SufficiencyA.F. Muir Judges 6:7, 8, 11, 34
The Crisis and the ConfirmationA.F. Muir Judges 6:33-40
People
Abiezer, Abiezrites, Amalek, Amalekites, Amorites, Asher, Egyptians, Ephah, Gideon, Israelites, Jerubbaal, Jezreel, Joash, Manasseh, Midianites, Naphtali, Ophrah, Zebulun
Places
Egypt, Gaza, Jezreel Valley, Jordan River, Midian, Ophrah
Topics
Amalek, Amalekites, Amal'ekites, Assembled, Banding, Camped, Crossed, Crossing, East, Eastern, Encamp, Encamped, Forces, Gathered, Jezreel, Joined, Jordan, Midian, Midianites, Mid'ianites, Pass, Passed, Peoples, Pitched, Sons, Tents, Themselves, Valley
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 6:33

     4290   valleys
     4821   east

Judges 6:33-7:25

     8131   guidance, results

Judges 6:33-35

     5595   trumpet
     7266   tribes of Israel

Library
Gideon's Altar
'Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah- shalom [God is peace].'--JUDGES vi. 24. I need not tell over again, less vividly, the picturesque story in this chapter, of the simple husbandman up in the hills, engaged furtively in threshing out a little wheat in some hollow in the rock where he might hide it from the keen eyes of the oppressors; and of how the angel of the Lord, unrecognised at first, appeared to him; and gradually there dawned upon his mind the suspicion
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gideon's Fleece
'Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that Thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as Thou hast said.'-- JUDGES vi. 37. The decisive moment had come when Gideon, with his hastily gathered raw levies, was about to plunge down to the plain to face immensely superior forces trained to warfare. No wonder that the equally untrained leader's heart heat faster. Many a soldier, who will be steadfastly
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jehovam-Shalem, the Lord Send Peace. Judg 6:24

John Newton—Olney Hymns

Whether it is a Sin to Tempt God?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not a sin to tempt God. For God has not commanded sin. Yet He has commanded men to try, which is the same as to tempt, Him: for it is written (Malach. 3:10): "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house; and try Me in this, saith the Lord, if I open not unto you the flood-gates of heaven." Therefore it seems not to be a sin to tempt God. Objection 2: Further, a man is tempted not only in order to test his knowledge and his power,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Man Now Deprived of Freedom of Will, and Miserably Enslaved.
1. Connection of the previous with the four following chapters. In order to lay a proper foundation for the discussion of free will, two obstacles in the way to be removed--viz. sloth and pride. The basis and sum of the whole discussion. The solid structure of this basis, and a clear demonstration of it by the argument a majori ad minus. Also from the inconveniences and absurdities arising from the obstacle of pride. 2. The second part of the chapter containing the opinions of others. 1. The opinions
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in Scripture, from the Foundation of the World.
1. Scripture, in teaching that the essence of God is immense and spiritual, refutes not only idolaters and the foolish wisdom of the world, but also the Manichees and Anthropomorphites. These latter briefly refuted. 2. In this one essence are three persons, yet so that neither is there a triple God, nor is the simple essence of God divided. Meaning of the word Person in this discussion. Three hypostases in God, or the essence of God. 3. Objection of those who, in this discussion, reject the use of
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves.
Thus having taken some notice of the superficies of the land, let us a little search into its bowels. You may divide the subterraneous country into three parts: the metal mines, the caves, and the places of burial. This land was eminently noted for metal mines, so that "its stones," in very many places, "were iron, and out of its hills was digged brass," Deuteronomy 8:9. From these gain accrued to the Jews: but to the Christians, not seldom slavery and misery; being frequently condemned hither by
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
(Sea of Galilee, Near Capernaum.) ^A Matt. IV. 18-22; ^B Mark I. 16-20; ^C Luke V. 1-11. ^a 18 And walking ^b 16 And passing along by the sea of Galilee [This lake is a pear-shaped body of water, about twelve and a half miles long and about seven miles across at its widest place. It is 682 feet below sea level; its waters are fresh, clear and abounding in fish, and it is surrounded by hills and mountains, which rise from 600 to 1,000 feet above it. Its greatest depth is about 165 feet], he [Jesus]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of the Sacraments.
1. Of the sacraments in general. A sacrament defined. 2. Meaning of the word sacrament. 3. Definition explained. Why God seals his promises to us by sacraments. 4. The word which ought to accompany the element, that the sacrament may be complete. 5. Error of those who attempt to separate the word, or promise of God, from the element. 6. Why sacraments are called Signs of the Covenant. 7. They are such signs, though the wicked should receive them, but are signs of grace only to believers. 8. Objections
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Doctrine of God
I. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD: (Vs. Atheism). 1. ASSUMED BY THE SCRIPTURES. 2. PROOFS OF THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. a) Universal belief in the Existence of God. b) Cosmological:--Argument from Cause. c) Teleological:--Argument from Design. d) Ontological:--Argument from Being. e) Anthropological:--Moral Argument. f) Argument from Congruity. g) Argument from Scripture. II. THE NATURE OF GOD: (Vs. Agnosticism) 1. THE SPIRITUALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Materialism). 2. THE PERSONALITY OF GOD: (Vs. Pantheism). 3. THE UNITY
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
BY JOHN BUNYAN. London: Printed for Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1684. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. THIS valuable treatise was first published in a pocket volume in 1684, and has only been reprinted in Whitfield's edition of Bunyan's works, 2 vols. folio, 1767. No man could have been better qualified to give advice to sufferers for righteousness' sake, than John Bunyan: and this work is exclusively devoted to that object. Shut up in a noisome jail, under the iron hand of
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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