Judges 8:10

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.

Study Bible

Now Zebah and Zalmunna
Zebah and Zalmunna were Midianite kings, representing the oppressive forces against Israel. Their names, meaning "sacrifice" and "protection withheld," respectively, symbolize the spiritual and physical threats faced by the Israelites. Historically, the Midianites were nomadic tribes, often in conflict with Israel, and their leaders embodied the resistance to God's chosen people.

were in Karkor
Karkor is believed to be a location east of the Jordan River, possibly in the region of modern-day Jordan. The name "Karkor" suggests a place of rest or security, indicating a temporary refuge for the Midianite kings. This setting highlights the strategic movements in ancient warfare and the geographical challenges faced by Gideon and his men.

with their army of about fifteen thousand men
The mention of "fifteen thousand men" underscores the significant reduction in the Midianite forces, emphasizing the miraculous nature of Israel's victory. In the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, such a number would still represent a formidable force, yet it pales in comparison to the original size of the Midianite army.

all that were left of the armies of the people of the east
The "people of the east" refers to the coalition of tribes, including the Midianites, Amalekites, and others, who were traditional enemies of Israel. This phrase highlights the widespread nature of the threat and the comprehensive victory achieved by Gideon. It also reflects the biblical theme of God delivering His people from overwhelming odds.

A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen
This staggering number of casualties illustrates the scale of the conflict and the divine intervention on behalf of Israel. The term "swordsmen" indicates trained warriors, emphasizing the might of the enemy that was overcome. Historically, such a defeat would have been demoralizing and a testament to the power of God working through Gideon.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zebah and Zalmunna
These were the kings of Midian, who were leading the remaining forces of their army. Their names are often associated with oppression and opposition to Israel.

2. Karkor
This is the location where Zebah and Zalmunna were encamped with their remaining troops. It signifies a place of temporary refuge for the Midianite kings.

3. The Army of the People of the East
This refers to the coalition of forces from Midian and other eastern tribes that had been oppressing Israel. The army was significantly reduced from its original size.

4. Fifteen Thousand Men
This number represents the remnant of the Midianite forces, highlighting the significant defeat they had already suffered.

5. A Hundred and Twenty Thousand Swordsmen
This figure indicates the number of Midianite soldiers who had already been killed, underscoring the magnitude of the victory God had given to Israel through Gideon.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Battle
The overwhelming defeat of the Midianites demonstrates God's control over the outcomes of battles. Believers can trust in God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

The Consequences of Opposing God
Zebah and Zalmunna's defeat serves as a warning against opposing God's people and purposes. It reminds us of the ultimate futility of resisting God's will.

Faith and Obedience Lead to Victory
Gideon's success was rooted in his obedience to God's unconventional strategy. This teaches us the importance of trusting God's guidance, even when it defies human logic.

The Remnant Principle
The survival of a small remnant of the Midianite army illustrates the biblical theme of a remnant, which can apply to God's preservation of a faithful group amidst widespread judgment.

God's Deliverance Brings Peace
The reduction of the Midianite threat paved the way for peace in Israel. This points to the peace that comes from God's deliverance in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the defeat of the Midianite army in Judges 8:10 illustrate God's power and sovereignty? Can you think of a situation in your life where you have seen God's power at work?

2. What lessons can we learn from the account of Gideon about trusting and obeying God, even when His instructions seem unconventional?

3. How does the concept of a "remnant" in Judges 8:10 relate to other biblical themes of preservation and faithfulness? Can you identify other instances in the Bible where God preserves a remnant?

4. In what ways does the account of Zebah and Zalmunna serve as a warning against opposing God's plans? How can this apply to our lives today?

5. How does the peace that followed the defeat of the Midianites in Judges 8:10 reflect the peace that God offers us through deliverance? How can we experience this peace in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 7
The preceding chapter details how God used Gideon and a small army to defeat the Midianites, emphasizing God's power and the importance of faith and obedience.

Psalm 83
This psalm mentions Zebah and Zalmunna, praying for God to deal with Israel's enemies as He did with these Midianite kings, highlighting God's justice and protection.

Isaiah 9:4
This verse references the defeat of Midian as a symbol of liberation and deliverance, connecting the historical event to God's ongoing work of salvation.