Topical Encyclopedia Zalmunna was one of the two prominent kings of Midian mentioned in the Book of Judges, the other being Zebah. The narrative of Zalmunna is primarily found in Judges 8, where he is depicted as a leader of the Midianite forces that oppressed Israel during the time of the Judges. The Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israel, destroying crops and livestock, leaving the Israelites impoverished and in great distress (Judges 6:3-6).Role in the Oppression of Israel Zalmunna, alongside Zebah, played a significant role in the oppression of the Israelites. The Midianites, under their leadership, would conduct raids into Israelite territory, causing widespread devastation. This period of oppression lasted for seven years, during which the Israelites cried out to the LORD for deliverance (Judges 6:1, 7). Defeat by Gideon The turning point in the narrative of Zalmunna comes with the rise of Gideon, whom God called to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. Gideon, though initially hesitant and doubtful, was empowered by God to lead a small force of 300 men against the vast Midianite army. In a divinely orchestrated strategy, Gideon and his men used trumpets, torches, and jars to create confusion in the Midianite camp, leading to their defeat (Judges 7:19-22). Following this miraculous victory, Gideon pursued the fleeing Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. The pursuit led Gideon and his men across the Jordan River, where they continued to chase the remaining forces. Despite exhaustion, Gideon pressed on, driven by the mission to capture the Midianite kings (Judges 8:4-5). Capture and Execution Zalmunna and Zebah were eventually captured by Gideon. In a significant encounter, Gideon confronted the two kings about the killing of his brothers at Tabor. Zalmunna and Zebah admitted to the act, which prompted Gideon to execute them as retribution for their deeds (Judges 8:18-21). Before their execution, Gideon instructed his young son, Jether, to kill them, but the boy hesitated due to fear. Consequently, Gideon himself carried out the execution, fulfilling the justice he sought for his family. Legacy and Theological Significance The account of Zalmunna serves as a testament to God's deliverance of Israel through unlikely means and individuals. It highlights the theme of divine intervention and the empowerment of the faithful to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The defeat of Zalmunna and the Midianites under Gideon's leadership is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use the weak to confound the strong. Zalmunna's narrative also underscores the consequences of opposing God's chosen people and the ultimate justice that God administers. His defeat marked the end of Midianite oppression and brought peace to Israel for a time, illustrating the cyclical nature of Israel's faithfulness and apostasy during the era of the Judges. Nave's Topical Index Judges 8:5-21And he said to the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread to the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 83:11 Strong's Hebrew 6759. Tsalmunna -- a king of Midian... Definition: Zalmunna. Word Origin from the same as tselem Definition a king of Midian NASB Word Usage Zalmunna (12). Zalmunna. From ... /hebrew/6759.htm - 6k Resources What is the significance of Mount Tabor in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |