Matthew Henry's Complete Bible Commentary

Judges 8

This chapter gives us a further account of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites, with the residue of the story of his life and government. I. Gideon prudently pacifies the offended Ephraimites, Judges 8:1-8:3. II. He bravely pursues the flying Midianites, Judges 8:4, 8:10-8:12. III. He justly chastises the insolence of the men of Succoth and Penuel, who basely abused him (Judges 8:5-8:9), and were reckoned with for it, Judges 8:13-8:17. IV. He honourably slays the two kings of Midian, Judges 8:18-8:21. V. After all this he modestly declines the government of Israel, Judges 8:22, 8:23. VI. He foolishly gratified the superstitious humour of his people by setting up an ephod in his own city, which proved a great snare, Judges 8:24-8:27. VII. He kept the country quiet for forty years, Judges 8:28. VIII. He died in honour, and left a numerous family behind him, Judges 8:29-8:32. IX. Both he and his God were soon forgotten by ungrateful Israel, Judges 8:33-8:35. MHBCC 220.1