The Word for Today with Ray

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Behold Zebah and Zalmuuna - Judges 8:15

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up. And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men”, and in chapter eight and verse fifteen of Judges, we learn how Gideon, “came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna” where we read,

And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom you did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread unto your men that are weary?

The verse reads, “And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom you did upbraid me, saying, …” The writer began with the words, “and he came unto the men of Succoth” which means “and he, Gideon, attained, entered and was enumerated with the male human beings belonging to Succoth whose name means ‘booths’ and was the site where Jacob put up booths for his cattle and built a house for himself; apparently east of the Jordan near the ford of the torrent Jabbok and later allotted to the tribe of Gad”, “and said” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “Behold Zebah” which means “lo, look and consider Zebah whose name means ‘deprived of protection’ and was one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon” “and Zalmunna” whose name means “deprived of protection”, “with whom you did upbraid me” or “that you, the people of Succoth, used to reproach, taunt, blaspheme and defy me, Gideon”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. The writer shared how “Gideon” presented “Zebah and Zalumunna” the two kings of Midia to the male human beings belonging to “Succoth”, and he reminded them that these were the men with whom they defied him.

The verse continues, “… are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread unto your men that are weary?” The writer added the words, “and the hands of Zebah” which means “and the power, might and strength belonging to Zebah whose name means ‘deprived of protection’” “and Zalmunna” whose name means “deprived of protection” “now in your hand” or “at this time within your, Gideon’s, power, might and authority”, “that we should give bread unto your men” which means “so we, the people of Succoth, might give food or loaves of grain ” “that are weary” or “who exists as tired, fatigued and faint”. The writer shared how “Gideon” reminded the people of Succoth of the way they demanded that “Zebah and Zalmunna” be captured and seized by him and his men in advance of them even though they were fatigued and faint.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” reminded the people of “Succoth” of how they refused to feed him and his three hundred men until they captured the two rulers of the “Midianites”, “Zebah and Zalmunna”. Now that these two rulers were seized by “Gideon” and his men, the time of accountability had come. God knows we all have a time of judgment ahead of us, (See Hebrews 9:27) and we can be prepared for that time when we receive His Son Jesus as our personal “Savior and Lord” who died upon the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and prepare us for our day of accountability by means of His grace and mercy. (See Ephesians 2:8-9)

Next time we learn how Gideon, “taught the men of Succoth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Catching a Young Man of Succoth - Judges 8:14

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up”, and in chapter eight and verse fourteen of Judges, we learn how Gideon, “caught a young man of the men of Succoth” where we read,

And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.

The verse reads, “And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and enquired of him:” The writer began with the words, “and caught a young man” which means “and took, seized and captured a youthful male human being” “of the men of Succoth” or “pertaining to the male human beings belonging to Succoth whose name means ‘booths’ and was the site where Jacob put up booths for his cattle and built a house for himself; apparently east of the Jordan near the ford of the torrent Jabbok and later allotted to the tribe of Gad”, “and enquired of him” which means “and asked, consulted, requested and demanded from him, the young man of Succoth” the following information. The writer shared how “Gideon” seized a youthful male who was from “Succoth” and asked him for the following information.

The verse goes on to say, “and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men.” The writer continued with the words, “and he described unto him” which means “and he, the youthful male from Succoth, wrote, inscribed and engraved to him, Gideon” “the princes of Succoth” which means “belonging to Succoth whose name means ‘booths’ and was the site where Jacob put up booths for his cattle and built a house for himself; apparently east of the Jordan near the ford of the torrent Jabbok and later allotted to the tribe of Gad”, “and the elders thereof” or “and the older and ancient men belonging to Succoth”, “even threescore and seventeen men” which means “also and indeed seventy seven male human beings”. The writer shared how the youthful male of “Succoth” told “Gideon” who the ancient males were who belonging to “Succoth” which included seventy seven males.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” seized a youthful male from “Succoth” and desired to know the names of the ancient “men” who lived in “Succoth”, and he wrote down the names of seventy seven of them. We are reminded that these “elders” would not give provisions to the three hundred men who accompanied “Gideon”, and “Gideon” told them when he came back from capturing “Zebah and Zalmunna”, the two rulers and leaders of “Midian”, he would beat them with the thorns and briars of the wilderness. (See Judges 8:7) We can imagine what was on “Gideon’s” mind. There is a day of accounting for all of us, (Hebrews 9:27) and when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and allow Him to take vengeance upon all who rise up in opposition to us. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:19)

Next time we learn how Gideon, “came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Gideon Returned from Battle - Judges 8:13

In the book of Judges we learned about Gideon, “when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host”, and in chapter eight and verse thirteen of Judges, we learn how, “Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle” where we read,

And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

The verse reads, “And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle …” The writer began with the words, “and Gideon” whose name means ‘hewer’ and was “of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites” “the son of Joash” or “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Joash whose name means ‘given by the Lord’ and was the father of Gideon” “returned from battle” which means “turned and came back from the fighting and war”. The writer shared how “Joash’s” male progeny named “Gideon” came back from the fighting and war against the “Midianites”.

The verse continues, “… before the sun was up,” The writer added the word, “before the sun” which means “in advance and prior to the sun in the sky” “was up” which means “rising or appearing”. The writer shared how “Gideon” came back prior to the “sun” in the sky rising.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover how “Gideon” came back from the fighting and war in advance of the “sun” in the sky rising. The main battle was over, and it was time to go back to the place from which he started. There is a time and place for fulfilling everything that God desires for our lives, and that journey begins when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days as our “Savior and Lord”. As we submit to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to know when to do battle and when to return home after our conquests. (See John 3:16; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how Gideon, “caught a young man of the men of Succoth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

When Zebah and Zalmunna Fled - Judges 8:12

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon, “went up there to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him. And he spoke also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. 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. And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure”, and in chapter eight and verse twelve of Judges, we learn, “when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them” where we read,

And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.

The verse reads, “And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, …” The writer began with the words, “and when Zebah” which means “and at the time and moment Zebah whose name means ‘deprived of protection’ and was one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon” “and Zalmunna fled” or “and Zalmunna whose name means ‘deprived of protection” and was “a Midianite king slain by Gideon” ran away quickly and hastily, “he pursued after them” which means “he, Gideon, followed and chased after them, Zebah and Zalmunna”, “and took the two kings of Midian” or “and seized, captured and the two rulers and leaders belonging to Midian whose name means ‘strife’ and was the “son of Abraham by Keturah and progenitor of the tribe of Midianites or Arabians”. The writer shared at the time and moment “Zebah and Zalmunna” ran away, “Gideon”, chased after them and seized the two royal rulers belonging to “Midian”.

The verse goes on to say, “… Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.” The writer continued with the word, “Zebah” whose name means “deprived of protection”, “and Zalmunna” whose name means “deprived of protection”, “and discomfited all the hosts” or “and trembled, quaked, startled and terrified each, every and the whole of the armed men or army”. The writer shared how “Gideon” not only seized “Zebah and Zalmunna”, but he also terrified every one of the armed men in the “Midianite” army.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Zebah and Zalmunna”, the two royal rulers of “Midian”, ran away, however, “Gideon” chased after and captured them. “Gideon’s” pursuit was so fierce that he terrified every one of the armed men who belonged to the “Midianite” army. This power, might and ability was given to “Gideon” by Jehovah God, and no one can stand against Him and be victorious. God wants everyone to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so we, like “Gideon”, are victorious over the foes of Jesus who exist in this world. (See John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:57)

Next time we learn how, “Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Gideon Going by Those Who Dwell in Tents - Judges 8:11

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon, “went up there to Penuel, and spoke unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him. And he spoke also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. 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”, and in chapter eight and verse eleven of Judges, we learn how, “Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents” where we read,

And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.

The verse reads, “And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, …” The writer began with the words, “and Gideon went up” which means “and Gideon whose name means ‘hewer’ ascended” “by the way of them” or “through the means pertaining to the people” “that dwelt in tents” which means “who inhabited, abode and lived within temporary and transient dwelling places” “on the east of Nobah” or “upon the eastern direction belonging to Nobah whose name means ‘barking’ and was a place in Gilead which comprised the towns of Kenath and its surrounding villages captured by one above and renamed after himself; the area eventually regained its original identity” “and Jogbelah” whose name means ‘lofty’ and was “one of the cities east of the Jordan which was built and fortified by the tribe of Gad”. The writer shared how “Gideon” ascended through the people who lived within temporary dwelling place upon the eastern direction belonging to “Nobah and Jogbehah”.

The verse continues, “… and smote the host: for the host was secure.” The writer added the words, “and smote the host” which means “and struck, beat, hit and killed the armed company or army”: “for the host was secure” which means “because, since and on account that the armed company or army existed as feeling safe and sure”. The writer shared how the army of the “Midianites” was feeling secure, however, “Gideon” struck and killed them anyway.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” continued to pursue the army of the “Midianites”, and although they thought themselves secure with “Nobah and Jogbehah” in the eastern direction, those living in “tents” were not secure at all. God was with “Gideon”, and there was no where His enemies could hide and be safe. God loves the people of Israel, and He loves us. He desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days, and when we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us to live with our “security” in Him and no one else. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Psalm 46:1; 91:2)

Next time we learn, “when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Zebah, and Zalmuna were in Karkor - 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.

The verse reads, “Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, …” The writer began with the words, “now Zebah” whose name means “deprived of protection” and was “one of the two kings of Midian who commanded the great invasion of Palestine and finally were defeated by Gideon” “and Zalmunna” whose name means “deprived of protection” and was “a Midianite king slain by Gideon” “were in Karkor” which means “were located within Karkor whose name means ‘foundation’ and was a place east of the Jordan in Gilead where Zebah and Zalmunna were again routed by Gideon”, “and their hosts with them” or “and their, Zebah and Zalmunna’s, army”, “about fifteen thousand men” which means “a number or around fifteen thousand male human being in the army”. The writer shared how the Midianite kings “Zebah and Zalmunna” were located in “Karkor” accompanied by “fifteen thousand men” within their army.

The verse goes on to say, “… 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.” The writer continued with the words, “all that were left” which means “everyone who remained, continued and were left over” “of all the hosts” which means “belonging to each, every and the whole number of the men in the army” “of the children of the east” or “belonging to the offspring and progeny belonging to the people in the easter direction”: “for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand” which means “because, since and on account that one hundred and twenty thousand people in the army were overthrown and cast down” “that drew sword” or “who took and plucked out the sharpened knife, cutting tool, mattock, axe or war implement”. The writer shared how there were only “fifteen thousand” men who remained in the “army” of the “Midianites” and the people of the eastern territories because one hundred and twenty thousand warriors who unsheathed their sharpened war implements were slain.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how there was such a massive defeat over the people of Midian that there were only “fifteen thousand” of their army personnel who accompanied their kings, “Zehab and Zalmunna”. Jehovah God defeated these people because they were in opposition to His people “Israel”, and even though their numbers were great, they were destroyed. God desires to have a personal relationship with all of us through His Son Jesus who was sent into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to live in a victorious manner as we serve in His spiritual army all over the world. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 6:10-13)

Next time we learn how, “Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, October 9, 2026

Coming in Peace and Tearing Down a Tower - Judges 8:9

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon, “went up there to Penuel, and spoke unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him”, and in chapter eight and verse nine of Judges, we learn how Gideon said, “when I come again in peace, I will break down this tower”, where we read,

And he spoke also unto the men of Penuel, saying,

When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

The verse reads, “And he spoke also unto the men of Penuel, saying, …” The writer began with the words, “and he spoke also” which means “and he, Gideon, uttered, declared and proclaimed even so and indeed” “unto the men of Penuel” or “to the male human beings belonging to Penuel or Peniel whose name means ‘facing God’ and was the place named by Jacob when he wrestled with God and was located on the north bank of the Jabbok close to the Jordan”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming” the following words. The writer shared how “Gideon” told the people of “Penuel” the following words.

The verse continues, “… when I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.” The writer added the words, “when I come again in peace” which means “at the time and moment I, Gideon, return in completeness, soundness, welfare, contentment and friendship”, “I will break down this tower” which means “I, shall pull, cast, beat, overthrow and destroy this elevated stage or pulpit”. The writer shared how “Gideon” told the people of “Penuel” that he would return in completeness and contentment and destroy their elevated stage.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” talked with the people of “Penuel” in the same manner that he did with the people of “Succoth”, however, the people of “Penuel” responded to him in the same derogatory way the “men of Succoth” did. Again there was opposition and resistance to the work that “Gideon” was assigned to perform by Jehovah God. These efforts would not stop “Gideon” from obeying God, and opposition should not stop us from His assignments either. God loves us, and He will help us fulfill His will when we submit to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to be persistent in whatever He assigns to us in this world. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:20)

Next time we learn how, “Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…