Zebah, and Zalmuna were in Karkor - Judges 8:10

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”, and in chapter eight and verse ten of Judges, we learn how Gideon said, “Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor” where we read,

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…

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".

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…

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". 

Penuel Spoken to Also - Judges 8:8

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon told the people of Ephraim, “God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midia. And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread unto your army? And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers”, and in chapter eight and verse eight of Judges, we learn how Gideon, “went up there to Penuel, and spoke unto them likewise”, where we read,

And he 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.

The verse reads, “And he went up there to Penuel, and spoke unto them likewise:” The writer began with the words, “and he went up there” which means “and he, Gideon, ascended from Succoth” “to Penuel” or “toward Penuel or Peniel whose name means ‘facing God’ and was the place named by Jacob when he wrestled with God and located on the north bank of the Jabbok close to the Jordan”, “and spoke unto them likewise” which means “and talked, warned and threatened them, the people of Penuel, in a similar and like manner”. The writer shared how “Gideon” talked to the people of “Penuel” in a similar manner to the way he talked to “men of Succoth”. 

The verse goes on to say, “and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him.” The writer continued with the words, “and the men of Penuel answered him” which means “and the male human beings from Penuel whose name means ‘facing God’ responded to Gideon” “as the men of Succoth” which means “similar way and likeness to the male human beings belonging to Succoth whose name means ‘booths’” “had answered him” or “responded and spoke to him, Gideon”. The writer shared how the male human beings from “Penuel” responded to “Gideon” in a similar manner as the “men of Succoth”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how “Gideon” moved on to “Penuel” and talked with the people there the same way he did to the “men of Succoth”, however, the people of “Penuel” responded to his words in a similar manner as the men of “Succoth”. When “Gideon” faced a mission from God, it was not without opposition and lack of assistance. We may encounter a similar reaction when we work in the Kingdom of God. God wants to have a personal relationship with every person 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 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 give us the ability to continue His assignments even when others oppose or do not assist us at all. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 4:8-12)

Next time we learn how Gideon says to the people of Penuel, “when I come again in peace, I will break down this tower”, 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".

Tearing Your Flesh with Thorns - Judges 8:7

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon told the people of Ephraim, “God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midia. And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread unto your army?”, and in chapter eight and verse seven of Judges, we learn how “Gideon said, …  I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers”, where we read,

And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

The verse reads, “And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, …” The writer began with the words, “and Gideon said” which means “and Gideon whose name means ‘hewer’ uttered, declared and proclaimed”, “therefore when the LORD” or “wherefore, then and on this account at the time and moment Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “has delivered Zebah” which means “has granted, put, set and assigned 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” “in my hand” which means “within my, Gideon’s, power, might and authority” the following would occur. The writer shared how “Gideon” told the people of “Succoth” at the time that Jehovah God bestowed “Zebah and Zalmunna” upon his power, the following would happen.

The verse continues, “… then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.” The writer added the words, “then I will tear your flesh” which means “at that time I, Gideon, shall thresh, break and trample on  your, the men of Succoth’s, bodies” “with the thorns” which means “by the use of the pricking thorn bushes” “of the wilderness” or “belonging to the uninhabited land, open field or desert” “and with briers” which means “and by the use of the brightly burning prickly shrubs”. The writer shared how “Gideon” told the “men of Succoth” that he would trample their bodies by the use of the pricking thorn bushes and prickly shrubs which are found in the desert. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” threatened the “men of Succoth” with bodily harm after Jehovah God gave the kings of “Midia” over to him. The “men of Succoth” refused to feed “Gideon and his three hundred men” until after “Zebah ad Zalmunna”, the kings of Midian, were captured by them, and this caused “Gideon” to respond in an aggressive manner. God would deliver the “kings of Midian” into “Gideon’s” power, and Gideon would deal with the “men of Succoth” afterward. God knows the eventual consequence for sin is death, (See Romans 6:23) and for this reason He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “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 help us to obey His instructions for activities within His Kingdom. (See John 3:16: Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how Gideon, “went up there to Penuel, and spoke unto them likewise”, 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". 

The Hands of Zebah and Zalmuna - Judges 8:6

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon told the people of Ephraim, “God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian”, and in chapter eight and verse six of Judges, we learn how, “the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand”, where we read,

And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, 

that we should give bread unto you army?

The verse reads, “And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, …” The writer began with the words, “and the princes of Succoth said” which means “and the rulers, leaders, chiefs, chieftains and officials 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, uttered, declared and asked”, “are the hands of Zebah” or “is the power, might and authority belonging to 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” “now in your hand” or “at this time within your, Gideon’s, power, might and strength”. The writer shared how the rulers of “Succoth” asked whether “Zebah and Zalmunna” were already captured by them.

The verse goes on to say, “… that we should give bread unto your army?” The writer continued with the words, “that we should give bread” which means “so we, the men of Succoth, ought to give food and provision” “unto your army” which means “to your, Gideon’s, men of military action and service”? The writer shared how the “men of Succoth” told “Gideon” that when he and his men captured “Zebah and Zalmunna”, they would feed his men. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the “men of Succoth” did not want to provide food to “Gideon and his three hundred men” until they captured the two kings of the “Midianites” known as “Zebah and Zalmunna”. This was not what “Gideon” desired, and we shall see what he does about it in our next verse, but for now let us consider that others were involved in the work of Jehovah God, and they wanted things to be done in their order and way. That’s not how it works with God. He alone provided His Son Jesus to die 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 to empower us to live according to that truth so we perform in ways that are pleasing to Him and not to our own ideas for living. (See John 3:16; 14:6; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how Gideon says, “I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers”, 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". 

Give Loaves of Bread - Judges 8:5

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon told the people of Ephraim, “God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that. And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them”, and in chapter eight and verse five of Judges, we learn how Gideon, “said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread” where we read,

And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.

The verse reads, “And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me;” The writer began with the words, “and he said” which means “and he, Gideon, uttered, declared and proclaimed” “unto the men of Succoth” or “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”, “give” which means “put, set, bestow, grant and ascribe”, “I pray you” or “I, Gideon, entreat, ask and beseech you, the men of Succoth”, “loaves of bread” which means “round morsels or pieces of food or grain” “unto the people that follow me” or “to the human beings who come after me, Gideon”. The writer shared how Gideon told the male human beings belonging to “Succoth” to give some food, grain or loaves of bread to the ones who came after him. 

The verse continues “… for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.” The writer added the words, “for they be faint” which means “because, since and on account that they, the men who followed Gideon, existed as weary, tired, thirsty and exhausted”, “and I am pursuing after Zebah” which means “and I, Gideon, am following after 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 Zalmuna” whose name means “deprived of protection’ and was a Midianite king slain by Gideon”, “kings of Midian” which means “royal 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 how “Gideon” wanted the people of “Succoth” to feed the three hundred men who accompanied him because they were tired and weary, and he was running after the royal rulers of “Midian” named “Zebah and Zalmunna”.

When we mediate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Gideon” appealed to the “men of Succoth” for some food for his three hundred men. Not only were they tired and weary, but they were hungry as well. They would need the provisions because they along with “Gideon” were chasing after the royal rulers of the “Midianites” whose names where “Zebah and Zalmunna”. God give us strength through His provisions, and He uses various sources to give us what we need. (See Philippians 4:19) Sometimes He employs people like the “men of Succoth” to provide, and they immediately became involved in Kingdom work as they obeyed. God loves the people of Israel, and they were going to be delivered from the oppression of the “Midianites”. He loves us as well and wants to deliver us from the power of sin and death. He sent His Only Son Jesus into the world to be the “Bread of life” (See John 6:35), and Jesus was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives 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 sustain our lives to accomplish His will in this world. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand”, 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". 

Gideon Passing Jordan - Judges 8:4

In the book of Judges we learned how Gideon told the people of Ephraim, “God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that”, and in chapter eight and verse four of Judges, we learn how, “Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over”, where we read,

And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, 

he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.

The verse reads, “And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, …” The writer began with the words, “and Gideon” whose name means “hewer” and was the youngest son of Joash of the Abiezrites, fifth judge of Israel who led the Israelites against the Midianites “came to Jordan” or “arrived at the Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”, “and passed over” which means “and crossed the Jordan River”. The writer shared how “Gideon” arrived at the “Jordan River” and crossed over it. 

The verse goes on to say, “… he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.” The writer continued with the words, “he, and the three hundred men” which means “he, Gideon, and the three hundred male human beings” “that were with him” which means “who accompanied and were alongside and beside him, Gideon”, “faint” or “exhausted, weary, languid and thirsty”, “yet pursuing them” which means “still running after and following after them, the Midianites”. The writer shared how “Gideon” and the “three hundred” males who accompanied him were tired and weary, however, they continued to run after the “Midianites”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how tenacious “Gideon and his three hundred men” were in chasing after the “Midianites”. When they reached the “Jordan River”, they crossed over it and continued their pursuit of the army of “Midian” even though they were tired and weary. God gave them this task, and they were determined to complete it. God knows we get “tired and weary”, but we still have work to do in His Kingdom when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”. Jesus said, “Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (See Matthew 11:28), and when we simply come to Him in faith, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the ability to serve in His Kingdom even when we grow tired and weary from doing so. (See John 3:16; Acts 1:8)

Next time we learn how Gideon, “said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread”, 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".