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…
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".
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