Judges 8:20

"He said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the LORD lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you.”"

Key Reflection

This statement underscores the deep familial bond Gideon felt towards his fellow Israelites, emphasizing that they were like brothers to him. By invoking the Lord's name in his pledge, Gideon highlights both his sincerity and the divine support he believes underpins this relationship.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

It was Gideon’s place to act the part of the “avenger of blood”Numbers 35:12;Deuteronomy 19:6. The fierce manners of the age break out in the slaying of the captives (compare1 Samuel 15:32-33), and in Gideon’s attempt to initiate his youthful son Jether in the stern work of slaying his country’s enemies.

More from Judges 8

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