Judges 8:31

"Gideon had seventy sons conceived from his body, for he had many wives."

Key Reflection

The statement about Gideon having seventy sons underscores the spiritual theme of divine favor and human frailty. Despite Gideon's numerous wives and resulting large family, the text hints at the temporary nature of earthly blessings and the ultimate sovereignty of God over familial lineage and destiny.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Abimelech’s mother was not reckoned among the wives, being, probably, one of the Canaanite population in ShechemJudges 9:28: neither was Abimelech himself reckoned with the 70 other sons of Jerubbaal (Judges 9:24. CompareJudges 11:1-2).

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