And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.

JUDGES 8:1KJV
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Judges 8:1 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:1 mean?

Judges 8:1 describes how the men of Ephraim confronted Gideon, upset that he had not called them to join the initial fight against the Midianites, and they argued with him strongly about this decision. The verse shows a moment of tension between Israelite tribes after a military victory.

The men of Ephraim, a prominent tribe in Israel, spoke directly to Gideon after the battle, questioning why they were left out of the first attack on the Midianites. Their sharp criticism reveals both their pride and a sense of being slighted, highlighting the challenges of unity and leadership among the tribes during this period.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:1

  • The word "chide" comes from רִיב (riv), which means to contend, dispute, or argue. In this context, it shows that the men of Ephraim were not just mildly upset but engaged in a heated argument with Gideon.
  • The word "sharply" is from חָזָק (chazaq), meaning strong or forceful. This emphasizes the intensity of their confrontation, suggesting that their words were not gentle but forceful and possibly accusatory.

Why Judges 8:1 matters

  • This verse clears up any idea that Israel’s victories were always harmonious; it shows real internal conflict even after success.
  • The sharp dispute highlights the importance of recognition and inclusion among the tribes, which was a recurring issue in Israel’s history.
  • Understanding this tension helps explain later events in Judges, where tribal rivalries and misunderstandings often lead to deeper divisions or conflict.

Where else these words appear

“sharply” Hebrew H2394 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 4:3 And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 2:16 And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.
  • Ezekiel 34:4 The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.

“thou” Hebrew H4100 · used in 27 verses

  • Genesis 4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
  • Numbers 23:8 How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?
  • Psalms 78:40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!

“Midianites” Hebrew H4080 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 25:2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.
  • Judges 6:2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel: and because of the Midianites the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and caves, and strong holds.
  • Judges 7:24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.

“chide” Hebrew H7378 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
  • Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
  • Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.