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.

JUDGES 8:12KJV
Know the Bible

Judges 8:12 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:12 mean?

Judges 8:12 describes how Gideon chased down the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, as they tried to escape, captured them, and caused panic and defeat among the rest of their army. This verse shows the turning point where Gideon’s pursuit leads to the final collapse of the Midianite resistance.

Gideon is leading the Israelites in battle against the Midianites, who had been oppressing Israel. After a long chase, Gideon catches up to Zebah and Zalmunna, the leaders of the enemy, and takes them prisoner. The verse highlights Gideon’s determination and the complete defeat of the Midianite forces, marking the end of a significant threat to Israel.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:12

  • The word "discomfited" comes from the Hebrew word הָרַד (harad, H2729), which means to cause trembling, panic, or fear. In this context, it suggests that Gideon’s actions threw the remaining Midianite army into chaos and terror, not just a simple defeat.
  • The word "host" is מַחֲנֶה (machaneh, H4264), meaning camp or army. This shows that it was not just a few soldiers but the whole remaining force that was thrown into confusion.

Why Judges 8:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Gideon's victory was not just over the two kings but over the entire Midianite army, emphasizing the completeness of Israel’s deliverance.
  • The use of the word "discomfited" points to a psychological defeat as well as a physical one; the enemy was thrown into panic, not just beaten in battle.
  • Understanding the capture of Zebah and Zalmunna sets up the next events in the story, where Gideon deals directly with these captured kings, showing the consequences of their actions against Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Zebah” Hebrew H2078 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 8:5 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.
  • Judges 8:7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.
  • Judges 8:18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

“Zalmunna” Hebrew H6759 · used in 9 verses

  • Judges 8:5 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.
  • Judges 8:7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the LORD hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.
  • Judges 8:18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.

“discomfited” Hebrew H2729 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.
  • 2 Samuel 17:2 And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
  • Ezekiel 26:16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their broidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit upon the ground, and shall tremble at every moment, and be astonished at thee.

“Midian” 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.