And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,

JUDGES 8:13KJV
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Judges 8:13 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:13 mean?

Judges 8:13 describes Gideon, the son of Joash, returning from battle before sunrise. The verse simply records Gideon's movement after a military victory, noting the early hour of his return.

Gideon is the main leader and judge in this part of the book, and he has just finished pursuing and defeating the Midianite enemies. The verse sets the scene for what Gideon does next, showing his promptness and determination by returning before daylight. This detail also prepares the reader for the events that follow, as Gideon's actions after the battle are significant in the story.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:13

  • "Returned" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or return. The verse emphasizes that Gideon is coming back from the direction of the battle, not just moving forward.
  • "Before" (מַעֲלֶה, ma‘aleh): This word often means "ascent" or "going up," but here it is used in a way that suggests "before" or "ahead of." It can indicate that Gideon returned while it was still early, before the sun had risen.
  • "Sun" (חֶרֶס, cheres): This word specifically refers to the sun, highlighting the timing of Gideon's return as being before daylight, which may suggest urgency or secrecy.

Why Judges 8:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies the timeline, showing that Gideon acted quickly after his victory, which helps the reader understand his leadership style and the flow of the story.
  • The mention of returning "before the sun was up" can hint at the urgency or strategic nature of Gideon's actions, possibly to catch others off guard or to avoid delay.
  • This detail connects to the larger narrative, as what Gideon does immediately after the battle has important consequences for his leadership and for Israel's history in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“sun” Hebrew H2775 · used in 4 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:27 The LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed.
  • Judges 14:18 And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.
  • Job 9:7 Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.

“before” Hebrew H4608 · used in 18 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • 1 Samuel 9:11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

“Gideon” Hebrew H1439 · used in 37 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • Judges 7:4 And the LORD said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go.
  • 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.

“Joash” Hebrew H3101 · used in 41 verses

  • Judges 6:11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
  • 2 Kings 13:10 In the thirty and seventh year of Joash king of Judah began Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king's son;