Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.

JUDGES 8:28KJV
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Judges 8:28 (KJV)

What does Judges 8:28 mean?

Judges 8:28 describes how the people of Midian were defeated and no longer threatened the Israelites, allowing Israel to live in peace for forty years during the time that Gideon was their leader. The verse marks a period of rest and security after a long struggle.

The book of Judges records the history of Israel during a time when leaders called judges guided the people. In this verse, the focus is on the outcome of Gideon's victory over Midian, a group that had oppressed Israel. The verse highlights that after Midian was "subdued," the Israelites were able to "lift up their heads"—a way of saying they were no longer afraid or humiliated—and the land experienced quietness, or peace, for forty years while Gideon was alive.

The Hebrew behind Judges 8:28

  • "Subdued" (כָּנַע, kanaʿ): This word means to be brought low or humbled. The verse uses it to show that Midian's power was completely broken, not just temporarily weakened.
  • "Lifted up their heads" (נָשָׂא רֹאשׁ, nasaʾ rosh): This phrase is a Hebrew expression meaning to regain confidence or dignity. It emphasizes that Israel was no longer living in fear or shame.
  • "Quietness" (שָׁקֵט, shaqet): This word means rest or undisturbed peace. The verse uses it to stress that the land was free from war or oppression for a significant period.

Why Judges 8:28 matters

  • Judges 8:28 clarifies that Gideon's victory brought a lasting peace, not just a brief pause in conflict, showing the completeness of the deliverance.
  • The verse emphasizes the direct connection between the defeat of Midian and the well-being of Israel, highlighting how leadership and God's intervention changed the people's situation.
  • This verse marks a turning point in the narrative, setting up the next phase of Israel's history and showing the cyclical pattern of oppression and deliverance found throughout Judges.

Where else these words appear

“subdued” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 18:1 Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

“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.

“quietness” Hebrew H8252 · used in 41 verses

  • Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about.
  • Isaiah 30:15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

“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.