Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Zebah and Zalmunna, the two kings of Midian, fled, but he pursued them and captured them, routing their entire army. New Living Translation Zebah and Zalmunna, the two Midianite kings, fled, but Gideon chased them down and captured all their warriors. English Standard Version And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw all the army into a panic. Berean Standard Bible When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army. Berean Literal Bible And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them, and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and all the camp he made tremble. King James Bible 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. New King James Version When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole army. New American Standard Bible When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the entire army. NASB 1995 When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole army. NASB 1977 When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the whole army. Legacy Standard Bible Then Zebah and Zalmunna fled. And he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he threw the whole camp into utter fright. Amplified Bible When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and terrified the entire army. Berean Annotated Bible When Zebah (deprived of protection) and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian (strife), routing their entire army. Christian Standard Bible Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them. He captured these two kings of Midian and routed the entire army. Holman Christian Standard Bible Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them. He captured these two kings of Midian and routed the entire army. American Standard Version And Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued after them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. Contemporary English Version and the enemy panicked. Zebah and Zalmunna tried to escape, but Gideon chased and captured them. English Revised Version And Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued after them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. GOD'S WORD® Translation Zebah and Zalmunna fled as Gideon pursued them. He captured King Zebah and King Zalmunna of Midian, and the whole Midianite army panicked. Good News Translation The two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, ran away, but he pursued them and captured them, and caused their whole army to panic. International Standard Version When Zebah and Zalmunna escaped, he pursued them, captured those two kings of Midian, and threw the entire army into a panic. NET Bible When Zebah and Zalmunna ran away, Gideon chased them and captured the two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna. He had surprised their entire army. New Heart English Bible Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued after them, and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and routed the entire army. Webster's Bible Translation And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army. World English Bible Zebah and Zalmunna fled and he pursued them. He took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and confused all the army. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Zebab and Zalmunna flee, and he pursues after them, and captures the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and he has caused all the camp to tremble. Berean Literal Bible And Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them, and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and all the camp he made tremble. Young's Literal Translation and Zebab and Zalmunna flee, and he pursueth after them, and captureth the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and all the camp he hath caused to tremble. Smith's Literal Translation And Zebah and Zalmunna will flee, and he will pursue after them and he will take the two kings of Midian Zebah and Zalmunna, and he terrified all the camp. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Zebee and Salmana fled, and Gedeon pursued and took them, all their host being put in confusion. Catholic Public Domain Version And Zebah and Zalmunna fled. And Gideon pursued and overtook them, sending their entire army into confusion. New American Bible Zebah and Zalmunna fled and Gideon pursued them. He captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, terrifying the entire force. New Revised Standard Version Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued them and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and threw all the army into a panic. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Zebah and Zalmunna fled, and he pursued them, and captured the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and threw the whole army into confusion. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Zebakh and Tsalmenna fled and they pursued after them and they seized the two Kings of Midian and all the camp was terrified OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and he pursued after them; and he took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Zebee and Salmana fled; and he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Madiam, Zebee and Salmana, and discomfited all the army. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna…11And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise. 12When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army. 13After this, Gideon son of Joash returned from the battle along the Ascent of Heres.… Cross References When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Joshua 10:16-18 Now the five kings had fled and hidden in the cave at Makkedah. / And Joshua was informed: “The five kings have been found; they are hiding in the cave at Makkedah.” / So Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and post men there to guard them. Genesis 14:10-12 Now the Valley of Siddim was full of tar pits, and as the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, some men fell into the pits, but the survivors fled to the hill country. / The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food, and they went on their way. / They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since Lot was living in Sodom. 2 Kings 7:6-7 For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. Gideon pursued Genesis 14:14-15 And when Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. / During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 1 Samuel 30:8-10 and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” / So David and his six hundred men went to the Brook of Besor, where some stayed behind / because two hundred men were too exhausted to cross the brook. But David and four hundred men continued in pursuit. 2 Samuel 20:6-8 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us.” / So Joab’s men, along with the Cherethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty men, marched out of Jerusalem in pursuit of Sheba son of Bichri. / And while they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa joined them. Now Joab was dressed in military attire, with a dagger strapped to his belt. And as he stepped forward, he slipped the dagger from its sheath. and captured these two kings of Midian, Joshua 10:22-24 Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me.” / So they brought the five kings out of the cave—the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish, and Eglon. / When they had brought the kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had accompanied him, “Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.” So the commanders came forward and put their feet on their necks. 2 Kings 24:10-12 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched up to Jerusalem, and the city came under siege. / And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it. / Jehoiachin king of Judah, his mother, his servants, his commanders, and his officials all surrendered to the king of Babylon. So in the eighth year of his reign, the king of Babylon took him captive. 2 Kings 25:6-7 The Chaldeans seized the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, where they pronounced judgment on him. / And they slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. Then they put out his eyes, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon. routing their entire army. Exodus 14:24-28 At morning watch, however, the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians from the pillar of fire and cloud, and He threw their camp into confusion. / He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” / Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” … Joshua 10:10-11 And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. / As they fled before Israel along the descent from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD cast down on them large hailstones from the sky, and more of them were killed by the hailstones than by the swords of the Israelites. 1 Samuel 7:10-11 As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel. / Then the men of Israel charged out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, striking them down all the way to an area below Beth-car. Psalm 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna, Isaiah 10:4 Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised. Isaiah 41:2 Who has aroused one from the east and called him to his feet in righteousness? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow. Isaiah 41:25 I have raised up one from the north, and he has come—one from the east who calls on My name. He will march over rulers as if they were mortar, like a potter who treads the clay. Treasury of Scripture 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. took Joshua 10:16-18,22-25 But these five kings fled, and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah… Job 12:16-21 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his… Job 34:19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. discomfited. Jump to Previous Army Camp Captured Captureth Caused Confused Curse Discomfited Entire Host Kings Midian Mid'ian Panic Pursued Pursueth Routed Threw Tremble Whole Zalmunna Zalmun'na ZebahJump to Next Army Camp Captured Captureth Caused Confused Curse Discomfited Entire Host Kings Midian Mid'ian Panic Pursued Pursueth Routed Threw Tremble Whole Zalmunna Zalmun'na ZebahJudges 8 1. Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites4. Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army 10. Zebah and Zalmunna are taken 13. Succoth and Penuel are destroyed 17. Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna 22. He refuses government 24. His ephod the cause of idolatry 28. Midian subdued 29. Gideon's children, and death 33. The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude When Zebah and Zalmunna fled Zebah and Zalmunna were leaders of the Midianites, a nomadic people who frequently oppressed Israel during the time of the Judges. Their flight signifies a turning point in the battle, indicating their defeat and the collapse of their forces. The Midianites had previously been a significant threat to Israel, as seen in Judges 6:1-6, where they are described as numerous as locusts. Their retreat marks the beginning of the end of Midianite oppression. Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian routing their entire army Persons / Places / Events 1. GideonA judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his faith and obedience, Gideon is a central figure in this account. 2. Zebah and Zalmunna Kings of Midian who led their people against Israel. Their capture by Gideon marks a significant victory for the Israelites. 3. Midian A region and people often in conflict with Israel. The Midianites oppressed Israel until Gideon, empowered by God, led a successful campaign against them. 4. The Pursuit and Capture This event highlights Gideon's determination and God's providence in delivering the enemies of Israel into his hands. 5. The Defeat of the Midianite Army This victory is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Israel. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceGod orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His control over nations and leaders. Faith and Obedience Lead to Victory Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings exemplifies faith in action. Trusting God's promises, he acts decisively, leading to triumph. The Importance of Perseverance Gideon's relentless pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna teaches the value of perseverance in fulfilling God's mission. God's Use of the Weak to Shame the Strong Gideon's victory with a small force underscores how God often uses the unlikely to accomplish His will, showcasing His power. The Consequences of Sin and Idolatry The oppression by Midian was a result of Israel's disobedience, reminding us of the importance of faithfulness to God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Judges 8:12?2. How does Gideon's pursuit of Zebah and Zalmunna inspire perseverance in our faith? 3. What does Judges 8:12 teach about God's role in achieving victory over enemies? 4. How can Gideon's capture of kings relate to spiritual battles we face today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Gideon's actions and Jesus' teachings on leadership? 6. How can we apply Gideon's determination in Judges 8:12 to our daily challenges? 7. How does Judges 8:12 reflect God's role in Gideon's victory over the Midianites? 8. What does Judges 8:12 reveal about divine intervention in battles? 9. Why were Zebah and Zalmunna significant in the context of Judges 8:12? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 8? 11. What happened to Zebah and Zalmunna in the Bible? 12. Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges? 13. Judges 8:20: Why would Gideon command his young son to kill captives, and is there any historical precedent for such practices? 14. Judges 8:4-5: Could 300 men realistically pursue thousands of Midianites without proper resources or logistical support? What Does Judges 8:12 Mean When Zebah and Zalmunna fled• The two Midianite kings were already on the run after the panic God sent into their camp (Judges 7:21-22). • Judges 8:12 opens with their flight, reminding us that evil eventually retreats before the Lord’s hand—“The wicked flee when no one pursues” (Proverbs 28:1). • Their attempted escape shows the futility of resisting God’s judgment; just as Pharaoh’s army drowned in the Red Sea (Exodus 14:28), so these kings could not outrun divine justice. Gideon pursued • Gideon refuses to stop short of total obedience: “Gideon and his three hundred men…crossed [the Jordan], exhausted yet still in pursuit” (Judges 8:4). • The verse emphasizes perseverance—pressing on when weary, much like the call to “run with endurance the race set out for us” (Hebrews 12:1) and Paul’s resolve to “press on to take hold” (Philippians 3:12). • His pursuit reflects faith in God’s earlier promise: “With the three hundred men… I will save you” (Judges 7:7). Gideon is not chasing personal glory; he is fulfilling a God-given mission. Capturing the two kings of Midian • The capture fulfills the prophetic sign Gideon overheard in the enemy camp: “God has delivered Midian and the whole camp into his hand” (Judges 7:14). • It also answers the prayer of Psalm 83:11, where Zebah and Zalmunna are named as examples of enemies God will defeat. • By taking the kings alive, Gideon ensures a public, decisive end to Midianite oppression, underlining that God’s deliverance is concrete and historical, not symbolic or partial. Routing their entire army • The phrase “he routed the entire army” underscores complete victory; no remnant remains to regroup. Similar total triumphs appear in Joshua 10:42 and 2 Chronicles 14:13-14. • Such thoroughness foreshadows the believer’s assurance: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). • The defeat of Midian’s forces protects Israel’s spiritual and physical future, illustrating how God’s salvation extends beyond the moment to secure ongoing peace. summary Judges 8:12 records the climactic moment when Gideon, empowered by God, overtakes fleeing evil, perseveres in faith, captures the enemy leaders, and wipes out the remaining threat. The verse teaches that God’s promises are literal and sure, that perseverance in obedience brings complete victory, and that the Lord’s deliverance leaves no loose ends. (12) When Zebah and Zalmunna fled.--In Psalm 83:13-14, we, perhaps, find a reminiscence of the precipitancy of their flight, "like a wheel," i.e., like a winged, rolling seed, and like stubble before a hurricane, and like a conflagration leaping through a mountain forest. (Dict. of Bible, s. v. Oreb; Stanley, i. 347.)Discomfited.--Rather, as in the margin, terrified. It was the infliction of a second panic which enabled him to seize the two principal Emirs. Verse 12. - He discomfited. Rather, as in the margin, he terrified. Those who were not killed in the first onslaught, when "he smote the host," were so terrified that they fled without further resistance, and many probably escaped, as all Gideon's efforts were directed to the capture of the two kings. CHAPTER 8:13-21Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When Zebahזֶ֚בַח (ze·ḇaḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2078: Zebah -- a Midianite king and Zalmunna וְצַלְמֻנָּ֔ע (wə·ṣal·mun·nā‘) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6759: Zalmunna -- a king of Midian fled, וַיָּנ֗וּסוּ (way·yā·nū·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away [Gideon] pursued וַיִּרְדֹּ֖ף (way·yir·dōp̄) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute and captured וַיִּלְכֹּ֞ד (way·yil·kōḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere these two שְׁנֵ֣י ׀ (šə·nê) Number - mdc Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) kings מַלְכֵ֣י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 4428: A king of Midian, מִדְיָ֗ן (miḏ·yān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4080: Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled routing הֶחֱרִֽיד׃ (he·ḥĕ·rîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2729: To shudder with terror, to fear, to hasten their entire וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every army. הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה (ham·ma·ḥă·neh) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army Links Judges 8:12 NIVJudges 8:12 NLT Judges 8:12 ESV Judges 8:12 NASB Judges 8:12 KJV Judges 8:12 BibleApps.com Judges 8:12 Biblia Paralela Judges 8:12 Chinese Bible Judges 8:12 French Bible Judges 8:12 Catholic Bible OT History: Judges 8:12 Zebah and Zalmunna fled (Jd Judg. Jdg) |



