Judges 8:18-21
18 Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “Where were the men whom you killed at Tabor?” But they said, “You and they were alike, each one resembling the son of a king.”
19 And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the Lord lives, if only you had let them live, I would not kill you.”
20 So he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise, kill them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he was afraid, because he was still a youth.
21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise up yourself, and attack us; for as the man, so is his strength.” So Gideon arose and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescent amulets which were on their camels’ necks.
Execution of the Two Kings
Punishment of sin
If we were to ask people today, “Do you fear God’s judgment?” What kind of answers do you think we would receive? Even in a country like the United States that is largely Christian, many might deny the truth of God’s judgment and or say that it does not concern them. Most people forget about the sins they have committed and live their lives without a care. The two Midianite kings, Zebah and Zalmunna, also lived in such way. They slaughtered the Israelites who were in fear of the Midianite attack and were hiding in the caves near Mount Tabor, but they never dreamed they would face punishment for their sins. The ones who were massacred were apparently relatives from Gideon’s mother’s side. So, Gideon, as their close relative, executed “the avenging of the blood” upon Zebah and Zalmunna. This was the implementation of punishment based on justice.
Jether the firstborn
Gideon commanded his firstborn son Jether to carry out the execution. The intention was to honor the young man and, at the same time, bring deeper humiliation to the two kings. However, Jether had never executed anyone before, and he was too afraid to draw the sword. Witnessing this, the two kings requested to be executed by Gideon’s own hand. They feared being executed by someone inexperienced and suffer a painful death. Therefore, Gideon executed them, and as spoils of war, he took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels’ necks. As it is often said, people can only die as they have lived. The two kings faced the end of their lives desiring only to die without suffering. What a tragic life it must have been. Blessed are those who face their final moments with the conviction of forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Yet, how pitiful it is for those who die without knowing about life after death and that all people must stand before God’s judgment. Jesus said, “We must carry out the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (Jo. 9:4). Today, let’s remember this word and continue to proclaim the Gospel.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, the fear of You is the beginning of wisdom. Please help me today to walk with the fear of You. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.