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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 8:11 And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/8-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/07_Jdg_08_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 8:11 - Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and he attacked the army while the camp felt secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents to the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked the camp when the camp was unsuspecting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and attacked the camp when the camp was unsuspecting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and attacked the camp, when the camp was unsuspecting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of those who dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah and struck the camp when the camp was unsuspecting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Gideon went up by the route of those who lived in tents to the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their camp when the camp was unsuspecting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Gideon traveled on the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked their army while the army felt secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Gideon traveled on the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked their army while the army was unsuspecting. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host; for the host was secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Gideon reached the enemy camp by going east along Nomad Road past Nobah and Jogbehah. He made a surprise attack, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host; for the host was secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So Gideon went up Tent Dwellers Road, east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and defeated the unsuspecting Midianite army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Gideon went on the road along the edge of the desert, east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and attacked the army by surprise. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Gideon went up by a caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah and attacked their encampment when they were off guard. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he attacked their army, taking them by surprise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Gideon went up the road of the nomads east of Nobah and Jogbehah and ambushed the surprised army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of those who dwell in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, opposite Zebah, and struck the army, when the army was unsuspecting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and struck the army; for the army felt secure. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Gideon goes up the way of those who dwell in tents, on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and strikes the camp, and the camp was confident;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Gideon goeth up the way of those who tabernacle in tents, on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smiteth the camp, and the camp was confident;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Gideon will go up the way of those dwelling in tents from the east to Nobah and Jogbehah, and he will smite the camp; and the camp was secure.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Gedeon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents, on the east of Nobe and Jegbaa, and smote the camp of the enemies, who were secure, and suspected no hurt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Gideon ascended by the way of those who were dwelling in tents, to the eastern part of Nobah and Jogbehah. And he struck the camp of the enemies, who were confident and were suspecting nothing adverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Gideon went up by the route of the tent-dwellers east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and attacked the force when it felt secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Gideon went up by the caravan route east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and attacked the army; for the army was off its guard.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of them who dwell in tents on the east of Necah and Jogbehah, and attacked the army camp; for the army was not on guard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Gedun came up in the road of those pitching tents from the East of Nekakh and of Yabgaha and he struck the camp and the camp was in quietness<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host; for the host was secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Gedeon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents, eastward of Nabai and Jegebal; and he smote the host, and the host was secure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/8-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2353" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm">Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">10</span>Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor with their army of about fifteen thousand men—all that were left of the armies of the people of the east. A hundred and twenty thousand swordsmen had already fallen. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1439.htm" title="1439: giḏ·‘ō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A judge of Isr. From gada'; feller; Gidon, an Israelite.">And Gideon</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">went up</a> <a href="/hebrew/7931.htm" title="7931: haš·šə·ḵū·nê (Art:: V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root (by transmission) to shakab through the idea of lodging; compare cikluwth, shakam); to reside or permanently stay.">by way of the caravan</a> <a href="/hebrew/168.htm" title="168: ḇā·’o·hā·lîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- A tent. From 'ahal; a tent."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">route</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: miq·qe·ḏem (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">east</a> <a href="/hebrew/5025.htm" title="5025: lə·nō·ḇaḥ (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- A place in Gilead, also a Manassite. From nabach; a bark; Nobach, the name of an Israelite, and of a place East of the Jordan.">of Nobah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3011.htm" title="3011: wə·yā·ḡə·bo·hāh (Conj-w:: N-proper-fs) -- Perhaps exalted, a place in Gad. Feminine from gabahh; hillock; Jogbehah, a place East of the Jordan.">and Jogbehah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yaḵ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and he attacked</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: ham·ma·ḥă·neh (Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">their army,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4264.htm" title="4264: wə·ham·ma·ḥă·neh (Conj-w, Art:: N-cs) -- An encampment, camp. From chanah; an encampment; hence, an army, whether literal or figurative.">taking them</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/983.htm" title="983: ḇe·ṭaḥ (N-ms) -- Security. From batach; properly, a place of refuge; abstract, safety, both the fact and the feeling; often safely.">by surprise.</a> </span><span class="reftext">12</span>When Zebah and Zalmunna fled, Gideon pursued and captured these two kings of Midian, routing their entire army.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Judges 7:24-25</a></span><br />Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim to say, “Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.” So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah. / They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. So they pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/6-33.htm">Judges 6:33-35</a></span><br />Then all the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east gathered together, crossed over the Jordan, and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. / So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, who blew the ram’s horn and rallied the Abiezrites behind him. / Calling them to arms, Gideon sent messengers throughout Manasseh, as well as Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, so that they came up to meet him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-20</a></span><br />On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-47.htm">1 Samuel 14:47-48</a></span><br />After Saul had assumed the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side—the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he routed them. / He fought valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, delivering Israel from the hands of its plunderers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-1.htm">2 Samuel 8:1-14</a></span><br />Some time later, David defeated the Philistines, subdued them, and took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines. / David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute. / David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, who had marched out to restore his dominion along the Euphrates River. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/13-25.htm">2 Kings 13:25</a></span><br />Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz took back from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Jehoash defeated Ben-hadad three times, and so recovered the cities of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-4.htm">Isaiah 9:4</a></span><br />For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/10-26.htm">Isaiah 10:26</a></span><br />And the LORD of Hosts will brandish a whip against them, as when He struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. He will raise His staff over the sea, as He did in Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-11.htm">Psalm 83:11</a></span><br />Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, and all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-9.htm">Psalm 83:9</a></span><br />Do to them as You did to Midian, as to Sisera and Jabin at the River Kishon,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Psalm 44:5</a></span><br />Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/60-12.htm">Psalm 60:12</a></span><br />With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/108-13.htm">Psalm 108:13</a></span><br />With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelled in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host; for the host was secure.</p><p class="hdg">Nobah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Numbers 32:35,42</a></b></br> And Atroth, Shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah, … </p><p class="hdg">secure</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/18-27.htm">Judges 18:27</a></b></br> And they took <i>the things</i> which Micah had made, and the priest which he had, and came unto Laish, unto a people <i>that were</i> at quiet and secure: and they smote them with the edge of the sword, and burnt the city with fire.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/15-32.htm">1 Samuel 15:32</a></b></br> Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me Agag the king of the Amalekites. And Agag came unto him delicately. And Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-16.htm">1 Samuel 30:16</a></b></br> And when he had brought him down, behold, <i>they were</i> spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Army</a> <a href="/judges/7-11.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/1-22.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/judges/7-21.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/genesis/37-25.htm">Caravan</a> <a href="/1_john/2-28.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/judges/6-23.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/judges/5-17.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">East</a> <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Host</a> <a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Jogbehah</a> <a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Jog'behah</a> <a href="/psalms/72-9.htm">Nomads</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/2-1.htm">Route</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-12.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/judges/3-31.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/judges/7-13.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/joshua/22-29.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/judges/7-21.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/judges/5-10.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/genesis/34-25.htm">Unsuspecting</a> <a href="/judges/5-6.htm">Used</a> <a href="/judges/8-8.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Army</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/judges/11-12.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Camp</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-2.htm">Caravan</a> <a href="/judges/18-27.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/judges/9-17.htm">Danger</a> <a href="/judges/8-29.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/judges/10-8.htm">East</a> <a href="/judges/8-12.htm">Host</a> <a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Jogbehah</a> <a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Jog'behah</a> <a href="/psalms/72-9.htm">Nomads</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-8.htm">Route</a> <a href="/judges/18-7.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/judges/15-8.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/judges/9-43.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-22.htm">Tabernacle</a> <a href="/judges/15-9.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/judges/15-2.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/judges/18-10.htm">Unsuspecting</a> <a href="/judges/9-4.htm">Used</a> <a href="/judges/9-25.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-1.htm">Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-4.htm">Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Zebah and Zalmunna are taken</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-13.htm">Succoth and Penuel are destroyed</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-22.htm">He refuses government</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-24.htm">His ephod the cause of idolatry</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-28.htm">Midian subdued</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-29.htm">Gideon's children, and death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/8-33.htm">The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And Gideon went up by way of the caravan route</b><br>This phrase indicates Gideon's strategic movement along a well-traveled trade route. Caravan routes were essential for commerce and communication in the ancient Near East, often connecting major cities and regions. Gideon's choice to use this route suggests his tactical acumen, as it allowed for swift and unexpected movement. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using seemingly ordinary means to achieve His purposes, as seen in other instances where God uses the natural landscape to aid His people (e.g., the parting of the Red Sea in <a href="/exodus/14.htm">Exodus 14</a>).<p><b>east of Nobah and Jogbehah</b><br>Nobah and Jogbehah were locations in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. Nobah was named after a leader who captured it (<a href="/numbers/32-42.htm">Numbers 32:42</a>), while Jogbehah is mentioned as a fortified city (<a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Numbers 32:35</a>). The mention of these places highlights the geographical context of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianites. This area was part of the land allotted to the tribes of Gad and Reuben, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. The eastward direction also symbolizes moving towards the rising sun, often associated with new beginnings and divine intervention.<p><b>and he attacked their army</b><br>Gideon's attack on the Midianite army is a continuation of his divinely appointed mission to deliver Israel from oppression (<a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Judges 6:14</a>). This reflects the recurring biblical theme of God empowering unlikely leaders to achieve victory, as seen with David against Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Gideon's leadership and courage are central to the narrative, demonstrating how God can use individuals to fulfill His plans despite overwhelming odds.<p><b>taking them by surprise</b><br>The element of surprise was crucial in ancient warfare, often determining the outcome of battles. Gideon's ability to catch the Midianites off guard underscores his wisdom and the divine guidance he received. This surprise attack is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where God grants victory through unexpected means, such as Joshua's conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6). It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of Christ, who triumphs over sin and death in ways that defy human expectation (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-54.htm">1 Corinthians 15:54-57</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a></b><br>A judge of Israel, chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. Known for his faith and obedience, yet also for his human flaws.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nobah.htm">Nobah</a></b><br>A location east of the Jordan River, associated with the tribe of Manasseh. It was named after a leader who captured it during the conquest of Canaan.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jogbehah.htm">Jogbehah</a></b><br>Another location east of the Jordan, near Nobah. It was part of the territory given to the tribe of Gad.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_nomads.htm">The Nomads</a></b><br>Refers to the Midianites and their allies, who were known for their raiding and nomadic lifestyle, often oppressing the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_attack.htm">The Attack</a></b><br>Gideon's strategic surprise attack on the Midianite camp, which was unsuspecting of danger, demonstrating his military acumen and reliance on God's guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_obedience.htm">Strategic Obedience</a></b><br>Gideon's approach to battle was both strategic and obedient to God's leading. Believers are encouraged to plan wisely while remaining sensitive to God's direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_leadership.htm">Divine Guidance in Leadership</a></b><br>Gideon's leadership was marked by seeking and following God's guidance. Christian leaders today should prioritize seeking God's will in their decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the odds, Gideon trusted in God's sovereignty. Believers are reminded to trust God in seemingly impossible situations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_element_of_surprise_in_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Element of Surprise in Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>Just as Gideon used surprise in his attack, Christians are called to be vigilant and prepared, knowing that spiritual battles often require unexpected strategies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Gideon's faith was demonstrated through action. Christians are encouraged to put their faith into practice, trusting God for the outcome.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_gideon_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_concubines_in_the_bible.htm">Why did God permit concubines in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_gideon_order_his_son_to_kill.htm">Judges 8:20: Why would Gideon command his young son to kill captives, and is there any historical precedent for such practices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/elkanah's_polygamy_vs._later_monogamy.htm">How does Elkanah's polygamous marriage in 1 Samuel 1:2 align or conflict with later biblical teachings on monogamy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">By the way of them that dwelt in tents.</span>--He seems to have taken a wide circuit, through some nomad district, leaving the main road, which runs through Nobah and Jogbehah, so as once more to make up for his inferior numbers (for there were still 15,000 left of these children of the East) by surprise and stratagem.<p><span class= "bld">Nobah.</span>--In Gilead, belonging to the half-tribe of Manasseh (<a href="/numbers/32-42.htm" title="And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.">Numbers 32:42</a>). It was originally called Kenath, but the name was altered in honour of a Manassite hero, who is otherwise unrecorded. Jewish tradition says that he was born in Egypt, and died during the passage of the Jordan (<span class= "ital">Seder Olam Rabba</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>The original name displaced its rival, for the site is now called <span class= "ital">Kenawat.</span><p><span class= "bld">Jogbehah.</span>--In Gad (<a href="/numbers/32-34.htm" title="And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,">Numbers 32:34</a>). It is not mentioned elsewhere, and has not been identified.<p><span class= "bld">The host was secure.</span>--They would have thought it most unlikely that the Israelites, with their mere handful of men, would pursue so large an army for so long a distance. They fancied themselves beyond the reach of pursuit because they miscalculated the energy and powers of Gideon, who, not improbably, once more attacked them by night.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Gideon went up</span>. See ver. 8, note. Implying that his direction was eastward away from the Jordan valley. Nobah was in the half-tribe of Manasseh. Nobah, who gave his name to the city, which was before called <span class="accented">Kenath</span>, seems to have been of the family of Machir (<a href="/numbers/32-42.htm">Numbers 32:42</a>). Jogbehah was in the tribe of Gad (<a href="/numbers/32-35.htm">Numbers 32:35</a>). These two cities appear to have been on the eastern frontier of their respective tribes, but the exact site of them is utterly unknown. It is a conjecture that possibly <span class="accented">Kunawat</span> may be <span class="accented">Nobah</span>, retaining its ancient name of <span class="accented">Kenath.</span> East of these cities was the desert, inhabited by nomads dwelling in tents, where Karkor was, and where Zebah and Zalmunna had encamped out of reach, as they thought, of their pursuers. But Gideon, falling suddenly upon them, routed the host, and took the two kings prisoners (see <a href="/psalms/83-11.htm">Psalm 83:11</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/8-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And Gideon</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּדְע֗וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(giḏ·‘ō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1439.htm">Strong's 1439: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gideon -- a judge of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֣עַל</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by way of the caravan</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁכוּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·ḵū·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7931.htm">Strong's 7931: </a> </span><span class="str2">To settle down, abide, dwell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">route</span><br /><span class="heb">דֶּ֚רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">east</span><br /><span class="heb">מִקֶּ֥דֶם</span> <span class="translit">(miq·qe·ḏem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front, of place, time</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Nobah</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנֹ֖בַח</span> <span class="translit">(lə·nō·ḇaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5025.htm">Strong's 5025: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nobah -- a place in Gilead, also a Manassite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Jogbehah,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָגְבֳּהָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·ḡə·bo·hāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3011.htm">Strong's 3011: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jogbehah -- perhaps 'exalted', a place in Gad</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and he attacked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their army,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·ḥă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[taking them]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ham·ma·ḥă·neh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4264.htm">Strong's 4264: </a> </span><span class="str2">An encampment, an army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by surprise.</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶֽטַח׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇe·ṭaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_983.htm">Strong's 983: </a> </span><span class="str2">A place of refuge, safety, safely</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/8-11.htm">Judges 8:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/8-11.htm">OT History: Judges 8:11 Gideon went up by the way (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/8-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 8:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 8:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/8-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 8:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 8:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>