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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 8:1 Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, "Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?" And they contended with him violently.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/8-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/07_Jdg_08_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 8:1 - Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, Why have you done this to us? 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Why didn&#8217t you call us when you went to fight Midian?&#8221 And they challenged him vigorously. <a href="/nlt/judges/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then the people of Ephraim asked Gideon, “Why have you treated us this way? Why didn’t you send for us when you first went out to fight the Midianites?” And they argued heatedly with Gideon. <a href="/esv/judges/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they accused him fiercely. <a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. <a href="/kjv/judges/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply. <a href="/nkjv/judges/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you done this to us by not calling us when you went to fight with the Midianites?” And they reprimanded him sharply. <a href="/nasb_/judges/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “What is this thing that you have done to us, not calling upon us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they quarreled with him vehemently. <a href="/nasb/judges/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the men of Ephraim said to him, &#8220What is this thing you have done to us, not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?&#8221 And they contended with him vigorously. <a href="/nasb77/judges/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this thing you have done to us, not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him vigorously. <a href="/lsb/judges/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this thing you have done to us, not calling us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they strongly contended with him. <a href="/amp/judges/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And the men of [the tribe of] Ephraim said to Gideon, “What is this thing that you have done to us, not calling us when you went to fight with Midian?” And they quarreled with him vehemently. <a href="/csb/judges/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you done this to us, not calling us when you went to fight against the Midianites? ” And they argued with him violently. <a href="/hcsb/judges/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The men of Ephraim said to him, &#8220Why have you done this to us, not calling us when you went to fight against the Midianites?&#8221 And they argued with him violently. <a href="/asv/judges/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with Midian? And they did chide with him sharply. <a href="/cev/judges/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But the men were really upset with Gideon and complained, "When you went to war with Midian, you didn't ask us to help! Why did you treat us like that?" <a href="/erv/judges/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with Midian? And they did chide with him sharply. <a href="/gwt/judges/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The men from Ephraim strongly protested Gideon's actions. They said, "Why did you do this to us? You didn't invite us to go fight Midian with you." <a href="/gnt/judges/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the people of Ephraim said to Gideon, "Why didn't you call us when you went to fight the Midianites? Why did you treat us like this?" They complained bitterly about it. <a href="/isv/judges/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Later on, the descendants of Ephraim spoke to Gideon. They argued vehemently, "What are you doing to us? You never called us! But you went out to fight Midian!" <a href="/msb/judges/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, ?Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?? And they contended with him violently. <a href="/net/judges/8.htm">NET Bible</a> The Ephraimites said to him, "Why have you done such a thing to us? You did not summon us when you went to fight the Midianites!" They argued vehemently with him. <a href="/nheb/judges/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The men of Ephraim said to him, "Why have you done such a thing to us, not calling us when you went to fight with Midian?" And they argued with him fiercely. <a href="/wbt/judges/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the men of Ephraim said to him, Why hast thou treated us thus, that thou calledst us not when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? and they chid with him sharply. <a href="/web/judges/8.htm">World English Bible</a> The men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you treated us this way, that you didn’t call us when you went to fight with Midian?” They rebuked him sharply. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the men of Ephraim say to him, “What [is] this thing you have done to us—not to call for us when you went to fight with Midian?” And they strive with him severely; <a href="/ylt/judges/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the men of Ephraim say unto him, 'What is this thing thou hast done to us -- not to call for us when thou didst go to fight with Midian?' and they strive with him severely; <a href="/slt/judges/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the men of Ephraim will say to him, Why didst thou this word to us, that thou calledst not to us when thou wentest to war against Midian? and they will contend with him with strength.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the men of Ephraim said to him: What is this that thou meanest to do, that thou wouldst not call us when thou wentest to fight against Madian? and they chid him sharply and almost offered violence. <a href="/cpdv/judges/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the men of Ephraim said to him, “What is this, that you wanted to do, so that you would not call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they rebuked him strongly, and came close to using violence. <a href="/nabre/judges/8.htm">New American Bible</a> But the Ephraimites said to him, “What have you done to us, not summoning us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they quarreled bitterly with him. <a href="/nrsvce/judges/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the Ephraimites said to him, “What have you done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against the Midianites?” And they upbraided him violently.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THEN the men of Ephraim said to him, Why have you done thus, that you never called us when you went to fight with the Midianites? And they quarreled with him violently. <a href="/hpbt/judges/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they of the house of Aphreim were saying to him: “Why have you done so and you did not call us when you went to fight with Midian?” And they were contending with him severely<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the men of Ephraim said unto him: 'Why hast thou served us thus, that thou didst not call us when thou wentest to fight with Midian?' And they did chide with him sharply. <a href="/sep/judges/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men of Ephraim said to Gedeon, What is this that thou hast done to us, in that thou didst not call us when thou wentest to fight with Madiam? and they chode with him sharply. <a href="/parallel/judges/8-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=2239" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm">Gideon Defeats Zebah and Zalmunna</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">Then the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to Gideon,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">have you done</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">to us?</a> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm" title="1115: lə·ḇil·tî (Prep-l) -- Constructive feminine of balah; properly, a failure of, i.e. not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until, etc.">Why did you fail</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qə·rō·wṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">to call</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">you went</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥêm (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: bə·miḏ·yān (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">against Midian?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: way·rî·ḇūn (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp:: Pn) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">And they contended</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with him violently.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2394.htm" title="2394: bə·ḥā·zə·qāh (Prep-b:: N-fs) -- Strength, force, violence. Feminine of chozeq; vehemence."></a> 2But Gideon answered them, “Now what have I accomplished compared to you? Are not the gleanings of Ephraim better than the grape harvest of Abiezer?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Judges 12:1-6</a> Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!” / But Jephthah replied, “My people and I had a serious conflict with the Ammonites, and when I called, you did not save me out of their hands. / When I saw that you would not save me, I risked my life and crossed over to the Ammonites, and the LORD delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come today to fight against me?” ... <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. <a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14</a> To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out. <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Proverbs 18:19</a> An offended brother is harder to win than a fortified city, and disputes are like the bars of a castle. <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">Proverbs 25:8-10</a> do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame? / Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence, / lest the one who hears may disgrace you, and your infamy never go away. <a href="/1_samuel/25-10.htm">1 Samuel 25:10-11</a> But Nabal asked them, “Who is David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants these days are breaking away from their masters. / Why should I take my bread and water and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give them to these men whose origin I do not know?” <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41-43</a> Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” / And all the men of Judah replied to the men of Israel, “We did this because the king is our relative. Why does this anger you? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense or received anything for ourselves?” / “We have ten shares in the king,” answered the men of Israel, “so we have more claim to David than you. Why then do you despise us? Were we not the first to speak of restoring our king?” But the men of Judah spoke more fiercely than the men of Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/20-1.htm">2 Samuel 20:1-2</a> Now a worthless man named Sheba son of Bichri, a Benjamite, happened to be there, and he blew the ram’s horn and shouted: “We have no share in David, no inheritance in Jesse’s son. Every man to his tent, O Israel!” / So all the men of Israel deserted David to follow Sheba son of Bichri. But the men of Judah stayed by their king all the way from the Jordan to Jerusalem. <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16-19</a> When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Adoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but all Israel stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/10-16.htm">2 Chronicles 10:16-19</a> When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home, / but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. / Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. ... <a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a> If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. <a href="/luke/9-46.htm">Luke 9:46-48</a> Then an argument started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. / But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child stand beside Him. / And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.” <a href="/luke/22-24.htm">Luke 22:24-27</a> A dispute also arose among the disciples as to which of them should be considered the greatest. / So Jesus declared, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors. / But you shall not be like them. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who leads like the one who serves. ... <a href="/john/7-5.htm">John 7:5</a> For even His own brothers did not believe in Him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the men of Ephraim said to him, Why have you served us thus, that you called us not, when you went to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.the men<a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Judges 12:1-6</a> And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said unto Jephthah, Wherefore passedst thou over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thine house upon thee with fire… <a href="/2_samuel/19-41.htm">2 Samuel 19:41</a> And, behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto the king, Why have our brethren the men of Judah stolen thee away, and have brought the king, and his household, and all David's men with him, over Jordan?<a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a> For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.why, etc.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/2-20.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/numbers/20-3.htm">Chid</a> <a href="/exodus/17-2.htm">Chide</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/acts/11-2.htm">Criticized</a> <a href="/judges/7-24.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/5-14.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/joshua/17-8.htm">Ephraimites</a> <a href="/judges/7-25.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/judges/7-25.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/judges/7-25.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/judges/3-14.htm">Served</a> <a href="/judges/4-3.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/joshua/5-3.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/joshua/10-21.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/judges/1-24.htm">Treated</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Upbraided</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-15.htm">Vigorously</a> <a href="/judges/5-21.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/judges/5-4.htm">Wentest</a> <a href="/judges/5-29.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Chid</a> <a href="/psalms/103-9.htm">Chide</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/acts/11-2.htm">Criticized</a> <a href="/judges/8-2.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/judges/8-2.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/judges/12-4.htm">Ephraimites</a> <a href="/judges/8-3.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/judges/8-3.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/judges/8-28.htm">Midianites</a> <a href="/judges/10-6.htm">Served</a> <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/judges/8-7.htm">Sharp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-15.htm">Sharply</a> <a href="/judges/11-25.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/judges/9-16.htm">Treated</a> <a href="/judges/8-15.htm">Upbraided</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Vigorously</a> <a href="/judges/20-5.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/1_samuel/10-2.htm">Wentest</a> <a href="/judges/9-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 8</div>1. <a href="/judges/8-1.htm">Gideon pacifies the Ephraimites</a> 4. <a href="/judges/8-4.htm">Succoth and Penuel refuse to deliver Gideon's army</a> 10. <a href="/judges/8-10.htm">Zebah and Zalmunna are taken</a> 13. <a href="/judges/8-13.htm">Succoth and Penuel are destroyed</a> 17. <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Gideon revenges his brothers's death on Zebah and Zalmunna</a> 22. <a href="/judges/8-22.htm">He refuses government</a> 24. <a href="/judges/8-24.htm">His ephod the cause of idolatry</a> 28. <a href="/judges/8-28.htm">Midian subdued</a> 29. <a href="/judges/8-29.htm">Gideon's children, and death</a> 33. <a href="/judges/8-33.htm">The Israelites' idolatry and ingratitude</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, The tribe of Ephraim was one of the most prominent tribes in Israel, often taking a leadership role due to its size and influence. This context is important as it sets the stage for their reaction to Gideon's actions. Ephraim's central location in the land of Israel and its fertile territory contributed to its prominence. The tribe's desire for recognition and involvement in significant military victories reflects their historical role and expectations.“Why have you done this to us? The question posed by the Ephraimites reveals a sense of grievance and exclusion. This reflects the tribal dynamics and rivalries within Israel during the period of the Judges. The tribes often acted independently, and there was no centralized government, leading to tensions when one tribe felt slighted or left out of important events. This question also highlights the human tendency towards pride and the desire for recognition.Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” The Ephraimites' complaint centers on not being summoned to join the battle against the Midianites. This reflects the cultural importance of honor and participation in military victories in ancient Israel. Being part of a victorious campaign was a source of pride and honor for a tribe. The Midianite oppression had been severe, and the victory was significant, making the Ephraimites' exclusion more poignant. This also connects to the broader biblical theme of unity and cooperation among God's people.And they contended with him violently. The contention was not merely verbal but intense and possibly physical, indicating the depth of their anger and the seriousness of the perceived slight. This reflects the often-volatile nature of tribal relations in Israel during this period. The Hebrew word used here can imply a strong, heated dispute, showing the potential for division and conflict within the nation. This incident foreshadows later divisions in Israel, such as the eventual split into the northern and southern kingdoms. It also serves as a reminder of the need for humility and reconciliation among God's people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/g/gideon.htm">Gideon</a> 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 weaknesses. 2. <a href="/topical/m/men_of_ephraim.htm">Men of Ephraim</a> Members of the tribe of Ephraim, one of the prominent tribes of Israel. They felt slighted for not being called initially to fight against the Midianites. 3. <a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a> A nomadic people who oppressed Israel for seven years. Their defeat by Gideon marked a significant victory for the Israelites. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a> A significant tribe in Israel, often involved in disputes due to their pride and desire for recognition. 5. <a href="/topical/c/contention.htm">Contention</a> The conflict or dispute that arose between Gideon and the men of Ephraim, highlighting issues of pride and recognition.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a> Pride can lead to unnecessary conflict and division, as seen in the reaction of the Ephraimites. Believers are called to humility and unity. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_communication.htm">The Importance of Communication</a> Gideon's situation underscores the need for clear communication and inclusion to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. <a href="/topical/h/handling_conflict_with_wisdom.htm">Handling Conflict with Wisdom</a> Gideon's response to the Ephraimites (in subsequent verses) shows the importance of addressing conflict with wisdom and diplomacy. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_sovereignty.htm">Recognizing God's Sovereignty</a> The victory over Midian was God's doing, and recognition should be given to Him rather than seeking personal glory. <a href="/topical/v/valuing_each_member's_contribution.htm">Valuing Each Member's Contribution</a> Every tribe and individual has a role in God's plan. Recognizing and valuing each contribution fosters unity and cooperation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 8</a> <a href="/q/do_you_recall_being_saved.htm">What happened to Oreb and Zeeb in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_tribalism.htm">What does the Bible say about tribalism?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_judges_12_6_conflict.htm">Judges 12:6 – Is there any archaeological or extra-biblical evidence for this large-scale conflict within the Israelite tribes? </a> <a href="/q/why_favor_ephraim_over_manasseh.htm">Genesis 48:17–19 – Why would God supposedly favor Ephraim over Manasseh despite established primogeniture traditions, and is there any extrabiblical data supporting this choice? </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>(1) The men of Ephraim.--The arrogance of this tribe was derived partly from its strength, and partly from the memories of their ancestor Joseph; from the double portion which Joseph had received in memorial of his pre-eminence; from the fact that Jacob, in his blessing, had preferred the younger Ephraim before his elder brother, Manasseh; and from the almost regal influence which had been so long exercised by their tribesman, Joshua. This arrogance was destined, as we shall see later, to bring on them a terrible humiliation (<a href="/judges/12-1.htm" title="And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said to Jephthah, Why passed you over to fight against the children of Ammon, and did not call us to go with you? we will burn your house on you with fire.">Judges 12:1</a>). The complaint was fiercely urged, probably at the time when, by bringing the heads of Oreb and Zeeb (<a href="/judges/7-25.htm" title="And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb on the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the wine press of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.">Judges 7:25</a>), they had proved both their power and their fidelity to the national cause. What they wanted was the acknowledgment of their claims (their hegemony, as the Greeks would have called it) by all the tribes.They did chide with him sharply.--Literally, with force or violence, as in <a href="/1_samuel/2-16.htm" title="And if any man said to him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as your soul desires; then he would answer him, No; but you shall give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.">1Samuel 2:16</a>, so that the Vulg. renders it, jurgantes fortiter, et prope vim inferentes, "strongly reproaching him, and almost treating him with violence."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - The men of Ephraim. It is possible that the transfer of the birthright from Manasseh to Ephraim (<a href="/genesis/48-13.htm">Genesis 48:13-19</a>) may have produced some estrangement between the tribes. It is also possible that Ephraim, in view of their great tribal power, and the distinction conferred upon them by the judgeship of Joshua the son of Nun (<a href="/numbers/13-8.htm">Numbers 13:8</a>), and the possession of his grave (<a href="/joshua/24-30.htm">Joshua 24:30</a>), may have grown haughty and domineering, and perhaps more disposed to rest upon their former glories than to embark in fresh undertakings. Anyhow Gideon did not consult them, nor ask their aid, in the first instance. Now that the war had been so successful, the men of Ephraim were much displeased at not having been consulted. <a href="/commentaries/judges/8-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then the men אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person of Ephraim אֶפְרַ֗יִם (’ep̄·ra·yim) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory said וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to [Gideon], אֵלָ֜יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “Why מָֽה־ (māh-) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you done עָשִׂ֣יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make this הַזֶּה֙ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that to us? לָּ֔נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Why did you fail לְבִלְתִּי֙ (lə·ḇil·tî) Preposition-l <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1115.htm">Strong's 1115: </a> A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until to call קְרֹ֣אות (qə·rō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read us לָ֔נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> when כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you went הָלַ֖כְתָּ (hā·laḵ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk to fight לְהִלָּחֵ֣ם (lə·hil·lā·ḥêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle against Midian?” בְּמִדְיָ֑ן (bə·miḏ·yān) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled And they contended וַיְרִיב֥וּן (way·rî·ḇūn) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend with him violently. אִתּ֖וֹ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> Nearness, near, with, by, at, among <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/8-1.htm">Judges 8:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/8-1.htm">OT History: Judges 8:1 The men of Ephraim said to him (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/7-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 7:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 7:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/8-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 8:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 8:2" /></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>