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The LORD will rule over you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD will rule over you!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon replied, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, &#8220I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; Yahweh shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon said to them, &#8220I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: Jehovah shall rule over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"No," Gideon replied, "I won't be your king, and my son won't be king either. Only the LORD is your ruler. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Gideon replied, "I will not rule you nor will my son. The LORD will rule you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Gideon answered, "I will not be your ruler, nor will my son. The LORD will be your ruler." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Gideon told them, "I won't rule over you and my son won't rule over you. The LORD will rule you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon replied, ?I will not rule over you, nor will my son. The LORD shall rule over you.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. Yahweh shall rule over you.” <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 says to them, “I do not rule over you, nor does my son rule over you; YHWH rules over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Gideon saith unto them, 'I do not rule over you, nor doth my son rule over you; Jehovah doth rule over you.'<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 say to them, I will not rule over you, and my son shall not rule over you: Jehovah shall rule over you.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And he said to them: I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you, but the Lord shall rule over you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said to them: “I will not rule over you. Neither shall my son rule over you. Instead, the Lord shall rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But Gideon answered them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you. The LORD must rule over you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the LORD will rule over you.”<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 said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Gedun said to them: “I am not ruling over you, and my son does not rule over you. LORD JEHOVAH shall rule over you!”<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 said unto them: 'I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Gedeon said to them, I will not rule, and my son shall not rule among you; the Lord shall rule over you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/8-23.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=2487" 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's Ephod</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22</span>Then the Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you and your son and grandson—for you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” <span class="reftext">23</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.">But Gideon</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: ’em·šōl (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">rule</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">over you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nor</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: yim·šōl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">will</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">my son.</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">The LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/4910.htm" title="4910: yim·šōl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To rule, have dominion, reign. A primitive root; to rule.">shall rule</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">over you.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>Then he added, “Let me make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.” (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.)…<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="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12</a></span><br />But when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites was moving against you, you said to me, ‘No, we must have a king to rule over us’—even though the LORD your God was your king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a></span><br />But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">1 Samuel 8:6-7</a></span><br />But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. / And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-17.htm">1 Samuel 12:17-19</a></span><br />Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call on the LORD to send thunder and rain, so that you will know and see what a great evil you have committed in the sight of the LORD by asking for a king.” / So Samuel called to the LORD, and on that day the LORD sent thunder and rain. As a result, all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. / They pleaded with Samuel, “Pray to the LORD your God for your servants so that we will not die! For we have added to all our sins the evil of asking for a king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">1 Samuel 8:19-20</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-24.htm">1 Samuel 10:24</a></span><br />Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see the one the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” And all the people shouted, “Long live the king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-13.htm">1 Samuel 12:13-15</a></span><br />Now here is the king you have chosen, the one you requested. Behold, the LORD has placed a king over you. / If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice, and if you do not rebel against the command of the LORD, and if both you and the king who rules over you follow the LORD your God, then all will be well. / But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-1.htm">1 Samuel 12:1-2</a></span><br />Then Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to your voice in all that you have said to me, and I have set over you a king. / Now here is the king walking before you, and I am old and gray, and my sons are here with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-22.htm">1 Samuel 8:22</a></span><br />“Listen to their voice,” the LORD said to Samuel. “Appoint a king for them.” Then Samuel told the men of Israel, “Everyone must go back to his city.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-20.htm">1 Samuel 12:20-25</a></span><br />“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. / Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. / Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-5.htm">1 Samuel 8:5</a></span><br />“Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-10.htm">1 Samuel 8:10-18</a></span><br />So Samuel spoke all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. / He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-9.htm">1 Samuel 8:9</a></span><br />Now listen to their voice; but you must solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who will reign over them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a></span><br />He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.</p><p class="hdg">I will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Judges 2:18</a></b></br> And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Judges 10:18</a></b></br> And the people <i>and</i> princes of Gilead said one to another, What man <i>is he</i> that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Judges 11:9-11</a></b></br> And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head? … </p><p class="hdg">the Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/8-6.htm">1 Samuel 8:6,7</a></b></br> But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a></b></br> And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations; and ye have said unto him, <i>Nay</i>, but set a king over us. Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes, and by your thousands.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">1 Samuel 12:12</a></b></br> And when ye saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me, Nay; but a king shall reign over us: when the LORD your God <i>was</i> your king.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/8-22.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/judges/8-22.htm">Ruler</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/9-2.htm">Rule</a> <a href="/judges/9-30.htm">Ruler</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>But Gideon replied</b><br>Gideon's response comes after a significant military victory over the Midianites, which led the Israelites to offer him kingship. This reflects a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where the people sought a human leader to establish a monarchy, a common practice among neighboring nations. Gideon's reply is crucial in understanding his character and the theological themes of the book of Judges.<p><b>I will not rule over you</b><br>Gideon's refusal to become king highlights his recognition of God's sovereignty over Israel. This statement aligns with the theocratic ideal that God is the true King of Israel. It contrasts with the later establishment of the monarchy under Saul, which was a concession to the people's demands for a human king (<a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a>). Gideon's decision reflects a commitment to the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God alone is the ruler.<p><b>nor will my son</b><br>By including his son in the refusal, Gideon emphasizes the rejection of dynastic rule, which was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This decision underscores the belief that leadership should not be based on hereditary succession but on divine appointment. It also foreshadows the eventual failure of Gideon's son Abimelech, who later attempts to establish himself as king, leading to chaos and destruction (Judges 9).<p><b>The LORD shall rule over you</b><br>This declaration reaffirms the central theme of divine kingship in the book of Judges. It echoes the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>), which calls for exclusive allegiance to God. The statement serves as a reminder of Israel's unique identity as a nation under God's direct rule, contrasting with the surrounding nations. It also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingship in the person of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as the King of Kings (<a href="/revelation/19-16.htm">Revelation 19:16</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 to God, yet also for his later failures.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God, who were often caught in cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance during the time of the Judges.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/midianites.htm">Midianites</a></b><br>A nomadic people who oppressed Israel for seven years until God raised Gideon to deliver His people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/o/ophrah.htm">Ophrah</a></b><br>The hometown of Gideon, where he built an altar to the Lord and where the angel of the Lord appeared to him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with Israel as their divine ruler.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a></b><br>Gideon's refusal to become king underscores the belief that God is the ultimate ruler. Believers are reminded to submit to God's authority in all areas of life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_leadership.htm">Human Leadership</a></b><br>While human leaders are necessary, they should always point people back to God, acknowledging His supreme authority.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_idolatry.htm">Avoiding Idolatry</a></b><br>Gideon's response warns against the idolatry of human leadership, where people place their trust in human rulers rather than God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_leadership.htm">Faithfulness in Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders in the church and community should emulate Gideon's initial humility and recognition of God's rule, ensuring their leadership aligns with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>Gideon's statement reflects a desire for his legacy to be one of faithfulness to God, a challenge for believers to consider the spiritual legacy they are leaving.<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/what_does_theocracy_mean.htm">What is the definition and meaning of theocracy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abimelech_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abimelech in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_gideon's_actions_align_with_his_refusal.htm">Judges 8:22–23: How do Gideon’s actions after insisting he would not rule Israel align with his refusal of kingship? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_abimelech,_gideon's_son.htm">Who was Abimelech, son of Gideon, in the Bible?</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>(23) <span class= "bld">The Lord shall rule over you.</span>--<a href="/numbers/23-21.htm" title="He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither has he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.">Numbers 23:21</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/33-5.htm" title="And he was king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together.">Deuteronomy 33:5</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/6-12.htm" title="And the cows took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Bethshemesh.">1Samuel 6:12</a>. Gideon refused the splendid temptation of an hereditary crown, though, in strict accordance with Divine guidance, he was willing to be their judge ( <span class= "ital">Shaphat, </span>as in <a href="/context/judges/10-2.htm" title="And he judged Israel twenty and three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.">Judges 10:2-3</a>; <a href="/judges/12-7.htm" title="And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.">Judges 12:7</a>, &c.). Cassel compares the remark of Washington when he accepted the Presidency, because he would "obey the voice of the people." saying that "no people could be more bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand which conducts the affairs of men than the people of the United States" (Marshall's <span class= "ital">Life of Washington, </span>2:146). The day anticipated in <a href="/context/deuteronomy/17-14.htm" title="When you are come to the land which the LORD your God gives you, and shall possess it, and shall dwell therein, and shall say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me;">Deuteronomy 17:14-20</a> had not yet come. Up to this point "we feel all the goodness of Gideon. There is a sweetness and nobleness mingled with his courage, something of the past greatness of Joshua, something of the future grace of David." He reminds us in some respects of Henry Y. of England, and Henry IV. of France. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/8-23.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">But Gideon</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּדְע֔וֹן</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">replied,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rule over you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶמְשֹׁ֤ל</span> <span class="translit">(’em·šōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nor</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְשֹׁ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yim·šōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my son.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall rule</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמְשֹׁ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(yim·šōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4910.htm">Strong's 4910: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rule, have dominion, reign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">over you.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/8-23.htm">Judges 8:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/8-23.htm">OT History: Judges 8:23 Gideon said to them I will not (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/8-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 8:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 8:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/8-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 8:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 8:24" /></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>