Old Testament

Judges 7:24

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Gideon, the leader of the Israelites, takes decisive action after a victory over the Midianites.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

Gideon also sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down and cut off the Midianites! Seize the river crossings as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim assembled and captured the water crossings as far as Beth Barah and the Jordan.

KJVKing James Version

And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Gideon, the leader of the Israelites, takes decisive action after a victory over the Midianites. He sends messengers to the tribe of Ephraim, urging them to join the fight by cutting off the Midianite forces at key river crossings. This strategic move is crucial for preventing the enemy from escaping and regrouping. The men of Ephraim respond quickly, gathering together to seize control of the water crossings at Beth Barah and the Jordan River. This shows the importance of unity and collaboration among the tribes of Israel in their struggle against oppression. Gideon's leadership and the swift response of the Ephraimites highlight the effectiveness of teamwork in achieving a common goal. The verse illustrates how communication and mobilization can lead to significant victories in challenging situations.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 7:24 to your life

This passage teaches us the value of working together towards a common goal. Just as Gideon rallied the Ephraimites, we should encourage collaboration in our communities and workplaces. Effective communication and teamwork can lead to overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 7:24 mean?

Judges 7:24 describes Gideon sending messengers to the tribe of Ephraim to cut off the Midianites at river crossings. This action emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and collaboration in achieving victory against an enemy.

What is the significance of Gideon's message in Judges 7:24?

Gideon's message in Judges 7:24 is significant because it demonstrates his leadership and ability to mobilize others for a common purpose. By calling on the men of Ephraim to act, he ensures that the Midianites cannot escape and regroup.

What does 'cut off the Midianites' mean in Judges 7:24?

'Cut off the Midianites' means to prevent them from escaping or regrouping by controlling strategic locations. This military tactic was crucial for ensuring a complete victory over the enemy.

How does Judges 7:24 illustrate teamwork?

Judges 7:24 illustrates teamwork by showing how Gideon effectively communicates with the tribe of Ephraim, leading them to join forces against the Midianites. Their swift response demonstrates the power of collaboration in achieving a shared goal.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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