Old Testament
Judges 8:26
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The gold earrings alone weighed 1,700 shekels, not including the ornaments, collars, purple robes taken from the Midianite kings, or the chains from their camels' necks.
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And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels’ necks.
What Judges 8:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 8:26, the verse highlights the significant wealth that Gideon collected from the defeated Midianites. The gold earrings alone weighed 1,700 shekels, which is a substantial amount of gold. This weight does not include other valuable items such as ornaments, collars, purple robes, and chains from the camels. The mention of these items emphasizes the riches of the Midianite kings and the spoils of war that Gideon and his men acquired. This wealth was not just for personal gain; it played a role in the establishment of Israel's worship practices, as Gideon later used some of this gold to create an ephod, which became a point of contention in Israel. The verse serves to illustrate the material wealth that can come from victory in battle, but it also foreshadows the potential pitfalls of such wealth, including idolatry and distraction from true worship.
How to apply Judges 8:26 to your life
This verse reminds us to be cautious with the wealth and resources we acquire. While success can bring material gain, it is essential to use those resources wisely and not let them lead us away from our values or responsibilities. Reflect on how you manage your blessings.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Illustrated scene from Gideon's story: “The LORD Shall Rule Over You” (Judges 8:22–27)
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Gideon
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Judges 8:26
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 8:26 mean?
Judges 8:26 describes the wealth Gideon collected from the defeated Midianites, highlighting the significant amount of gold earrings weighing 1,700 shekels. It emphasizes the spoils of war and the potential consequences of such wealth, including the risk of idolatry.
What is the significance of the gold earrings in Judges 8:26?
The gold earrings in Judges 8:26 symbolize the wealth and power of the Midianite kings. Their substantial weight indicates the riches Gideon acquired, which later played a role in Israel's worship practices.
What does the verse say about the spoils of war?
Judges 8:26 illustrates the considerable spoils of war that Gideon and his men obtained from the Midianites, including not just gold earrings but also ornaments, collars, and purple robes, reflecting the wealth of their enemies.
How does Judges 8:26 relate to leadership and responsibility?
Judges 8:26 highlights the responsibility leaders have in managing the wealth gained from victory. It serves as a reminder that such resources should be used wisely and not lead to distractions from true values.
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