And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.
The chapter concludes with Ephraimite complaint: they 'pursued after the Midianites' and captured the princes Oreb and Zeeb, then 'brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.' This detail sets up chapter 8's conflict where Ephraim angrily questions why they weren't summoned initially (8:1). Their pride in capturing the princes and subsequent offense at their secondary role demonstrates the tribal jealousies and lack of unity characterizing the judges period. Despite God's miraculous victory, human pride and division immediately resurface.
Historical Context
Ephraim, descended from Joseph's younger son who received the birthright blessing (Genesis 48:14-20), held significant tribal pride and expected leadership among the northern tribes. Their central territorial location in the hill country, possession of Shiloh (the tabernacle site), and the tradition of Joshua being an Ephraimite (Joshua 19:49-50) all contributed to Ephraimite superiority expectations. Later, when the kingdom divided, the northern kingdom was sometimes called 'Ephraim' (Hosea, Isaiah).
Questions for Reflection
How does Ephraim's pride after contributing to Gideon's victory illustrate the danger of seeking credit for God's work?
What does the immediate emergence of tribal jealousy despite miraculous deliverance teach about the persistence of sin even after great blessings?
When have you experienced or witnessed similar conflicts arising from pride and jealousy even in contexts of spiritual victory?
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Analysis & Commentary
The chapter concludes with Ephraimite complaint: they 'pursued after the Midianites' and captured the princes Oreb and Zeeb, then 'brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.' This detail sets up chapter 8's conflict where Ephraim angrily questions why they weren't summoned initially (8:1). Their pride in capturing the princes and subsequent offense at their secondary role demonstrates the tribal jealousies and lack of unity characterizing the judges period. Despite God's miraculous victory, human pride and division immediately resurface.