Judges 8:25
And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.
Original Language Analysis
נִתֵּ֑ן
We will willingly
H5414
נִתֵּ֑ן
We will willingly
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נִתֵּ֑ן
We will willingly
H5414
נִתֵּ֑ן
We will willingly
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּשְׁלִ֣יכוּ
and did cast
H7993
וַיַּשְׁלִ֣יכוּ
and did cast
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
7 of 11
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
שָׁ֔מָּה
H8033
שָׁ֔מָּה
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
8 of 11
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern custom dictated that military leaders received a portion of war spoils. However, Israel's theocratic system meant that Yahweh was the true King and Warrior (Exodus 15:3), and spoils ultimately belonged to Him. The spreading of a garment recalls Achan's sin with the Babylonian garment (Joshua 7:21), foreshadowing similar covenant violation here.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you been more eager to honor human leaders than to give glory to God?
- How does enthusiasm for good causes sometimes mask subtle idolatry in our hearts?
- What distinguishes godly gratitude toward leaders from unhealthy elevation of them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
We will willingly give them (נָתוֹן נִתֵּן, naton nitten)—The emphatic Hebrew construction ('giving, we will give') expresses the people's eager enthusiasm to honor Gideon. They spread a garment (שִׂמְלָה, simlah), creating an impromptu collection point, and each warrior contributed earrings from his plunder.
The people's willingness reveals both genuine gratitude and dangerous man-centeredness. They readily give to Gideon what belongs ultimately to God. This echoes Israel's later demand for a king 'like all the nations' (1 Samuel 8:5)—the desire to exalt human leadership rather than trust divine governance. When God's people become more enthusiastic about honoring human instruments than glorifying God Himself, idolatry has already taken root in the heart even before physical idols are fashioned.