Judges 8:28

Authorized King James Version

Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּכָּנַ֣ע

H3665

subdued

properly, to bend the knee; hence, to humiliate, vanquish

מִדְיָ֗ן

H4080

Thus was Midian

midjan, a son of abraham; also his country and (collectively) his descendants

לִפְנֵי֙

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽסְפ֖וּ

H3254

no more

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לָשֵׂ֣את

H5375

so that they lifted up

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

רֹאשָׁ֑ם

H7218

their heads

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#10

וַתִּשְׁקֹ֥ט

H8252

was in quietness

to repose (usually figurative)

#11

הָאָ֛רֶץ

H776

And the country

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#12

אַרְבָּעִ֥ים

H705

forty

#13

שָׁנָ֖ה

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

#14

בִּימֵ֥י

H3117

in the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

#15

גִדְעֽוֹן׃

H1439

of Gideon

gidon, an israelite

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Judges chapter 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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