Judges 8:29
And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בֶּן
the son
H1121
בֶּן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Judges 6:32Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.Judges 7:1Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
Historical Context
Ophrah, in the tribal territory of Manasseh, was Gideon's hometown (6:11). His return there after refusing formal kingship suggests he maintained his role as clan leader without assuming monarchical trappings. However, his lifestyle (multiple wives, concubines, creation of ephod) betrayed kingly ambitions despite his verbal refusals.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas does your private life contradict your public profession of faith?
- How does the gap between what you say you believe and how you actually live affect your legacy?
- What would it look like to pursue integrity—wholeness between profession and practice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house—the use of Gideon's nickname 'Jerubbaal' (יְרֻבַּעַל, 'Let Baal contend') is ironic given the chapter's trajectory. The name commemorated Gideon's destruction of Baal's altar (6:32), yet his legacy becomes tainted by the idolatrous ephod. Went and dwelt (וַיֵּשֶׁב, vayeshev) suggests retirement to private life, declining the kingship offered by the people (v. 22-23).
This verse provides a narrative pause before the sordid details of Gideon's household arrangements are revealed. The contrast is striking: publicly he refused kingship and affirmed God's rule, but privately he lived like a king with many wives and concubines. This gap between public profession and private practice marks the beginning of the end for his house. Biblical leadership requires integrity—consistency between public declaration and private conduct.